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PubMed2003

Free tissue transfer: an advanced strategy for postinfection soft-tissue defects in the upper extremity.

Surgical treatment of severe, necrotizing infections frequently leave compound defects that require complex reconstructive procedures. In the upper extremity, local flap coverage is limited because of the size of the lesions. Regarding the results of early microsurgical coverage of complex postinfectious defects of the lower extremity, the goal of this study was to evaluate the role of free tissue transfer in the treatment of severe infections in the upper extremity. Between 1994 and 1999, 24 patients with major defects as a result of severe necrotizing infections in the upper extremity underwent free tissue transfer. Parameters assessed included the success of infection control, flap survival rate, salvage of the extremity, and an outcome analysis by the Disability of Arm-Shoulder-Hand score and a visual analog scale. Patient age ranged from 17 to 75 years (average age, 50.8 years). Previous treatment of 11 patients in outlying hospitals included 4.2 operative procedures and a delay of admission to the authors' unit of 89 days. The average defect size after debridement was 10.0 x 14.4 cm. Twenty-four free flaps including 16 muscle or musculocutaneous flaps, 4 chimeric flaps from the subscapular system, and 4 osteocutaneous flaps were performed for reconstruction. The overall flap survival was 95.8%. One temporalis fascia flap (TPF) was lost as a result of vascular thrombosis, and three flaps underwent successful revision of the anastomoses. Eight patients required further minor surgical treatment. The Disability of Arm-Shoulder-Hand score yielded an average of 41.5 points, which represents a moderate impairment of activities of daily living. Visual analog scale assessment demonstrated an overall high satisfaction (9.5 points; range, 1-10 points). The data demonstrate that even in severe necrotizing infections resulting in complex acute or chronic defects, limb salvage and infection control can be achieved successfully with radical debridement and early free tissue transfer.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Reconstruction of bone defects with autograft after resection of upper extremity bone].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the reconstructive method of the bone defect after resection of the upper extremity bone tumor and to assess the outcome of the autograft to reconstruct the bone defect after the bone tumor resection. METHODS: From August 1998 to March 2004, 16 patients aged 7-45 years suffering from bone tumor of the upper extremity were treated with the wide resection of the bone tumor and the reconstruction of the bone defect by the autograft. The following diagnoses were confirmed by pathological examination: Ewing's sarcoma and osteosarcoma of the proximal humerus in 1 patient each; Ewing's sarcoma of the distal humerus in 2 patients; giant cell tumor in 8 patients, high-grade chondrosarcoma in 2, malignant fibrohistiocytoma in 1; and osteosarcoma in 1 of the distal radius. Substitution of the proximal humerus with the clavicle was performed in 2 patients, and the distal humerus with the fibula in other 2 patients. Of the 12 patients with tumor in the distal radius, 1 was reconstructed with autograft of the iliac bone and 11 with autograft with the fibula. The functional outcome was evaluated by the MSTS score. RESULTS: The follow-up for 36 and 12 months respectively revealed that in the 2 patients undergoing the autograft with the clavicle in the proximal humerus, good shoulder functions of flexion and extension were obtained although the function of abduction was poor, with the MSTS scores of 23 and 22 respectively. In the 2 patients undergoing the autograft with the fibular in the distal humerus, good elbow function and bone union were observed according to the follow-up for 3 and 4 months respectively, with the MSTS scores of 24 and 19 respectively. Of the 12 patients undergoing the autograft in the distal radius, 11 had an excellent or good function with no complication, with the average MSTS score of 22.6 (ranging from 18 to 27), according to the follow-up for 6-75 months; only 1 had no bone union 10 months after operation and lost the follow-up afterwards. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the bone defect with the autograft after the wide resection of the upper extremity bone tumor is an ideal and reliable method for some suitable patients, especially for some children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Time-related changes in motor performance of the upper extremity ipsilateral to the side of the lesion in stroke survivors.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to examine time-related changes in motor performance of daily tasks of the upper extremity ipsilateral to the side of lesion in poststroke hemiparetic patients. METHODS: Nine patients after an acute uniliteral cerebrovascular accident and 10 age-matched healthy controls were studied. Functional motor abilities of the upper extremity ipsilateral to side of lesion were examined over a 4-month time course, using validated measurement tools (Jebsen test of hand function, nine-hole peg test, and three functional activities of daily living). RESULTS: The results indicated a significant impairment in the motor function of the hand ipsilateral to the side of brain lesion in comparison with the matched extremity in control subjects. They also pointed to time-related improvement in performance speed, implying that the deterioration in the functional performance of the upper extremity on the uninvolved body side of poststroke hemiparetic patients is not static and may improve with time. The findings further suggested that the left hand of patients with an intact right cerebral hemisphere improves more than does the right hand of their peers whose left cerebral hemisphere is intact. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the small sample size and methodologic considerations, further and more extensive work is required to determine difference in improvement in motor abilities of the ipsilateral left versus the ipsilateral right upper extremities in stroke survivors.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2005

