Clinical repercussions of Martin-Gruber anastomosis: anatomical study

AbstractObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to describe Martin-Gruber anastomosis anatomically and to recognize its clinical repercussions.Method100 forearms of 50 adult cadavers were dissected in an anatomy laboratory. The dissection was performed by means of a midline incision along the entire forearm and the lower third of the upper arm. Two flaps including skin and subcutaneous tissue were folded back on the radial and ulnar sides, respectively.ResultsNerve communication between the median and ulnar nerves in the forearm (Martin-Gruber anastomosis) was found in 27 forearms. The anastomosis was classified into six types: type I: anastomosis between the anterior interosseous nerve and the ulnar nerve (n=9); type II: anastomosis between the anterior interosseous nerve and the ulnar nerve at two points (double anastomosis) (n=2); type III: anastomosis between the median nerve and the ulnar nerve (n=4); type IV: anastomosis between branches of the median nerve and ulnar nerve heading toward the flexor digitorum profundus muscle of the fingers; these fascicles form a loop with distal convexity (n=5); type V: intramuscular anastomosis (n=5); and type VI: anastomosis between a branch of the median nerve to the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle and the ulnar nerve (n=2).ConclusionKnowledge of the anatomical variations relating to the innervation of the hand has great importance, especially with regard to physical examination, diagnosis, prognosis and surgical treatment. If these variations are not given due regard, errors and other consequences will be inevitable

Controvérsias no tratamento das fraturas de escafóide

O escafóide fica intercalado entre as filas proximal e distal do carpo, atuando como um importante estabilizador do carpo. Sua fratura representa 70% entre todas as fraturas dos ossos do carpo. A maioria das fraturas do escafóide não são isoladas e, portanto, estão associadas a outras lesões, que se não forem identificadas poderão levar a seqüelas importantes, como as instabilidades carpais, posteriormente, a osteoporose

Anatomical studies of the distal insertion of the extensor pollicis longus

We recorded with this study that the EPL muscle and its tendon show a few anatomical variations. Any accessories tendons either the absence of this muscle or its tendon was found. In all preparation the passage of the tendon through the third osteofibroses compartment, crossing on the ERBC and ERLC going to the thumb was seen. The change of the tendinuous trajectory, deviating itself to the radial direction in one of the preparations was checked (1,6%). The partial duplication of the proximal tendon to the metacarpophalangeal joint (AMP) was seen in three observations (4,8%), one bilateral and distal to the articulation in five (8,3%), 2 bilaterally. The bone insertion at the base of distal (BFD) phalanx in all observations were found. During its passage through metacarpophalangeal joint we recorded its insertion in the joint capsule in 14 observations (23,3%), however the bone insertion there was not observed in this place.. The most common pattern about this (EPL) extensor pollicis longus muscle was the presence of a tendon, passing through the osteofibroses dorsal of wrist compartment with a bone insertion at the base of distal pollicis phalanx.Registramos pelo presente estudo que o músculo (ELP) e seu tendão apresentaram poucas variações anatômicas. Não registramos a presença de tendões acessórios e nem a ausência desse músculo ou de seu tendão. Verificamos em todas as preparações a passagem do tendão pelo terceiro compartimento osteofibroso, cruzando sobre os extensor radial curto (ERCC) e longo (ERLC) do carpo e dirigindo-se ao polegar. A alteração no trajeto tendinoso, desviando-se no sentido radial foi verificada em uma das preparações (1,6%). A duplicação parcial do tendão proximal a articulação metacarpofalângica (AMFP) foi verificada em 3 observações (4,8%), sendo 1 bilateral, e distal à articulação em 5 (8,3%), 2 bilateralmente. A inserção óssea na base da falange distal (BFD) foi encontrada em todas as observações. Durante sua passagem pela articulação metacarpofalângica, registramos sua inserção na cápsula articular em 14 observações (23,3%), porém não registramos a inserção óssea nesse local. O padrão mais comum em relação ao músculo ELP foi a presença constante de 1 tendão, passando pelo terceiro compartimento osteofibroso dorsal do punho com inserção óssea na base da falange distal do polegar.PUC-SP Serviço de Cirurgia da MãoUNIFESP-EPMUNIFESP-EPM Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaPUC - SPUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaSciEL

Anterior interosseous nerve: anatomical study and clinical implications

ABSTRACT Objective: The goal of this study was to describe anatomical variations and clinical implications of anterior interosseous nerve. In complete anterior interosseous nerve palsy, the patient is unable to flex the distal phalanx of the thumb and index finger; in incomplete anterior interosseous nerve palsy, there is less axonal damage, and either the thumb or the index finger are affected. Methods: This study was based on the dissection of 50 limbs of 25 cadavers, 22 were male and three, female. Age ranged from 28 to 77 years, 14 were white and 11 were non-white; 18 were prepared by intra-arterial injection of a solution of 10% glycerol and formaldehyde, and seven were freshly dissected cadavers. Results: The anterior interosseous nerve arose from the median nerve, an average of 5.2 cm distal to the intercondylar line. In 29 limbs, it originated from the nerve fascicles of the posterior region of the median nerve and in 21 limbs, of the posterolateral fascicles. In 41 limbs, the anterior interosseous nerve positioned between the humeral and ulnar head of the pronator teres muscle. In two limbs, anterior interosseous nerve duplication was observed. In all members, it was observed that the anterior interosseous nerve arose from the median nerve proximal to the arch of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. In 24 limbs, the branches of the anterior interosseous nerve occurred proximal to the arch and in 26, distal to it. Conclusion: The fibrous arches formed by the humeral and ulnar heads of the pronator teres muscle, the fibrous arch of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle, and the Gantzer muscle (when hypertrophied and positioned anterior to the anterior interosseous nerve), can compress the nerve against deep structures, altering its normal course, by narrowing its space, causing alterations longus and flexor digitorum profundus muscles

DORSALIS PEDIS NEUROVASCULAR FLAP, OUR EXPERIENCE

ABSTRACT Objectives: Analyze the donor site morbidity of the dorsalis pedis neurovascular flap in traumatic injuries with hand tissue loss. Material and Methods: The study involved dorsalis pedis neurovascular flaps that were used to reconstruct the hands of eight male patients, between 1983 and 2003, aged between 21 and 53 years (mean 34.6, SD ± 10.5 years). The size of the lesions ranged from 35 to 78 cm2 (mean 53, SD ± 14.4 cm2). Surgical procedures were performed two to 21 days after the injuries had occurred. The patients were followed up for an average of 10.3 years (ranging 8–14, SD ± 2.1 years). Results: Regarding the donor site, in one case there was hematoma formation, which was drained; in another case, the skin graft needed to be reassessed. All patients experienced delayed healing, with complete healing from 2 to 12 months after the surgery (mean 4.3, SD ± 3.2 months). Conclusion: Despite the advantages of the dorsalis pedis neurovascular flap, we consider that the sequelae in the donor site is cosmetically unacceptable. Nowadays, this procedure is only indicated and justified when associated with the second toe transfer. Level of Evidence IV; Case series