Journal of Hand Surgery-Asian-Pacific Volume最新文献

Background: Surgical correction of chronic anterior dislocation of the radial head in paediatric patients is challenging, and they may experience re-dislocation or subluxation even after corrective surgery. We have been performing a radial shortening osteotomy combined with reconstruction of the annular and lateral collateral ligaments, and a corrective osteotomy of the ulna. The aim of this article is to describe our technique and outcomes at mid-term follow-up. Methods: This retrospective review included 10 paediatric patients with chronic anterior dislocation of the radial head that were surgically treated at our unit from January 2016 to July 2022. The dislocations were congenital in two patients, resulted from neglected Monteggia fractures in seven patients, and was idiopathic in one patient. The average age at surgery was 8.3 years. All patients underwent radial shortening osteotomy combined with reconstruction of the annular and lateral collateral ligaments, and a corrective osteotomy of the ulna. Outcomes with regards to period of follow-up, complications, arc of motion and the Kim elbow performance score were assessed. Results: The reduction of the radial head was maintained at the final follow-up (mean: 55 months). No acute or chronic complications occurred. The mean arc of flexion-extension improved from 124° to 140° while the arc of prono-supination decreased from 124° to 113°. The Kim elbow performance score was excellent in eight patients, fair in one and poor in one. Conclusions: A combination of radial shortening osteotomy, reconstruction of the annular and lateral collateral ligaments and corrective osteotomy of the ulna was able to maintain a stable reduction of the radial head with satisfactory elbow motion in the mid-term in paediatric patients with chronic anterior dislocation of the radial head regardless of the underlying cause. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Clinical registries are increasingly common and have value in conditions such as congenital upper limb differences where collection of adequate data for scientific study can be challenging due to small numbers and clinical, surgical and psychosocial heterogeneity. This article discusses the motivation, purpose and development of the Australian Hand Differences Register before examining some of the challenges faced during its implementation and considering limitations of registry-derived data. Level of Evidence: Level V (Diagnostic).

Background: Current research on thumb polydactyly reconstruction focusses primarily on clinical evaluations. Details on aesthetic outcomes are relatively lacking. This study aims to address this gap by: (1) investigating the effectiveness of surgical treatment in achieving symmetrical thumb size, length and girth; (2) assessing aesthetic outcomes from a caregiver's perspective and (3) identifying key factors that influence aesthetic outcomes to inform strategies to improve surgical reconstruction. Methods: Patients who underwent thumb polydactyly reconstruction were recalled for assessment. Objective measurements of both the reconstructed and unaffected thumbs were taken. Surgical scars were evaluated by measuring their length and using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). To assess the appearance of the reconstructed thumbs, we used the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) through surveys completed by the primary caregiver of each patient. Caregivers also provided reasons for any unsatisfactory appearance outcomes and we correlated these with objective factors. Results: This study included 26 paediatric patients with 29 reconstructed thumbs. The mean VAS score for overall thumb appearance was 7.8 ± 2.2. While surgical treatment achieved symmetry in most anthropometric measures, reconstructed thumbs had smaller nail plates and greater joint angulation. Caregiver assessment of thumb width was closely related to the objective interphalangeal joint (IPJ) girth measurements, and perceived excessive angulation was related to the IPJ angle. Symmetry was not associated with nail fold width or scar location. However, perceived scar prominence was linked to VSS score and scar location. Conclusions: Thumb polydactyly reconstruction achieves symmetry in size, length and girth, but nail plate size and joint angulation remain significant challenges. Despite this, caregivers are generally satisfied with the overall appearance. Attention should be focussed on improving thumb IPJ girth, IPJ angulation and scar location to enhance overall aesthetic outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Polysyndactyly of the foot is a common congenital malformation of the lower extremity. We introduce our surgical technique for reconstruction of polysyndactyly of the fifth toe fused with the fourth toe. The technique includes the removal of the medial hypoplastic ray, web-space reconstruction using a dorsal cross-shaped advancement flap and closure of the lateral incisions of the separated toes with a tongue-shaped flap and zigzag triangular flaps. This technique is advantageous to prevent postoperative web creep, reduce the tension of the dorsal incision closure and it is relatively easy to grasp for the inexperienced surgeon. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Camptodactyly is a congenital difference with flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Camptodactyly limited to one finger is believed to be due to an anomaly of the lumbrical muscle that inserts into the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon instead of the extensor expansion, whereas multiple finger camptodactyly is believed to be a result of shortage of soft tissues on the flexor surface of the fingers. It is important to differentiate camptodactyly from other causes of extension lag at the PIP joint. It is difficult to obtain good results after the release of flexion contractures in camptodactyly. The main goal of surgery is to prevent progressive contracture with appropriate postoperative therapy using night splinting and stretching. We should strive for a considered approach based on a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of camptodactyly. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Surgical management of constriction ring syndrome (CRS) is individualised due to the heterogenic presentation of the condition. CRS includes constriction rings, acrosyndactyly, nubbins and short digits. Involvement of more than one limb is common and children often need multiple surgeries. Each limb may need staged surgeries. If the child has vascular or lymphatic compromise secondary to a constriction ring, the ring needs to be excised and released in the first few days of life. The rings are released using multiple big Z-plasties in one or two stages. Nerve palsy associated with the rings need early intervention. Tendon transfers may be advised when nerve procedures like neurolysis and nerve reconstruction fail. Acrosyndactyly can be corrected with separation of the fused fingertips. At times, the web is more distal than usual and requires web deepening using partial syndactyly separation techniques and may need full thickness skin grafting. Complex type of acrosyndactyly is difficult to treat as it needs proper planning and staged surgical correction to achieve a five-digit hand. Separation of the syndactyly with web deepening gives more functional length and independence to the digits. The short fingers, especially the thumb, need reconstruction. Non-vascularised toe phalangeal transfer or a microvascular toe transfer can reconstruct a missing digit. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

