Feasibility of imaging superficial palmar arch using microultrasound,7T and 3T magnetic resonance imaging

AIM To demonstrate feasibility of vessel wall imaging of the superficial palmar arch using high frequency microultrasound, 7T and 3T magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS Four subjects(ages 22-50 years) were scanned on a micro-ultrasound system with a 45-MHz transducer(Vevo 2100, Visual Sonics). Subjects' hands were then imaged on a 3T clinical MR scanner(Siemens Biograph MMR) using an 8-channel special purpose phased array carotid coil. Lastly, subjects' hands were imaged on a 7T clinical MR scanner(Siemens Magnetom 7T Whole Body Scanner) using a custom built 8-channel transmit receive carotid coil. All three imaging modalities were subjectively analyzed for image quality and visualization of the vessel wall. RESULTS Results of this very preliminary study indicated that vessel wall imaging of the superficial palmar arch was feasible with a whole body 7T and 3T MRI in comparison with micro-ultrasound. Subjective analysis of image quality(1-5 scale, 1: poorest, 5: best) from B mode, ultrasound, 3T SPACE MRI and 7T SPACE MRI indicated that the image quality obtained at 7T was superior to both 3T MRI and micro-ultrasound. The 3D SPACE sequence at both 7T and 3T MRI with isotropic voxels allowed for multi-planarreformatting of images and allowed for less operator dependent results as compared to high frequency microultrasound imaging. Although quantitative analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the three methods, the 7T Tesla trended to have better visibility of the vessel and its wall. CONCLUSION Imaging of smaller arteries at the 7T is feasible for evaluating atherosclerosis burden and may be of clinical relevance in multiple diseases.

The Palmar Cutaneous Branch of the Median Nerve: A Detailed Morphometric Study

Damage to the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCBMN) is a potential complication of surgery at the volar aspect of the wrist. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships of the PCBMN to both surface and bony landmarks using reliable methods. Ten pairs of forearms from cadavers aged 73 to 98 years were dissected. The PCBMN was identified and its course and relationships documented. The situation of the PCBMN was quantified relative to the distal wrist crease, bistyloid line, scaphoid tubercle, radial styloid process and flexor carpi radialis tendon. A PCBMN was identified on 90% of sides. The PCBMN arose from the radial aspect of the median nerve 52.4 (SD 31.0) mm from the bistyloid line and entered the transverse carpal ligament 10.9 (SD 9.5) mm proximal to the bistyloid line. At the level of the distal wrist crease the PCBMN was located 0.6 to 7.5 mm (mean 4.5;SD 1.9 mm) from the ulnar aspect of the flexor carpi radialis tendon. The inter- and intra-observer reliability of the measurement methods ranged from ICC 0.96 to 1.00. Detailed morphometric data of the PCBMN relative to bony landmarks contribute to knowledge of the spatial relationships of the PCBMN to inform the precision of surgical incisions.

Assessment of palmar subcutaneous tissue vascularization in patients with Dupuytren's contracture

AIM To investigate the structural and functional characte-ristics of palmar hypodermal tissue vascularization in Dupuytren's contracture patients of different agegroups.METHODS Eighty-seven Dupuytren's contracture patients underwent partial fasciectomy. Twenty-two of them were less than 55 years old(Y-group, n = 22); the others were 55 and older(O-group, n = 65). In surgically excised representative tissue samples, a histomorphometric analysis of the perforating arteries of the palmar aponeurosis and stereologic analysis of hypodermis vascularity were performed. The method of laser flowmetry estimated the microcirculation of the skin of the palm.RESULTS Frequency of cases with rapid development of contracture(less than 5 years) was 13.6% in the Y-group and 40% in the O-group, P < 0.05. The external and luminal diameters of perforating arteries in palmar fascia were decreased more severely in Y. The thickness of intima increased three times compared with healthy control, and the intima/media relation also increased, especially in O. Increased numerical and volumetric micro-vessel densities in hypodermis, percentage of large vessels(more than 12 μm in diameter), and percentage of vessels with signs of periadventitial inflammatory infiltration were noted in Y. The percentage of vessels with adventitial fibrosis was greater in O than in Y. Base capillary flow in Y was increased compared to healthy control subjects and to O, and peak capillary flow was increased in comparison with control.CONCLUSION Compared to the O-group, Y-group patients exhibited more severe constrictive remodeling of palmar fascia perforating arteries supplying hypodermis but more expressed compensatory changes of its capillarization.