Use of the anterolateral thigh free flap for upper-extremity reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The anterolateral thigh free flap (ALTF) first was reported in 1984 and has been used in large series with success for a multitude of clinical purposes. We describe our results with the ALTF in upper-extremity and hand reconstruction. METHODS: From 1996 to 2003 there were 15 patients who had reconstruction of the hand and upper extremity using the ALTF. The parameters used to assess the outcome of our series included the success rate of the flap as measured by flap survival rate and adequacy of skin coverage, ability to close the donor site primarily or necessity of a skin graft, complications associated with the flap, donor site, and non-flap-related complications such as pulmonary embolism. RESULTS: Of the 15 patients with an ALTF, 3 (20%) had a musculocutaneous perforator and 12 (80%) had a septocutaneous perforator. Two patients had a neurotized ALTF reconstruction. There were 4 complications related to the flap with 1 complete flap failure. The overall flap survival rate was 93%. The donor site was closed primarily in 8 patients (53%) and with a skin graft in 7 patients (47%). One donor site breakdown occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show many advantages of the ALTF for upper-extremity reconstruction. Because of its versatility the ALTF is suited ideally for upper-extremity reconstruction and should be considered as part of the reconstructive ladder.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Venipuncture-induced causalgia: anatomic relations of upper extremity superficial veins and nerves, and clinical considerations.

BACKGROUND: In 1994, 11 patients with injury to upper extremity cutaneous nerves after routine venipuncture were reported. All developed causalgia (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Type 2). Nerve injury appeared secondary to direct trauma via "inappropriate" needle or bolused material entry into the plane of the nerves beneath the veins, or nerves overlying the veins. However, in 3 of 13 additional patients, the venipunctures were properly performed and atraumatic. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To explore the anatomic relationships of superficial veins and cutaneous nerves with regard to the role of direct nerve trauma during venipuncture in the development of causalgia, the 14 upper extremities of seven randomly chosen cadavers were dissected at three common venipuncture sites. In addition, the clinical features of all 24 patients are presented. RESULTS: Major branches of cutaneous nerves were superficial to and overlay veins in six extremities. In multiple instances, nerves and veins were intertwined, requiring detailed dissection to separate them. In the classic situation, nerves were immediately as deep as veins, often with no fascial separation. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical relationships between upper extremity superficial veins and cutaneous nerves are so intimate that needle-nerve contact during venipuncture is common. Because venipuncture-induced nerve injuries are rare, factors other than direct nerve contact appear necessary for the chronic pain syndrome to occur.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Validity and intra- and interobserver reliability of an indirect volume measurements in patients with upper extremity lymphedema.

We investigated a method of indirect volume measurement that utilized surface measurements and a simplified formula derived from the formula for a frustum (Sitzia's method) to determine limb volumes in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema of the upper extremity. Repeated measurements of upper-extremity limb volume were obtained by two observers on both upper extremities of 30 women with unilateral lymphedema. Volume was calculated using a simplified formula and compared with water displacement method as a gold standard. Indirect volume determination using Sitzia's method is comparable with the water displacement method, has comparable intra- and interobserver reliabilities, and can be used for diagnosis and follow up measurements of lymphedema. Indirect volume determination using surface measurements at 8 cm intervals is only suitable for follow up measurements. The methods should not be used interchangeably.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Low-molecular-weight heparin (nadroparin) and very low doses of warfarin in the prevention of upper extremity thrombosis in cancer patients with indwelling long-term central venous catheters: a pilot randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Upper extremity thrombosis is a major complication of central venous catheters implanted for chemotherapy in cancer patients. Vitamin K antagonists and low-molecular-weight heparins have been recommended in this setting, but their relative benefit-to-risk ratios have never been compared. DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized, open, parallel-group, multicenter trial was performed comparing the antithrombotic efficacy and safety of warfarin and the low-molecular-weight heparin, nadroparin, in cancer patients who had undergone central venous catheter implantation. Warfarin was given orally at a fixed daily dose of 1 mg and nadroparin was injected subcutaneously at a fixed daily dose of 2,850 IU for 90 days, or until venographically-confirmed thrombosis occurred. The primary efficacy outcome was the occurrence of upper extremity thrombosis confirmed by venography performed 90 days after insertion of the catheter, or earlier if symptoms of thrombosis had appeared. Safety end-points were bleeding and thrombocytopenia. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were included in the study. A total of 21 and 24 patients in the nadroparin and warfarin groups, respectively, were evaluable for primary efficacy. Six out of the 21 patients in the nadroparin group (28.6%) and 4 out of the 24 patients in the warfarin group (16.7%) had venographically-documented upper extremity thrombosis at day 90 (p=0.48). Safety was satisfactory and similar with both treatments. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Warfarin at a fixed, very low dose and nadroparin at a fixed, prophylactic dose had comparable benefit-to-risk ratios in the prevention of thrombosis associated with central venous catheters in cancer patients.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Perceived outcomes and utilization of upper extremity surgical reconstruction in individuals with tetraplegia at model spinal cord injury systems.

