Accessory extensor pollicis longus

Phylogenetically the accessory extensor pollicis longus in man seems to find its origin in the deep extensor layer, and this has largely been described in primates. I describe a case and present a comprehensive review of other publications on the subject

A mechanical comparison of bone-ligament-bone autografts from the wrist for replacement of the scapholunate ligament

A study was performed to compare the mechanical properties of two intracarpal ligaments with those of the dorsal component of the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL). Trapezoid-to-second metacarpal, capitate-to-trapezoid ligaments, and the dorsal part of the SLIL were obtained as bone-ligament-bone grafts from fresh frozen cadavers. Their respective load to failure and stiffness were measured under uniaxial load on a servohydraulic machine and compared. The capitate-to-trapezoid ligament closely approximated the load to failure and stiffness of the dorsal SLIL, whereas the trapezoid-to-second metacarpal ligament was significantly stronger and stiffer than the dorsal SLIL. These 2 intracarpal bone-ligament-bone grafts share similar mechanical properties with the dorsal component of the scapholunate ligament and might be used clinically to replace it

Nervenkompressions-syndrome der Extremitaten. [Nerve compression syndromes of the extremities]

Peripheral entrapment neuropathies occur in high frequency and present clinically with a wide range of variations. They need to be recognized early enough in order to initiate correct therapy and so to obviate serious nerve lesions and possible neurological sequelae. This paper overviews the essentials of the compression neuropathies as they are encountered in both upper and lower extremities. Pathomechanisms , pathogenesis, evaluation considerations as well as differential diagnosis and basic treatment algorithms are emphasized

Cross stitch peripheral tendon repair: a mechanical comparison with core stitch techniques

The purpose of this experimental study was to compare certain mechanical properties of a true epitendineal cross stitch suture with simple and double locking core tendon repairs. Using tensile strength and tendon lengthening until gap formation as measurement parameters, these three types of repair were tested in human flexor and extensor tendons from fresh cadavers. The peripheral cross stitch and the locked core repairs were found to have a greater lengthening capacity than the simple core suture, whereas the latter significantly better withstood axial load. Our findings established that, at least when used as a true epitendinous suture, the cross stitch technique alone was not suited for the repair of severed tendons. However, its design is particularly useful in preventing the suture site from potentially restrictive bulking

Variations in glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor release from biodegradable nerve conduits modify the rate of functional motor recovery after rat primary nerve repairs

Accelerating axonal regeneration to shorten the delay of reinnervation and improve functional recovery after a peripheral nerve lesion is a clinical demand and an experimental challenge. We developed a resorbable nerve conduit (NC) for controlled release of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) with the aim of assessing motor functional recovery according to the release kinetics of this factor in a short gap model. Different types of resorbable NCs were manufactured from a collagen tube and multiple coating layers of poly(lactide-coglycolide), varying in poly(lactide-coglycolide) type and coating thickness to afford three distinct release kinetics of the neurotrophic factor. GDNF release was quantified in vitro. End-to-end suture and GDNF-free NC served as controls. Thirty-five Wistar rats underwent surgery. Motor recovery was followed from 1 to 12 weeks after surgery by video gait analysis. Morphometrical data were obtained at mid-tube level and distal to the NC. NCs were completely resorbed within 3 months with minimal inflammation. GDNF induced a threefold overgrowth of fibers at mid-tube level. However, the number of fibers was similar in the distal segment of all groups. The speed of recovery was inversely proportional to the number of fibers at the NC level but the level of recovery was similar for all groups at 3 months. The resorbable conduits proved their ability to modulate axonal regrowth through controlled release of GDNF. In relation to the dose delivered, GDNF strikingly multiplied the number of myelinated fibers within the NC but this increase was not positively correlated with the return of motor function in this model

Magnetresonanztomographische Beurteilung der Karpaltunnelmorphologie nach Medianusdekompression mittels einer retinakulumverlangernden Technik. [MRI evaluation of carpal tunnel morphology after carpal tunnel release by a retinaculum lengthening technique]

AIM: The benefits of maintaining the pulley function of the flexor retinaculum in carpal tunnel release by lengthening or reconstructing it have been described. Quantitative MR imaging was used to investigate the morphological changes after open carpal tunnel release by such a retinaculum lengthening technique. METHOD: Ten patients had bilateral carpal tunnel MRI pre- and postoperatively. The MRI examinations were performed with a 1.5 Tesla imaging system and wrist coils. Carpal tunnel volume, carpal arch width, median nerve position and flexor tendon position in relation to the hamate-trapezial axis were recorded . RESULTS: Like other methods of carpal tunnel release with complete division of the flexor retinaculum, the retinaculum lengthening technique showed a significant postoperative increase of carpal tunnel volume. Carpal arch width increased only slightly. There was a significant palmar displacement of the median nerve but not of the flexor tendons. CONCLUSION: The findings support the hypothesis that maintenance of the pulley function of the retinaculum may lead to an early postoperative recovery of grip strength. In spite of some difficulties in application quantitative MR imaging may be a useful tool in evaluating the carpal tunnel morphology