The anterior disc displacement (ADD) leads to temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) and mandibular growth retardation in adolescents. To investigate the potential functional role of fibrocartilage stem cells (FCSCs) during the process, a surgical ADD-TMJOA mouse model was established. From 1 week after model generation, ADD mice exhibited aggravated mandibular growth retardation with osteoarthritis (OA)-like joint cartilage degeneration, manifesting with impaired chondrogenic differentiation and loss of subchondral bone homeostasis. Lineage tracing using Gli1-CreER⁺; Tm^fl/-mice and Sox9-CreER⁺;Tm^fl/-mice showed that ADD interfered with the chondrogenic capacity of Gli1⁺ FCSCs as well as osteogenic differentiation of Sox9⁺ lineage, mainly in the middle zone of TMJ cartilage. Then, a surgically induced disc reposition (DR) mouse model was generated. The inhibited FCSCs capacity was significantly alleviated by DR treatment in ADD mice. And both the ADD mice and adolescent ADD patients had significantly relieved OA phenotype and improved condylar growth after DR treatment. In conclusion, ADD-TMJOA leads to impaired chondrogenic progenitor capacity and osteogenesis differentiation of FCSCs lineage, resulting in cartilage degeneration and loss of subchondral bone homeostasis, finally causing TMJ growth retardation. DR at an early stage could significantly alleviate cartilage degeneration and restore TMJ cartilage growth potential.
Animals ; Mice ; Osteogenesis ; Zinc Finger Protein GLI1 ; Fibrocartilage ; Temporomandibular Joint ; Disease Models, Animal ; Osteoarthritis ; Stem Cells ; Growth Disorders

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of absorbable anchor combined with Kirschner wire fixation in the reconstruction of extension function of old mallet finger. METHODS: Between January 2020 and January 2022, 23 cases of old mallet fingers were treated. There were 17 males and 6 females with an average age of 42 years (range, 18-70 years). The cause of injury included sports impact injury in 12 cases, sprain in 9 cases, and previous cut injury in 2 cases. The affected finger included index finger in 4 cases, middle finger in 5 cases, ring finger in 9 cases, and little finger in 5 cases. There were 18 patients of tendinous mallet fingers (Doyle type Ⅰ), 5 patients were only small bone fragments avulsion (Wehbe type ⅠA). The time from injury to operation was 45-120 days, with an average of 67 days. The patients were treated with Kirschner wire to fix the distal interphalangeal joint in a mild back extension position after joint release. The insertion of extensor tendon was reconstructed and fixed with absorbable anchors. After 6 weeks, the Kirschner wire was removed, and the patients started joint flexion and extension training. RESULTS: The postoperative follow-up ranged from 4 to 24 months (mean, 9 months). The wounds healed by first intention without complications such as skin necrosis, wound infection, and nail deformity. The distal interphalangeal joint was not stiff, the joint space was good, and there was no complication such as pain and osteoarthritis. At last follow-up, according to Crawford function evaluation standard, 12 cases were excellent, 9 cases were good, 2 cases were fair, and the good and excellent rate was 91.3%. CONCLUSION Absorbable anchor combined with Kirschner wire fixation can be used to reconstruct the extension function of old mallet finger, which has the advantages of simple operation and less complications.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Adult ; Bone Wires ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Finger Injuries/surgery* ; Fractures, Bone/surgery* ; Tendon Injuries/surgery* ; Fingers ; Treatment Outcome ; Finger Joint/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To explore a surgical method for the reconstruction of volar soft tissue defect and sensory and vascular repair in middle and far phalangeal digits. METHODS: From January 2016 to January 2020, a total of 14 patients , 9 males and 5 females, ages ranging from 22 to 69 years old, and with volar soft tissue defects in the middle and distal digits 2 to 4, underwent surgical reconstruction using the V-Y shaped flap with digital artery and nerve at the metacarpophalangeal joint. The defect area was (2.0~2.5) cm×(1.5 ~2.0) cm. The procedure involved the harvest of a V-Y shaped flap with the digital artery and nerve from the metacarpophalangeal joint. Flap design, dissection of blood vessels and nerves, and anastomosis with the digital artery and nerve were performed according to a standardized protocol., Functional exercise of affected finger was initiated 3 weeks postoperatively. Subsequent assessments were conducted to evaluate finger pulp sensation, shape and other relevant parameters. According to the upper extremity functional evaluation standard set up by Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association, the surgical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: All 14 cases demonstrated successful tissue transplantation, , with immediate recovery of sensation observed in 10 cases with distal finger pulp defects. Four patients with middle phalangeal defects experienced gradual sensory recovery within 2 to 3 months postoperatively. Thirteen patients were followed up for a mean duration of (8.8 ± 4.49) months, during which satisfactory outcomes were observed. The average two-point resolution of the finger pulp was 4-6mm, and sensory function evaluation yielded a score of S3 or above. Patients exhibited realistic finger shape, normal skin color and temperature, good wear resistance, and cold resistance. Furthermore, finger joint function was essentially normal. CONCLUSION The V-Y shaped flap with digital artery and nerve at the metacarpophalangeal joint offers a suitable solution for repairing the defect of the middle or distal phalangeal finger. This technique is characterized by its simplicity, low risk, and favorable outcomes, including restored finger shape, blood supply and sensation. Moreover, high patient satisfaction was achieved.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Plastic Surgery Procedures ; Skin Transplantation ; Finger Injuries/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Fingers/surgery* ; Ulnar Artery/surgery* ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint/surgery*