STUDY DESIGN: Survey. OBJECTIVE: To measure the utilization of upper extremity reconstructive surgery and the clinicians' perceptions of the outcomes provided for persons with tetraplegia across the Model Spinal Cord (SCI) Injury Systems. SETTING: Model SCI Systems. METHODS PARTICIPANTS: A clinician from each of the Model Centers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: A mailed survey eliciting responses with respect to: (1) utilization of upper extremity reconstructive procedures and (2) the clinicians' perceived outcomes of these procedures. RESULTS: In all, 76% responded positively about the availability and appropriateness of upper extremity surgical reconstruction at their center. Of the respondents, 75% felt that surgery recipients were generally satisfied with their surgeries, 80% felt that the surgery made a positive impact on recipients' lives, 81% felt that recipients showed increased independence, and 70% reported a positive impact on recipients' occupation. In all, 93% felt insurance companies should pay for the procedures. Compared to the satisfaction of surgery recipients using a similar instrument, clinicians anticipated slightly greater improvements in all areas except occupation. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive perception of the benefits of reconstructive surgery for tetraplegia; however, procedures are not routinely offered at all centers. The primary reasons reported for this include the misconception that insurance does not remit payment, that a surgeon is not available, and that surgical candidates are referred to another center.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Palliative surgical treatment of spastic paralysis in the upper extremity].

AIMS: In this paper we review the main studies conducted on therapy applied to the bony and soft parts in spastic paralysis of the upper extremity. DEVELOPMENT: Spasticity presents muscular hypertonia and hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex, which are typical of upper motoneuron syndrome. Physiopathologically, spasticity is due to the medullar and supramedullar alteration of the afferent and efferent pathways. Treatment is multidisciplinary and involves the collaboration of rehabilitators, neurophysiologists, neurologists, paediatricians, orthopaedic surgeons and psychologists, who all contribute with their different therapeutic aspects and characteristics (which can be pharmacological, peripheral neurological blockages, surgical, etc.). The characteristic posture of the upper extremities in spastic cerebral palsy is the inward rotation of the shoulder, flexion of the elbow and pronated forearm, and the deformity of the fingers (swan-neck and thumbs-in-palm). The primary objectives in these patients will be to improve communication with their surroundings, perform activities of daily living, increase mobility and walking. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment applied by orthopaedic surgeons in the upper extremities are aimed at achieving an enhanced adaptive functionality rather than morphological normality. Factors to be taken into account include age, voluntary control over muscles and joints, level of severity of the spasticity (Ashworth scale) and stereognostic sensitivity. In general, on soft parts we will use procedures such as dehiscence or lengthening of the flexor muscles of the shoulder and elbow or of the adductor of the thumb; transfer of the pronators in order to adopt the supinating function or of the flexors so as to reinforce the extensors of the forearm, and capsulodesis or tenodesis in the hand. The bony procedures will consist in derotational osteotomies of the humerus and radius and arthrodesis in the wrist or in the metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumb, depending on whether there is greater rigidity or age in the former cases or instability in the latter.

Humans↗

PubMed1988

Vascular anatomy of the upper extremity muscles.

This study delineates the vascular anatomy of the upper extremity with particular attention toward the size, location, and number of vascular pedicles supplying each muscle. Ten cadaver upper extremities were dissected. A total of 440 muscles and 2209 pedicles were identified. The major "named" arterial source, number of pedicles, and pattern of perfusion for each muscle were delineated. Detailed description of the vascular anatomy of muscles commonly used for tendon transfer and local flaps is presented. The potential use of the coracobrachialis flap for contouring the infraclavicular area is elucidated. The anatomic bases of the anconeus and flexor carpi ulnaris flaps are confirmed. The radial and ulnar arteries may be used as microvascular donor or recipient vessels without compromising forearm muscle perfusion.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Botulinum toxin type A injections in the spastic upper extremity of children with hemiplegia: child characteristics that predict a positive outcome.

