The Journal of Hand Surgery (Asian-Pacific Volume)

Background: Within hand trauma, the management of unstable, intra-articular fractures of the base of the middle phalanx remains highly controversial. The objective of this research was to determine which operation gives the best outcome in the management of displaced, intra-articular fractures of the base of the middle phalanx causing instability of the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Methods: A scoping study was performed to determine the evidence available and the terminology used. A Systematic Review was then performed along PRISMA guidelines. This Systematic Review looked specifically for papers available in English, published over the last ten years, with clinical data for at least five cases of acute unstable fractures of the base of the middle phalanx. There must be two years follow-up with less than 30% loss to follow-up.

Results: There were no Systematic Reviews or Cochrane reviews. There were no randomized controlled trials and the best studies were simply cohort studies with level III or IV evidence. There was a paucity of high quality studies, with small, heterogeneous groups, short length of follow-up and high loss to follow up. Only seven papers met the Systematic Review criteria.

Conclusions: General trends show excellent return of grip strength and good function despite some ongoing pain and stiffness. There were high complication rates for all techniques and the possible reasons for different outcomes are discussed.

Scaphoid fracture is the most common carpal fracture. Nonunion rate has been reported around 10 to 15% of scaphoid fractures. Risk factors for scaphoid nonunion are known as location, displacement, poor vascularity, time to treatment etc. The goals of surgical treatment for scaphoid nonunion are to achieve bony union, to correct carpal deformities and also to prevent progressive carpal instability and arthritis. Scaphoid nonunion can cause scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) which is a pattern of progressive degenerative radiocarpal and midcarpal arthritis secondary to posttraumatic pathomechanics of the scapholunate joint. Achieving bony union is essential to prevent carpal collapse or arthritis. To improve bony union, many surgical procedures including various forms of bone grafting have been developed and attempted. However, there is a controversy about which procedure is the most effective. In this review, we provide an overview of surgical treatment methods for scaphoid nonunion and discuss proper surgical strategies for scaphoid nonunion which requires surgical management.

Background: Flexor tendon injuries are extremely common and they are usually the result of incised traumatic glass or knife injury. The process of tendon healing is a complicated and exceptionally-regimented mechanism that is originated and monitored by a vast number of diverse molecules. One of the most pivotal groups of mediators that are crucial to the healing process are growth factors (GF). Intense pulse light (IPL) can lead to evidence of new collagen formation with associated clinical improvement in tissue healing. The biological benefit of Intense pulse light (IPL) relies on judicious photothermolysis, where heat driven radiation is dissipated and focused at the cellular level. The aims of this study is to set out the effect of growth factor and IPL on healing following a tendon repair.

Methods: Bovine common digital extensor tendons (CDET) were used as an ex vivo model. 44 tendon repairs were performed by the lead author using 2.5 × magnification loupes and standard instruments. Clamped tendons were assigned into the following groups; control, IPL, GF, IPL and GF. After culturing, biomechanical testing was carried out using monotonic tensile testing with displacement-controlled uniaxial tension to failure.

Results: The mean values for ultimate tensile stress (UTS) for the control group was 53.51 N, for IPL it was 51.15 N, for growth factor was 70.10 N and for combined growth factor and IPL it was 75.16 N.

Conclusions: This study showed significant improvement in UTS when repaired tendons were cultured with growth factor compared to control and IPL. This would suggest a biomechanical advantage for tendon healing.

Background: To assess the midterm outcome of patients under 65 who underwent anatomic pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis.

Methods: A prospective analysis was performed of a consecutive series of active patients, less than 65 years of age, with symptomatic osteoarthritis who had undergone a CMC hemiarthroplasty using a stemmed metacarpal based, anatomic pyrolytic carbon resurfacing with an additional one third flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon transfer to maintain stability.

The Wrightington Hand Score, Disability Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score, and the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation Score (PRWE) were utilised. Clinical data was obtained for grip strength, pinch strength, and range of motion.