Dupuytren’s disease:A review

Dupuytren’s disease is a well-known benign fibroproliferative disorder that affects the palmar and digital fasciae of the hands.This spectrum includes nodule formation,cord formation,and flexion contracture of the digits,which may result in functional limitations.These deformities are often progressive and irreversible.Surgery is a cornerstone therapy.This review discusses the epidemiology,pathophysiology,risk factors,clinical manifestations,and management of Dupuytren’s disease.

Comparison between Distractor Application on Both Radial &Ulnar Side and Radial Side Only for Fracture Distal Radius with Ulnar Styloid Fracture

Background: Fracture of distal radius with involvement of the ulnar styloid process is a common clinical problem. It can be treated conservatively, usually involving wrist immobilization in plaster cast or surgically. A key method of surgical fixation is external fixation by distractor. Distractor can be applied either only on the radial side or on both ulnar and radial sides. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized and comparative study of 1 year duration was conducted on 32 patients admitted in the Department of Orthopaedics of BSMC & H in the age group of 20 to 75 years old with AO types B and C distal radius fracture along with involvement of the ulnar styloid process. The parameters studied were restoration of radial length, restoration of radial angle, intracarpal step-off and palmar tilt which were statistically evaluated and Fisher’s exact test was performed. The two tailed P-value was calculated and both the groups were statistically compared. Results: In our study, 37.5% patients in Group A and 81.25% in Group B had a radial difference Table 1, Chart 1). 43.75% patients in Group A and 87.5% in Group B had radial angle Table 2, Chart 2). 31.25% in Group A and 75% had intra carpal step off Table 3, Chart 3). 62.5% had an abnormal palmar tilt in Group A while only 6.25% had an abnormal palmar tilt in Group B which is extremely statistically significant. On an average, 2 mm of distraction was required in 75% patients of Group A while only 30% patients in Group B required distraction (Table 4, Chart 4). Conclusion: In our study, the radial difference, radial angle, intra carpal step off and palmar tilt returned significantly to normal in the patients treated with distractor on radial side only when compared with distractor application on both radial and ulnar sides for distal radius fracture with ulnar styloid process involvement. Also post-operative distraction required under image intensifier was higher in the group treated with distractor on either side than those with distractor only on radial side.

Assessing Injection Techniques in the Treatment of Trigger Finger

Background: Trigger finger is characterized by the inability to smoothly flex and extend the digit. Corticosteroids are an accepted non-surgical treatment option and can be delivered via two techniques. While the palmar approach is more commonly used, some have suggested that the mid-axial approach may be less painful for patients and yield higher intrasheath injection rates. The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of the palmar and midaxial approaches for delivery of corticosteroids into the flexor tendon sheath using radio-opaque dye in a cadaver model. Methods: A total of 50 injections were performed, 25 via midaxial technique and 25 via palmar technique. A one inch, 25-gauge needle was used to inject 1 mL of Isovue contrast dye into the flexor tendon sheath under live fluoroscopy. The fluoroscopic images were examined after injection to determine intrasheath versus extrasheath delivery of the dye, with visualization of contrast filling the sheath defining a successful injection. Results: The midaxial approach had a success rate of 52% compared to the conventional palmar approach success rate of 36%, p=0.5. The ring finger is the most common location of trigger finger and the rates of success were equal between groups for this digit (80%). Conclusions: Based on our findings, there is no statistical difference in the accuracy of intrasheath injection between the midaxial technique and palmar technique. The midaxial technique can be considered as an alternative to the palmar technique for trigger finger injection.