Evidence is increasing to suggest that botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) plays a role in the management of upper extremity spasticity in the paediatric population. However, little information is available on the clinical characteristics of the child that predict a response to this intervention. Our research group previously published a randomized controlled trial demonstrating that BTX-A injection improves function of the upper extremity of children with spastic hemiplegia. In the present paper, we evaluate the child characteristics that predict a positive response to the BTX-A injections in the randomized treatment group. The treatment group was divided into positive functional responders and nonresponders using a cut score of a change of 10 points on the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST). A two-way analysis of variance procedure was done comparing the following baseline characteristics: function as scored on the QUEST and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) self-care domain, grip strength, upper extremity spasticity and age. Grip strength was significantly higher in responders with a P-value of 0.001. Young age approached significance with a P-value of 0.05. Correlation of change scores on the QUEST with baseline characteristics in the treatment group yielded similar results. BTX-A causes a reduction in spasticity and strength; we postulate that if the hand is weak initially, BTX-A can decrease hand function. Two case reports are presented that highlight the importance of grip strength and age.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of brachial plexus anesthesia for upper extremity surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Brachial plexus anesthesia is the preferred anesthetic at the authors' institution for upper extremity surgery. The article is a prospective observational evaluation of brachial plexus anesthesia for surgical success of the block and immediate and postoperative complications. METHODS: Patients for upper extremity surgery (n = 508) received either an interscalene block (n = 266) or an axillary block (n = 242). Surgical anesthesia was achieved in 97% of the patients receiving an interscalene block and 93% receiving an axillary block. RESULTS: For the interscalene block, a proximal paresthesia (shoulder) was as reliable as a more distal paresthesia (forearm, hand) for shoulder surgery. For performance of the axillary block, the transarterial approach was more successful than a single paresthesia for surgical anesthesia (96% versus 80%). Major immediate complications were infrequent, with only one mild seizure in the axillary block group and evidence of intravascular injection in only two of the patients in the interscalene block group. Many of the patients had mild paresthesias on the first day after the operation, 9% for the interscalene block and 19% for the axillary block. The incidence of postoperative neuropraxias decreased significantly by 2 weeks (interscalene block 3%, axillary block 5%), with only one patient in each group still experiencing symptoms beyond 4 weeks. In the interscalene block group, postoperative neuropraxias were associated with the site of paresthesia used for performance of the block and the use of bupivacaine. CONCLUSION: Both interscalene and axillary blocks are safe and effective techniques for upper extremity surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Gangrene of the upper extremity in diabetic patients.

Twenty-two patients who had diabetes mellitus and had needed an amputation for gangrene in an upper extremity at an average age of fifty-one years were identified and followed. The five patients who were still living at the latest follow-up had been followed for an average of 50.6 months. The other seventeen patients survived for an average of only 20.6 months after the amputation. All of the patients were in poor health; eighteen had needed an amputation in a lower extremity, and sixteen received hemodialysis. The results of amputation in an upper extremity were unsatisfactory; the site of the initial amputation healed in only two of the twenty-two patients. In the remaining twenty patients, a total of sixty-three additional operations were performed on an upper extremity, and five of the twenty patients died before the wound had healed.

Adult↗

PubMed1985

"Half-way" venous catheters. III. Tip displacements with movements of the upper extremity.

Directions and sizes of displacement of "half-way" catheter tips with movements of the upper extremities were investigated in thoracic radiographs in 21 patients (10 women and 11 men), 28-88 years old. Ten catheters were inserted by basilic, and 11 by cephalic veins punctured at the fossa cubiti. Catheter tip positions were related to the lateral edge of the first rib. The tip position with the patient's arm in 90 degree abduction was considered as the reference point. Displacements caused by maximal flexion of the forearm, maximal adduction of the upper extremity, and maximal elevation of the brachium plus maximal flexion of the forearm were studied. With all movements and venous approaches there were significantly more medial than lateral displacements (P less than 0.001). The medial displacements varied from 0.2-5.0 cm, and the lateral ones from 0.5-1.8 cm. Location of the "half-way" catheter tips in the proximal axillary vein, at the lateral edge of the first rib, is recommended. As found previously, this may be obtained by inserting a catheter length representing 1/5 of the patient's height. Such a location inhibits harbouring of the "half-way" catheter tips in the jugular veins with movement in the upper extremities. Furthermore, estimation of central venous pressures by axillary venous pressures is not affected.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

Obliterative arterial disease of the upper extremity.