Results: The MEAN age was 57.6 years. MEAN follow up was 6.5 years. All patients had improvement in pain, grip strength and function. There was no significant difference in grip and pinch strengths between the individual’s left and right hand. All patients stated that they would undergo the procedure again. There was one revision following a traumatic trapezium fracture. One patient underwent a neurolysis of a superficial radial nerve neuroma associated with an impinging trapezial osteophyte.

Conclusions: Active patients, under 65 years of age with Eaton-Littler stage III osteoarthritis of the thumb CMC joint who are treated with anatomic pyrolytic carbon resurfacing hemiarthroplasty and stabilisation may achieve sustained improvement in pain and hand function for up to 6.5 years.

Background: Midcarpal arthrodesis is a treatment of choice in patients with midcarpal arthritis. Traditionally a four corner fusion has been favoured, however recent research has shown improved results when the triquetrum and scaphoid are excised. There is no clear evidence as to which remaining bones should be fused or which implants should be used. The purpose of this study is to compare the biomechanics of midcarpal arthrodesis after scaphoid and triquetrum excision, using memory staples or cannulated screws, in recognised construct patterns.

Methods: 36 identical sets of carpal bones were 3D printed from acetyl butyl styrene. Midcarpal arthrodeses were performed in three configurations with shape memory alloy staples or headless compression screws. This gave 6 treatment groups; lunocapitate single staple or screw, lunocapitate with 2 staples or screws, three corner fusion with 2 staples or screws. Peak torque to distraction was measured and analysed.

Results: The peak torque to distraction was significantly greater in almost all constructs utilizing screws compared to staples, with two lunocapitate screws having the highest peak torque at both 1 and 3 mm distraction with 244 Nmm and 749 Nmm respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Constructs utilizing screws have a peak torque to distraction significantly higher when compared to staples. Our recommendation when performing a midcarpal arthrodesis after scaphoid and trapezium excision is to fuse the midcarpal joint with 2 headless compression screws.

Background: Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) imaging has enabled more accurate preoperative planning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of a novel, computer-assisted, 3D corrective osteotomy using prefabricated bone graft substitute to treat malunited fractures of the distal radius.

Methods: We investigated 19 patients who underwent the computer-assisted 3D corrective osteotomy for a malunited fracture of the distal radius after the operation was stimulated with CT data. A prefabricated bone graft substitute corresponding to the patient’s bone defect was implanted and internal fixation was performed using a plate and screws. We compared postoperative radiographic parameters of the patient’s operated side with their sound side and analyzed clinical outcomes using Mayo wrist score.

Results: All patients achieved bone union on X-ray imaging at final follow-up. The mean differences of palmar tilt, radial inclination and ulnar variance between the operation side and the sound side were 4.3°, 2.3° and 1.2 mm, respectively. The Mayo wrist score was fair in 4 patients and poor in 15 patients before surgery. At the final follow-up after surgery, the scores improved to excellent in 3 patients, good in 11 patients and fair in 5 patients. There were two patients with correction loss at the final follow-up, but no patient complained of hand joint pain.

Conclusions: We believe that computer-assisted 3D corrective osteotomy using prefabricated bone graft substitute achieved good results because it worked as a guide to the accurate angle.

Background: Although flexor tendon injuries cause significant morbidities and socio-economic implications, there have been limited data on patient demographics, injury characteristics and surgical details. The aim of this study is to describe our experience in flexor tendon injuries and repairs.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of all digital flexor tendon injuries that were repaired from January 2011 to December 2014. The collected data included patient demographics, injury characteristics and surgical details.

Results: A total of 214 patients, 308 digits with 446 flexor tendon repairs were identified. We found that males, non-residents, and 20–29 age group were most prone to flexor tendon injuries. Cleaners, labourers and related occupations were the most vulnerable. The mechanism of injury was usually work-related and mostly caused by glass. Most injuries involve both flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis tendons. Concomitant digital nerve and vessel injuries were common. Most patients suffered zone 2 laceration of a single digit of the non-dominant hand. Most patients underwent procedures that lasted 1 to 2 hours, including multiple flexor tendon repairs, microsurgical repairs and other interventions.