T_3/T_4 thoracic sympathictomy and compensatory sweating in treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis

Background Compensatory sweating （CS） is one of the most common postoperative complications after thoracic sympathectomy, sympathicotomy or endoscopic sympathetic block （ESB） for palmar hyperhidrosis. This study was conducted to examine the relevance between CS and the sympathetic segment being transected in the surgical treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis, and thus to detect the potential mechanism of the occurrence of CS. Methods Between October 2004 and June 2006, 163 patients with primary hyperhidrosis were randomly divided into two groups, T3 sympathicotomy （78 patients） and T4 sympathicotomy（85）, who were operated upon under general anesthesia via single lumen intubation and intercostal video-mediastinoscopy （VM）. Results No morbidity or mortality occurred. Palmar hyperhidrosis was cured in all patients. Follow-up（mean （13.8i-6.2） months） showed no recurrence of palmar hyperhidrosis. The difference of rates of mild CS in groups T3 and T4 was of no statistical significance. The rate of moderate CS was significantly lower in group T4 than in group T3. No severe CS occurred. Conclusion The rates of occurrence and severity of CS are lowered with the lower sympathetic chain being transected.

Effect of fixing distal radius fracture with volar locking palmar plates while preserving pronator quadratus

Background L-shaped incision of pronator quadratus （PQ） muscle along its radial and distal borders was always taken for distal radius fractures reduction and internal fixation.Repair of the PQ muscle was always recommended at the end of operation for some instructive reasons.But repair of PQ is not satisfied because of poor quality of muscle and fascial tissues which may cause pain or impede forearm pronation and supination for post-operative scarring around PQ.Inserting the locking palmar plate to pass under the pronator quadratus muscle and the locking screws are inserted through miniincisions in pronator quadratus in some patients with distal radius fractures is a reasonable technique which can preserve the pronator quadratus.The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical effects after volar plating of the distal radius fractures while preserving the pronator quadratus and pronator quadratus repair.Methods Between September 2010 and April 2012,65 patients （42 males and 23 females; aged 20-68 years and a mean age of 42.5 years） with distal radius fracture underwent open reduction and internal fixation using the volar locking palmar plates （Depuy or Smith companies）.The patients were classified as 23A-2 through 23C-3 according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association （OTA） classifications.All surgeries were completed by the same trained team.The volar locking palmar plates of distal radius performed with preserving pronator quadratus group involved 30 patients including 19 males and 11 females and performed with pronator quadratus repair group involved 35 patients including 23 males and 12 females.We compared the two groups for wrist pain,forearm range of motion,grip strength,pedoperative complications and wrist functional recovery score.Results The minimum follow-up for the whole cohort was one year.The differences between the two groups were significant with regard to wrist pain,forearm range of motion,grip strength and wrist function at 1,2,and 6 weeks postoperatively,but insignificant at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.No significant differences were found in the pedoperative complications and radiographs postoperatively.Conclusions Preservation of the pronator quadratus muscle is a satisfactory method for the treatment of majority of the fractures of the distal radius with volar locking palmar plates,as this technique can yield better early wrist function and shorten the rehabilitation.

Comparison of compensatory sweating and quality of life following thoracic sympathetic block for palmar hyperhidrosis： electrocautery hook versus titanium clip

Background Video-assisted thoracic sympathetic block is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive method for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. The purpose of this study was to decide which one of using electrocautery hook and titanium clip is the appropriate procedure for primary palmar hyperhidrosis by assessing the compensatory sweating （CS） and quality of life （QOL） of patients after sympathetic block. Methods Between October 2007 to August 2010, 120 patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis were randomly divided into two groups, electrocautery hook group （60 patients） and titanium clip group （60 patients）. All patients were treated by sympathetic block at T4 level. The CS was graded based on severity and location; the QOL was classified to 5 different levels based upon the summed total scores （range from 20 to 100） before and after surgery. The variables were compared. Results The postoperative follow-up period was 2 months. All patients were cured. Three patients in electrocautery hook group and 1 patient in titanium clip group had a unilateral pneumothorax on chest X-ray, but none of them was necessary to have chest drainage. Neither perioperative mortality nor serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmia or arrest were observed during the operation. No bradycardia or Horner＇s syndrome occured. CS was not more common in patients in titanium clip group than in those in electrocautery hook group （P=0.001）. Moderate and severe CS was few in all patients, and there was no significant difference between two groups （P=0.193）. Most of the patients feel a notable improvement of the the QOL; nevertheless, there was no significant difference between the groups （P=0.588）. Conclusions Both electrocautery hook and titanium clip used for sympathetic block at the T4 level are effective, safe, and minimally invasive for palmar hyperhidrosis. Because of the lower severity of CS and the similar improvements in the QOL after operation, we prefer to use of titanium clip for treating palmar hyperhidrosis.