During the past 20 years, 163 patients had 194 operations for obliterative arterial disease of the upper extremity. Of these, 68 had neurological symptoms primarily that were associated with arterial obstruction of the first portion of the subclavian artery. The remaining 95 patients had ischemic symptoms of the upper extremity, namely, intermittent claudication of the arm or ischemic necrosis of the fingers. There were 95 procedures performed on 90 patients with diminished or absent brachial blood pressures. There were 89 cervical sympathectomies performed on patients whose brachial pressures were equal to the contralateral arm. When sympathectomy was done, results were excellent in patients who had a rise in skin temperature confirmed preoperatively by reflex vasodilation studies. An aggressive approach with early diagnostic arteriography and appropriate surgical therapy is indicated in patients with ischemia to the upper extremity.

Arm↗

PubMed2002

Impact of case manager training on worksite accommodations in workers' compensation claimants with upper extremity disorders.

Management of the return-to-work process in claimants with work-related upper extremity disorders often poses challenges to the health care provider, claimant, and employer. Modifying workplace ergonomic risk factors as a component of the workplace accommodation process may improve return-to-work outcomes by reducing recurrent pain and discomfort. The present study is a case-control evaluation of the effects of a 2-day training program for nurse case managers that was designed to facilitate the implementation of workplace accommodations within a workers' compensation health care delivery system. After the training, 101 claimants with compensable upper extremity disorders were randomly assigned to case managers with and without training. Overall, 208 accommodations were recommended and 155 of these were implemented (75%). Claimants of trained nurses received 1.5 times as many recommendations for accommodations as claimants managed by nurses not trained in the process, and 1.4 times as many accommodations were implemented, although no differences were found between the two groups in implementation rates. Trained nurses were more likely to recommend accommodations addressing workstation layout, computer-related improvements, furnishings, accessories, and lifting/carrying aids, whereas the untrained nurses were more likely to suggest light duty and lifting restrictions. This study indicates that the training was associated with a change in the practice behavior of case managers regarding the workplace accommodation process. More research is needed to identify barriers to implementation and develop more effective approaches to facilitate worksite accommodations in disabled workers with carpal tunnel syndrome and other persistent upper extremity disorders.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Acute upper extremity deep venous thrombosis: safety and effectiveness of superior vena caval filters.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous filter placement in the superior vena cava for prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE) due to acute upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with contraindications to or unsuccessful anticoagulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients with acute upper extremity DVT and contraindications to or unsuccessful anticoagulation underwent percutaneous placement of a superior vena caval filter for prevention of PE. Four types of filters were used. Follow-up chest radiographs were used to detect filter migration, dislodgment, and fracture. Placements of central venous and Swan-Ganz catheters after filter insertion were recorded. Patients were followed up clinically for evidence of superior vena cava syndrome and PE. Kaplan-Meier survival rates were determined. Follow-up was 1 day to 221 weeks. RESULTS: No complications such as filter migration, dislodgment, or fracture occurred (median follow-up, 12 weeks). No patients developed clinical evidence of PE due to upper extremity thrombosis or superior vena cava syndrome (median follow-up, 15 weeks). Catheters were placed subsequent to filter placement in 23 patients (56%) without complication. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous filter placement in the superior vena cava is a safe and effective method for preventing symptomatic PE due to acute upper extremity DVT in patients in whom therapeutic anticoagulation has failed or is contraindicated.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Management of large high-flow arteriovenous malformations of the shoulder and upper extremity with transcatheter embolotherapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter embolization of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the shoulder and upper extremity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four men with large AVMs of the shoulder and upper extremity were treated with transcatheter arterial embolization. Symptoms included high cardiac output, pain, paresthesias, and disfigurement. Each patient underwent multiple sessions of embolotherapy. RESULTS: In two patients there was no decrease in cardiac output. In three patients, no permanent decrease in AVM size or resolution of pain was achieved. Two patients experienced postembolization skin necrosis, and one experienced permanent radial neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Large, high-flow AVMs in the shoulder and upper extremity may be relatively refractory to intravascular treatment because of the diffuse involvement of the soft tissues by the AVM and the lack of a well-defined nidus. Transcatheter embolotherapy in these lesions should be reserved for patients undergoing resection to help decrease intraoperative bleeding.

Adult↗