Conclusions: This study is the largest study on patient demographics, injury characteristics and surgical details on flexor tendon injuries and repairs. It could be used to plan resources and policies for the management and prevention of flexor tendon injuries.

Background: To report the results of restoring the elbow flexion and extension in patients with total brachial root avulsion injuries by simultaneous transfer of the phrenic nerve to the nerve to the biceps and three intercostal nerves to the nerve of the long head of the triceps.

Methods: Ten patients with total brachial root avulsion injuries underwent the spinal accessory nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve for shoulder reconstruction. Simultaneous transfer of the phrenic nerve to the nerve to the biceps via the sural nerve graft and three intercostal nerves to the nerve of the long head of the triceps was done for restoration of the elbow flexion and extension. Trunk flexion exercise program was used for all patients postoperatively. The mean follow up period was 36 months.

Results: For elbow flexion, there were two M4, seven M3, and one M1. For elbow extension, there were three M4, four M3, two M2, and one M1. No patient demonstrated a respiratory problem clinically postoperatively. The average FVC% decreased to 61% of the predicted value at 24 months after surgery.

Conclusions: The simultaneous nerve transfer using the phrenic nerve to the nerve to the biceps and 3 intercostal nerves to the nerve of the long head of the triceps with postoperative trunk flexion exercise provide a comparable result for restoration of elbow function in total brachial plexus root avulsion injury. The patients who appear to have a respiratory problem and are unable to comply with the post-operative respiratory muscles training should be contraindicated for this simultaneous transfer.

Background: Health disparities exist among many patient populations, with race, payer status, hospital size and access to teaching versus non-teaching hospitals potentially affecting whether certain patients have access to the benefits of total wrist arthroplasty (TWA).

Methods: The National Inpatient Sample Database (NIS) was queried from 2001 to 2013 for TWA using the ICD-9 code 81.73. Patient-level data included age, sex, race, payer status, and year of discharge. Hospital-level data included hospital bed size, location, teaching status, and region.

Results: There were 1,213 patients identified who underwent TWA between 2001 and 2013. Total number of procedures decreased from 88 TWAs in 2001 to 65 in 2013. The yearly volume ranged from 33 in 2005 to 128 in 2007. The male-female ratio was 2.5 to 1. The majority of TWA procedures were performed at urban teaching hospitals (60.8%).

Conclusions: The NIS database shows a downward trend of total wrist arthroplasty utilization. The majority of total wrist arthroplasties were performed at urban teaching hospitals indicating treatment occurs most often at academic centers of excellence.

Background: There has been little discussion regarding the lesion of the TFCC in pediatric and adolescent patients. This study examines 11 cases treated with open technique.

Methods: Range of motion (ROM), strength and functional scores (QUICK DASH, PWRE, VAS pain, and NAKAMURA score) were evaluated.

Results: The mean postoperative flexion-extension arc was 95% of the contralateral side, the radio-ulnar deviation 91% of the contralateral side and the pronation-supination arc 94% of the unaffected side. Grip strength was 85.6% of the uninjured wrist, pinch was 88%. The mean PRWE decreased from 84.4 to 9.85 postoperatively. The mean Q-DASH scored 10.4. The VAS pain under stress decreased from a mean of 6.8 to a mean of 2.27, while at rest it decreased from a mean of 5 to a mean of 0.5. The final clinical results obtained by Nakamura score were 2 excellent, 6 good and 3 fair.

Conclusions: This study emphasizes that open surgical TFCC repair is a safe and reliable therapeutic procedure in children and adolescent populations.

Background: Pellegrini’s surgical technique is the most useful for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. The purpose of this paper is to describe the technique of a modified version using a bone block in the tunnel through which the flexor carpi radialis tendon is passed (BBTI).

Methods: Case series of patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint, in stage II or higher based on Eaton’s classification, that were intervened using the BBTI technique for a 2-year period. Grip and pinch strength, range of motion, and 1–2 metacarpal angle were evaluated. Pain and function were measured using the visual analogue scale and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale.