The application of three-dimensional (3D) printing is growing explosively in the medical field, and is especially widespread in the clinical use of fabricating upper limb orthosis and prosthesis. Advantages of 3D-printed orthosis compared to conventional ones include its lower cost, easier modification, and faster fabrication. Hands are the most common body parts involved with burn victims and one of the main complications of hand burns are finger joint contractures. Applying orthotic devices such as finger splints are a well-established essential element of burn care. In spite of the rapid evolution of the clinical use of 3D printing, to our knowledge, its application to hand burn patients has not yet been reported. In this study, the authors present a series of patients with hand burn injuries whose orthotic needs were fulfilled with the application of 3D-printed finger splints.
Burns* ; Contracture ; Finger Joint ; Fingers* ; Hand* ; Human Body ; Humans ; Orthotic Devices ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Prostheses and Implants ; Splints* ; Upper Extremity

BACKGROUND: Volar plate avulsion fracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is one of the most common hand injuries. In this study, we divided patients into two groups: patients with pure volar plate avulsion fracture, and patients with volar plate avulsion fracture concomitant with collateral ligament rupture. The purpose of this study was to compare long-term surgical outcomes between the two groups. As a secondary measure, the Mitek bone anchoring and polydioxanone (PDS) bone suturing techniques were compared. METHODS: A single-institutional retrospective review of the surgical treatment of volar plate avulsion fracture was performed. The cases were divided into those with pure volar plate avulsion fracture (group A, n=15) and those with volar plate avulsion fracture concomitant with collateral ligament rupture (group B, n=15). Both groups underwent volar plate reattachment using Mitek bone anchoring or PDS bone suturing followed by 2 weeks of immobilization in a dorsal protective splint. RESULTS: The average range of motion of the PIP joint and extension lag were significantly more favorable in group A (P < 0.05). Differences in age; follow-up period; flexion function; visual analog scale scores; disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores; and the grip strength ratio between the two groups were non-significant. No significant differences were found in the surgical outcomes of Mitek bone anchoring and PDS bone suturing in group A. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the surgical outcomes of volar plate reattachment were successful irrespective of whether the collateral ligaments were torn. However, greater extension lag was observed in cases of collateral ligament injury.
Arm ; Collateral Ligaments* ; Finger Joint ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand ; Hand Injuries ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Immobilization ; Joints* ; Polydioxanone ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies ; Rupture* ; Shoulder ; Splints ; Suture Anchors ; Visual Analog Scale

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (IHES) is a rare disease that is characterized by otherwise unexplained persistent eosinophilia and organ damage caused by eosinophilic infiltration. Its manifestations are highly variable but clinically apparent arthritis is uncommonly observed. Although Korean cases of severe eosinophilia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or IHES concurrent with RA have been published, there are no reports of IHES with joint involvement. This paper reports a case of IHES presenting with persistent peripheral eosinophilia, fever, skin rash, multiple lymphadenopathy, and polyarthritis, including the distal interphalangeal joints of the hands.
Arthritis ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Cyclosporine ; Eosinophilia ; Eosinophils ; Exanthema ; Fever ; Finger Joint ; Hand ; Humans ; Hypereosinophilic Syndrome* ; Joints ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Rare Diseases