The global burden of surgical conditions is becoming increasingly prevalent in the developing world. Hand surgery, in particular congenital hand surgery, presents with its own challenges, particularly the unique skill sets needed, multidisciplinary nature and heterogeneity of cases. The aim of this review article is to present our experience of practising congenital hand surgery in Cambodia, and to explore the feasibility of teaching this specialty in developing countries within a meaningful and sustainable framework. Since 2013, a group of hand surgeons and therapists have visited the Children Surgical Centre in Cambodia. A community-oriented curriculum was developed following the initial visits, with analysis of data and local surgeon's skill sets. These were further refined using the Pareto analysis and selected competency procedures to develop entrustable professional activities (EPAs). Common paediatric hand cases were identified and taught to the local surgeons. Essential elements of this model include the need for measurable outcomes, clear curriculum goals, long-term partnerships and information technology support.

Domestic and global access to surgical care for paediatric hand and upper limb conditions is challenged by limited resources, increasing direct and indirect costs of care and a growing number of patients who require specialty care. There are numerous barriers for patients from developing countries to receiving medical care in Japan due to the substantial costs, which include travel, uninsured medical expenses and fees imposed by intermediaries. To address this issue, I realised that I needed to take a more direct approach - by travelling to these countries, not only to provide treatment, but also to teach and train local doctors. By emphasising on the education of local clinicians through the sharing of knowledge and skills, it is possible to expand the timely access to paediatric hand surgery and improve outcomes for children in need. Our mission is rooted in the belief that every nation holds its own unique treasures - its culture, food, beauty and joy - that are worth celebrating and preserving. By fostering sustainable relationships built on mutual respect and understanding, we can make a greater impact; engagement with local surgeons will ultimately elevate the level of care that they can provide in their own communities, through improving core competencies of medical knowledge, technical/surgical skills and resource allocation for simple and complex conditions. This work not only reflects my personal commitment, but also my focus on expanding our team of fellows and strengthening organisational support. We aim to actively pursue these efforts throughout Asia, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and, ultimately, helping to heal the hands and futures of children worldwide. The aim of this review article is to share with readers how we started our mission trips to Vietnam and highlight 10 steps that I feel are critical to a successful mission trip.

Background: This retrospective study compares the outcomes of trapeziectomy and Weilby suspensionplasty procedure versus implant arthroplasty using the TOUCH^® prosthesis for basilar thumb arthritis in an Asian population. Methods: A total of 15 consecutive thumbs in 13 patients were included in this study. Six patients (2 male, 4 female, mean age of 62 years old) underwent trapeziectomy and Weilby suspensionplasty procedure. Seven patients (4 male, 3 female, mean age 63 years old) underwent implant CMCJ arthroplasty using the TOUCH^® prosthesis. Data collected include demographics, severity of arthritis on plain radiographs of the thumb basilar joint, length of follow-up, pre- and postoperative pain levels, Kapandji thumb opposition score, grip and pinch strength and the time taken to return to work. Results: Patients in the trapeziectomy and Weilby suspensionplasty group had a mean follow-up of 4.5 months, while those in the TOUCH^® implant arthroplasty group had a mean follow-up of 14 months. TOUCH^® implant arthroplasty patients showed significantly higher grip strengths at 3 months post-surgery and a shorter return to work. There were no differences in pinch strength at 3 months, pinch or grip strength at 6 months or pain scores. Complications included prolonged scar hypersensitivity in two patients who underwent the Weilby suspensionplasty and a dislocated TOUCH^® implant cup in one patient. Conclusions: Our study suggests that in the short term, CMCJ implant arthroplasty with the TOUCH^® prosthesis produces results comparable to trapeziectomy and Weilby suspensionplasty. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).