Results: The study included 16 cases in 14 patients (11 women and 3 men), with an average age of 55.7 ± 7.1 years. Encouraging results were obtained, with an average DASH score of 24.3 ± 17.9 and a minimum VAS pain score. A total of 58% showed a grip strength of over 80% and the postoperative movement was equivalent to the contralateral limb. No cases of infection were reported, and only two minor complications were observed.

Conclusions: The BBTI technique is a surgical option that incorporates an interference screw, offering good functional results for managing osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint, with a similar complication rate to that of the original technique.

Background: A three-dimensional (3D) digital pre-operative planning system for the osteosynthesis of distal radius fracture was developed. The objective of this study was to evaluate screw choices for three-dimensional (3D) digital pre-operative planning of osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures and to compare with the screw choices for the conventional method.

Methods: Distal radius fracture patients who underwent osteosynthesis using volar locking plates were evaluated. Thirty wrists in the plan group utilized 3D preoperative planning, and nineteen wrists in the control group utilized conventional preoperative assessment. In the plan group, the 3D preoperative planning was performed prior to surgery. The reduction was simulated with 3D image, and the implant choice/placement also simulated on the 3D image. In the control group, standard preoperative planning was performed using posterior-anterior and lateral view radiographs, and CT scan. After the planning, osteosynthesis was performed. During the surgery, the operator performed the reduction and the placement of the plate while comparing images between the pre-operative plan and fluoroscopy. The distal screw lengths and the anteroposterior diameter of the radius along the axis of the distal screws were measured. The ratios of the screw length and radius diameter were evaluated. The screw/radius ratios within the range of 0.75–1.00 were considered appropriate. The screw choices less than 0.75, or greater than 1.00 were considered inappropriate. The rate of appropriate screw choices were compared between plan and control groups.

Results: The results of appropriate screw choices were 86.1% and 74.8% in the plan group and the control group, respectively. The inappropriate screw choices were 14.0% and 25.2% in the plan group and the control group, respectively. The three-dimensional planning significantly increased appropriate screw choices compared to the conventional planning (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Three-dimensional digital preoperative planning is useful for the optimization of screw lengths in osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric hand/wrist measurements and outcomes following static wrist splintage in patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods: Thirty nine patients with mild-to-moderate CTS were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric measurements of hand and wrist including wrist width, wrist depth, palm length, hand length, wrist ratio (wrist depth/wrist width) and wrist/palm ratio (wrist depth/palm length) were recorded as well as body mass index and ultrasonographic cross sectional area of median nerve. Patients were treated with static wrist splints and evaluated at 2^nd, 4^th and 12^th weeks with Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, median nerve nerve conduction studies, Visual Analog Scale for pain and Likert Scale for numbness.

Results: Following treatment with a static wrist splint, the wrist ratio was correlated significantly with improvements in Boston Functional Status Scale at the second and forth weeks (r = −0.354, p = 0.027 and r = −0.320, p = 0.050 respectively) and Visual Analog Scale at the forth and 12^th weeks (r = −0.352, p = 0.030 and r = −0.360, p = 0.029 respectively).

Conclusions: Splinting provides symptomatic improvement in mild-to-moderate CTS and this study suggests that the wrist anthropometric measurements may influence treatment outcomes.

Background: Variations in the axillary nerve branching patterns have been reported. The aim of the study is to investigate the extra- and intra-muscular course of the axillary nerve and quantify the regional innervation of the deltoid.

Methods: In fresh frozen specimens, the origin of the axillary nerve from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and its extra- and intra-muscular course were identified. Muscle dimensions, branching patterns and the distance from the axillary nerve origin to major branches were measured. The weights of muscle segments supplied by major branches of the axillary nerve were recorded.