PURPOSE: The reverse digital island flap is useful for the repair of various fingertip injuries. We present a modified surgical technique with skin strip elevation for the prevention of postoperative congestion. METHODS: From January 2005 to October 2015, we performed 31 reconstructive procedures for finger injury using a reverse digital artery island flap with and without skin strip retention. Patients' clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and complications were investigated. RESULTS: All flaps survived and there were no donor site problems. The mean follow-up time was 5 months (range, 3-8 months). In skin strip retention group, mild venous congestion was observed in 1 case, although it resolved spontaneously. Another case retained flexion contracture, and 2 patients had stiffness at the distal interphalangeal joint. Whereas, in no retention group, venous congestion was observed in 3 cases, 1 patient had partial flap necrosis and 2 patient suffer in flexion contracture at metacarpophalangeal joint. CONCLUSION: The reverse digital island flap procedure produces consistent results and is reliable for the treatment of fingertip injury. Our modified surgical technique of elevating the flap accompanied by skin strip retention helps prevent postoperative congestion.
Arteries ; Contracture ; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)* ; Finger Injuries ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hyperemia ; Joints ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint ; Necrosis ; Skin* ; Tissue Donors

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical effects and safety of dynamic external fixtor combined with limited internal fixation and cross K-wires fixation for the treatment of close Pilon fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint.

METHODSFrom June 2012 to June 2014, totally 41 patients (45 fingers) with close interphalangeal joint Pilon fracture were treated by dynamic external fixtor combined with limited internal fixation or cross K-wires fixation, and all the patients were followed up. In the dynamic external fixtor combined with limited internal fixation group (group A), there were 21 patients with 22 fingers, including 12 males and 9 females, with an average of (30.6±5.6) years old. In the cross K-wires fixation group (group B), there were 20 patients with 23 fingers, including 11 males and 9 females, with an average of (30.1±5.3) years old. Regular re-examination of X-ray was performed to evaluate the active range of joint motion, fracture healing time, infection rate and postoperative joint motion pain.

RESULTSAccording to the evaluation criteria of upper extremity function issued by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the excellent and good cases of group A was up to 19 and 13 for group B. The evaluation results has significant differences (Z=2.558, P=0.011). The excellent and good rate of group A was obviously higher than that of group B. The average bone union time of group A was (7.9±2.1) weeks, and (8.1±2.3) weeks for group B. There was no significant difference on the mean healing time (t=-0.304, P=0.762). The infection fingers of group A was 5, and 1 for group B. The difference between the results was statistically significant (χ2=3.287, P<0.05). The infection rate of group A was higher than that of group B. The postoperative joint motion pain was evaluated by VAS score, the mean score was 0.18±0.50 in group A, and 0.65±0.88 in group B. The difference between the results was statistically significant (t=-2.207, P<0.05). The postoperative joint motion pain was lower than that of group B.

CONCLUSIONDynamic external fixtor combined with limited internal fixation is a reliable and effective method to treat Pilon fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint. It allows early postoperative functional rehabilitation and restores the joint function.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Wires ; Case-Control Studies ; External Fixators ; Female ; Finger Joint ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery

The human hand is a complex structure that performs various functions for activities of daily living and occupations. This paper presents a literature review on the methodologies used to evaluate hand functions from a biomechanics standpoint, including anthropometry, kinematics, kinetics, and electromyography (EMG). Anthropometry describes the dimensions and measurements of the hand. Kinematics includes hand movements and the range of motion of finger joints. Kinetics includes hand models for tendon and joint force analysis. EMG is used on hand muscles associated with hand functions and with signal-processing technology.
Activities of Daily Living ; Anthropometry ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Electromyography ; Finger Joint ; Hand* ; Humans ; Joints ; Kinetics ; Muscles ; Occupations ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Tendons

Localized forms of giant cell tumor are known to arise commonly in the synovial membrane of the finger joints. Multinucleated giant cells are its characteristic pathology finding, giant cell tumor shows a low rate of recurrence after complete excision. When occurring at the knee joints, giant cell tumor manifests a wide form of symptoms, from no symptom at all, to intermittent locking. Complete excision is possible by arthroscopy, but if done incompletely, it is reported to recur in 45% of cases. We present here a case of giant cell tumor that has arisen from the anterior portion of the posterior cruciate ligament, excised by arthroscopy and followed by pathologic confirmation.
Arthroscopy ; Finger Joint ; Giant Cell Tumors* ; Giant Cells ; Knee Joint* ; Pathology ; Posterior Cruciate Ligament* ; Recurrence ; Synovial Membrane