Palmar approach with Kirschner-wire fixation in the treatment of children＇s distal radius extension type fracture

Purpose： To explore the advantages of palmar approach with Kirschner-wire （K-wire） fixation in the treatment of children＇s distal radius extension type fracture, Methods： Thirty patients, average age of 8.5 years ranging from 5 to 13 years, with distal radius extension type fracture and undergoing a failed manual reposition in our hospital were included, and treated by palmar approach with K-wire fixation between May 2014 and December 2017. Among these patients （21 male and 9 female）, 5 patients had chronic injuries over 10 days, and 6 patients had fracture of the distal radius epiphysis. The time between injury and treatment ranged from 1 to 30 days. Among them, 11 patients with right-sided fractures and 19 patients with left-sided fractures were operated via the palmar longitudinal incision approach. Results： The results were evaluated after an average of 18 months ranging from 5 to 36 months after operation. The recovery time of fracture was from 4 to 8 weeks and all incisions were primary healing with an average of 6 weeks. Nonunion, delayed union, early closure of distal radial epiphysis, and wrist varus/valgus deformity were not found in all the cases. Based on Gartland and Wereley wrist score assessment undertaken three months after operation, excellent scores were achieved in 24 cases, good scores in 3 cases, acceptable scores in 3 cases. Conclusion： The palmar approach with K-wire fixation via a front longitudinal incision in the treatment of children＇s distal radius extension type fracture has following advantages： （1） easy to reposition for both fresh and old fractures; （2） less damage to surrounding tissues and epiphysis; （3） quick recovery. It is suitable to treat children＇s distal radius extension type fracture.

Chinese expert consensus on the surgical treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis(2021 version)

Primary palmar hyperhidrosis(PPH)is a pathologic condition of excessive sweating on hands that has adverse impacts on patients’social activity,professional life,and psychological state.Endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy(ETS)is by far the treatment choice for PPH with the most stable and durable curative effects,but special attention should be given to the side effects of the surgery,especially compensatory hyperhidrosis(CH).This consensus is the second version of the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Surgical Treatment of PPH by the China Expert Committee on Palmar Hyperhidrosis(CECPH),which was published 10 years ago.This consensus emphasizes the need for special attention and careful assessment of the patients’feelings,as well as their emotional and mental state,and emphasizes that distress due to palmar sweating and the desire for treatment are prerequisites for diagnosis.It also provides a more nuanced delineation of CH and reviews all new attempts to prevent and treat this side effect.New evidence of the epidemiology,pathogenesis of PPH,and indications for surgery were also assessed or recommended.

Options for thumb revascularization: our experience and literature review

Traumatic injuries to the thumb resulting in segmental loss of a digital artery are not uncommon.To bridge the gap and repair a transacted digital artery,the superficial palmar arch or the radial digital artery of the index finger can be used to reconstruct the ulnar digital artery of thumb for revascularization.Revascularization following segmental loss resulting from a crushed ulnar digital artery of the thumb can be performed based on the superficial palmar arch or the radial digital artery of the index finger,avoiding anastomosis at two sites and hence providing better results.The digital vein from the index finger can also be used to enhance the venous return of the injured thumb.However,because of known variability in the palmar arch,intraoperative verification is needed to ensure the safe transfer of the arch or the radial digital artery of the index finger.The aim of this article is to discuss the possibilities for thumb revascularization,using a case report in which the injured thumb was revascularized with a superficial palmar arch.