Results: Twenty-three cadaveric dissections were completed. The axillary nerve bifurcated within the quadrangular space in all cases. The mean distance from the origin to bifurcation of the axillary nerve was 39 ± 13 mm; from axillary nerve bifurcation to the teres minor branch was 13 ± 6 mm; and from axillary nerve bifurcation to the middle branch of anterior division was 26 ± 11 mm. The nerve to teres minor and superior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve originated from the posterior division or common trunk in all cases. No fibrous raphe were identified separating anterior, middle and posterior deltoid segments. The anterior division of axillary nerve supplied 85 ± 4% of the deltoid muscle (by weight). The posterior division supplied 15 ± 4% of the deltoid muscle (by weight). The posterior deltoid was supplied by both anterior and posterior divisions in 91.3% of cases.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates a consistent branching pattern of the axillary nerve. The anterior division of the axillary nerve innervates all three deltoid segments in most instances (85% of the deltoid by weight). This study supports the concept of re-innervation of the anterior division alone in isolated axillary nerve injuries.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcomes of simultaneous distal radius fractures (DRFs) and ipsilateral elbow injuries (IEI) and to evaluate whether the DRFs and IEI affect each other’s outcomes.

Methods: From February 2008 to March 2015, 29 of 846 patients treated for DRFs were found to be associated with IEI and 26 patients with follow-up over 12 months were enrolled. There were 12 men and 14 women with a mean age of 55 years (range, 17–86 years). Associated IEI was divided into fracture group (10 patients) and dislocation group (16 patients). Clinical outcomes of DRFs and IEI were evaluated using the Gartland and Werley score and Mayo Elbow Performance Score, respectively. A correlation between the wrist scoring and the elbow scoring was analyzed. In addition, the wrist scoring between fracture group and dislocation group of the elbow was compared.

Results: The DRFs was rated as excellent in 14 patients, good in seven patients, and fair in five patients. The IEI was rated as excellent in 12 patients, good in 11 patients, fair in two patients, and poor in one patient. Acceptable outcome rate of both DRFs and concomitant IEI was 73%, although that of DRFs and IEI was 81% and 88%, respectively. A correlation between the wrist outcome and the elbow outcome showed a negative linear relationship (Spearman rho = −0.435, p = 0.026). In addition, there was no difference in the outcome of DRFs between ipsilateral elbow fractures group and dislocation group.

Conclusions: As a correlation of DRFs and ipsilateral IEI have a linear relationship, the functional outcomes of both injuries are related to each other. Therefore, we recommend that combined injuries should be managed appropriately at the same time for contended recovery of the wrist and elbow.

Background: This study evaluated the feasibility of using a low-profile titanium (Ti) plate implant, also known as the Ti-button, for Zone II flexor tendon repair. We hypothesize that the use of the Ti-button can distribute the tensile force on the digital flexor tendons to achieve better biomechanical performance.

Methods: Twenty lacerated porcine flexor tendons were randomly divided into two groups and repaired using Ti-button or 6-strand modified Lim-Tsai technique. Ultimate tensile strength, load to 2 mm gap force, and mode of failure were recorded during a single cycle loading test. We also harvested twelve fingers with lacerated flexor digitorum profundus tendons from six fresh-frozen cadaver hands and repaired the tendons using either Ti-button method or modified Lim-Tsai technique. A custom-made bio-friction measurement jig was used to measure the gliding resistance and coefficient of friction of the tendon sheath interface at the A2 pulley.

Results: The ultimate tensile strength, load to 2 mm gap force, stiffness, and gliding resistance of the Ti-button repairs were 101.5 N, 25.7 N, 7.8 N/mm, and 2.2 N respectively. Ti-button repairs had significantly higher ultimate tensile strength and stiffness than the modified Lim-Tsai repair. However, Ti-button also increased the gliding resistance and coefficient of friction but there was no significant difference between the two repair techniques.

Conclusions: Ti-button repair displayed comparable mechanical properties to the traditional repair in terms of 2-mm gap formation and gliding resistance, but with a stronger repair construct. Thus, this deepened our interest to further investigate the potential of using Ti-button implant in Zone II flexor tendon repair by studying both the mechanical and biochemical (tendon healing) properties in more in-depth.

Background: To investigate the role of psychological factors (anxiety and depression) and pain measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) in the development of complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) following the distal radius fracture (DRF).

Methods: A consecutive sample of patients (N=60) with a distal radius fracture was measured for signs of CRPS by Budapest criteria weekly till 8 weeks and then another follow-up one year after injury to determine the incidence and predictors of developing CRPS I in a prospective cohort study and also to discover whether there is difference between pain, depression, and anxiety level in the patients with and without CRPS I. The most of the patients were treated by Pin stabilization. The Beck depression inventoryshort form (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Numerical pain rating scale were used to determine the patients’ psychological features and pain intensity at the base line and 8 weeks after the fracture.

Results: CRPS I developed in 15 (25%) patients after eight weeks and just last in 10 (16.67%) patients after one year. No difference was found between the two groups (CRPS and non-CRPS group) in terms of state (STAI-I) and trait (STAI-II) anxiety, and BDI score. Pain at the base line was the most important risk factor in developing CRPS (odds ratio [OR] =1.52; 95% CI).

Conclusions: After fracturing the distal radius, patients who have high pain intensity have a higher risk of developing CRPS I. To following these patients closely for the development of CRPS I may be advantageous for early preventative and therapeutic interventions.

Background: Carpal tunnel release is recommended when patients have positive electrophysiologic test and their symptoms are not resolved in spite of conservative treatment. However, only some of them eventually undergo the surgery. The purposes of this study, therefore, were to evaluate the rate of carpal tunnel release performed among the patients with positive electrophysiologic test, and to identify which factors were associated with the rate of the surgery.

Methods: Subjects of this study were 865 wrists of 508 patients (90 males and 418 females) who were diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome between January 2013 and December 2016. The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was confirmed by electrophysiologic test, and only the patients who were followed up for more than 1 year were enrolled in this study. The average age at the time of the electrophysiologic test performed was 61.4 years, and the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome was evaluated according to the Bland scale (Gr 1–6) based on the electrophysiologic test. Whether or not the patients received carpal tunnel release was evaluated at the last follow-up visit.

Results: Among the 865 wrists, carpal tunnel release was performed on 528 wrists (61%). Rate of the surgery performed significantly increased in patients with more severe grades on electrophyisiologic test. More patients in female (63.3%) than in male (50.3%) and more patients with age under 60 (67.5%) than age over 60 (57.1%) received the surgery. However, there was no significant difference in the rate of carpal tunnel release according to the bilaterality or dominant hand.

Conclusions: The rate of carpal tunnel release among the patients diagnosed and confirmed as carpal tunnel syndrome was not higher than we expected. We should also pay more attention to the patients who did not undergo carpal tunnel release and investigate the reasons why those patients did not undergo surgery.

The objective of this study was to clarify the difference in thumb deformity between our case with ring chromosome 4 and thumb polydactyly, in which ulnar side was small and had no active motion, and other cases of ring chromosome 4, by analyzing previous reports. Our case had bilateral atypical thumb polydactyly, which was classified as type 4 on the right side and type 5 on the left side, according to the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand: Modified International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand classification. Of the 39 cases in previous reports, 20 (51.3%) had thumb deformities. Among them, 19 cases (95%) showed radial ray deficiency and only 1 case (5%) showed bilateral thumb polydactyly. Clinodactyly was seen in 5 cases (12.8%). Foot deformities were present in 6 cases (15.4%). We discussed about thumb polydactyly with and without chromosomal deformities.

Corrective osteotomy with callus filling at fracture site for malunion after distal radius fracture is a rare technique, but it achieved a favorable postoperative outcome. The patient, 66-year-old female, visited our hospital 4 months after distal radius fracture. Corrective osteotomy of the distal radius was planned aiming at improving the wrist joint function, and was performed using a volar locking plate, then the bone defect was filled with callus as autogenous bone grafting. At 12 months after surgery, left wrist joint pain and the range of motion have improved, and the Mayo wrist score was excellent. To our knowledge, there has been no study on the treatment of bone defects by filling with callus. Since favorable bone fusion was achieved with callus, this treatment method may overcome the disadvantages of autogenous bone graft, such as pain at the donor region.

Pyogenic granuloma, also known as lobular capillary hemangioma, is a benign vascular lesion of the skin or mucous membrane with rapid growth or repetitive trauma. Rarely seen in adult, its management varies and surgical intervention is usually common. We report a case of pyogenic granuloma of the right index finger in a 46-year-old gentleman who presented with painless swelling of the right index finger after a trivial injury. Wedge biopsy confirmed the diagnosis and excision of the granuloma measuring 3 cm × 3 cm × 2 cm was done with curettage and electrocautery over the base of granuloma. The wound subsequently healed well with good functional and aesthetic outcome.

Upper extremity adventitial cystic disease is rare, but the characteristic findings of this lesion should be known to the hand surgeon and used to guide treatment. We present a case of a young adult male who developed a painless mass in his distal forearm. Diagnostic imaging workup revealed a cystic mass that extended within and encased the radial artery. Both MRI and direct intraoperative visualization confirmed the presence of a stalk connecting the intra-mural radial artery mass to the radiocarpal joint. The mass and stalk were excised en bloc with fenestration of the volar capsule to prevent recurrence. This case demonstrates a less common example of upper extremity adventitial cystic disease and supports the articular theory of origin of these lesions. When surgical excision is performed, an attempt should be made to identify and excise the articular stalk in an effort to minimize risk of recurrence.

We report two rare cases of existing or worsening symptoms due to Kienböck’s disease after distal radius fracture (DRF). During examination, radiographs show changes in the lunate bone; there was persistent wrist pain after treatment for DRF. In each case, surgeries were performed: A combined therapy (bone marrow transfusion, bone peg graft, external fixation, and low intensity pulsed ultrasound) for one, as well as carpal coalition for another. The etiology of these case presentations suggest that a compression fracture of the lunate due to a DRF resulted in softening and sclerosis.

We experienced a rare case of carpal tunnel syndrome and rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon to the index finger with a scapholunate advanced collapse wrist. We speculated that the lunate that had extruded into the carpal tunnel compressed the median nerve and caused wear of the flexor tendon following neglected perilunate subluxation. Carpal tunnel release, opponensplasty by palmaris longus tendon transfer, and a bridge graft by a half-slip of the flexor carpi radialis tendon resulted in recovery of pinch function and improvement in numbness of the hand.

We present the case of a 66-year-old man who had persisting complaints after initial classical open carpal tunnel release. During revision a reversed palmaris profundus muscle was identified as being the cause of residual compression of the median nerve. Neurolysis with release of the palmaris profundus muscle was performed without resection of this anatomical variant and resulted in full resolution of the complaints.

Ganglion of the anterolateral elbow is rare and may be associated with compression neuropathy of the radial nerve or its branches. Open ganglionectomy implies extensive soft tissue dissection. We present a case of anterolateral elbow ganglion without any compression neuropathy. This was successfully treated with endoscopic ganglionectomy.

We managed a case of locked metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger in the extension position. Incarceration of a chronic osteochondral fracture fragment led to this unique condition. The fracture fragment partially adhered to the volar plate and ulnar collateral ligament on the joint side, which is supposed to have resulted in manually irreducible locking of the joint. We performed open reduction and achieved release of the locked joint by excising the fracture fragment.

Lower limb malformations in VACTERL patients are extremely rare and the most common anomalies are found in the tibial ray. We present the case of a 15 month old male with VACTERL and, additionally, a hypoplastic hallucal ray of the right foot in conjunction with a floating preaxial polydactyly. The great toe hypoplasia is similar to a grade 3b thumb hypoplasia with absence of the proximal two-thirds of the first metatarsal on the plain X-ray. We would like to draw the attention of hand surgeons to anomalies of the tibial ray, which, although rare, are the most common pattern of lower limb malformations in VACTERL association. All patients with VACTERL defects should be assessed for these additional findings.