Objective To investigate the feasibility of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (MRDTI) technique in displaying myocardial fiber architecture. Methods In five ex vivo swine heart, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was acquired in 25 directions within 2 hours after excision. The myocardial fiber was reconstructed by using brain white matter tractography algorithm to display its course, distribution and arrangement. Results In the swine heart 1 hour after excision, MRDTI revealed that the arrangement of the myocardial fiber had certain continuity. It spiraled and twisted to form the left and right ventricle. The divection of general myocardial fiber in the left ventricle was vertical below endocardium, horizontal below epicardium and oblique in stratum medium, which is consistent with the theory of ventricular myocardial band. Conclusion MRDTI can reveal the myocardial fiber architecture, showing its integrity and arrangement, and at some level confirming the theory of ventricular myocardial band.
Objective To analyze the short-term effectiveness of repairing musculus extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendon using suture anchor after debridement of extensor tendon insertion for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis. Methods Between March 2009 and May 2011, 10 patients (10 elbows) with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis received repair of the ECRB and EDC tendon to the lateral epicondyle using a single suture anchor after debridement of extensor tendon insertion. There were 6 males and 4 females with an average age of 45.4 years (range, 36-57 years). The dominant elbow was involved in 8 patients and nondominant elbow in 2 patients; there were 4 manual workers and 6 ordinary workers. The disease duration ranged from 8 to 24 months (mean, 12.3 months). All patients had epicondylus lateralis humeri pain, local swelling and tenderness, and positive Mill sign. The average elbow range of motion (ROM) was 11.3°(range, 0-30°) in extension and was 132.5°(range, 120-145°) in flexion. Preoperative MRI showed external humeral epicondylitis in all patients. ResultsPrimary wound healing was obtained in all patients without complications of infection, leakage of joint fluid, and stiffness of elbow. Ten patients were followed up 4 to 23 months with an average of 12 months (more than 12 months in 7 cases). The time to return to work was (3.75 ± 0.95) months for manual workers and was (2.91 ± 0.20) months for ordinary workers, showing no significant difference (t=1.715, P=0.180). Compared with preoperation, the mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score significantly decreased (P lt; 0.05), and Mayo score and the grip strength of dominant and nondominant significantly increased (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found when compared with non-surgical side at last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). At last follow-up, the average ROM was —1.5° (range, 0-—10°) in extension and was 150.5°(range, 140-160°) in flexion. ConclusionTo suture anchor for repairing the ECRB and EDC after debridement is a satisfactory procedure to treat recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis. It can effectively prevent loss of the forearm extensor strength, relieve the pain, recover the grip strength, and obtain good results.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of modified extensor indicis proprius (EIP) tendon transfer for reconstruction of spontaneously ruptured extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon by comparing with the traditional EIP tendon transfer. MethodsBetween January 2009 and December 2011, 11 cases of spontaneously ruptured EPL tendon were treated by modified EIP tendon transfer to reconstruct extension function (modified group). On the base of traditional procedure, the proximal end of EPL tendon was sutured with EIP tendon and the distal end of EIP tendon was crossed round extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendon and sutured back with EPL tendon. A specific EI-EPL evaluation method (SEEM) was used to measure the EPL tendon function after transfer. The result was compared with that of the other 18 cases undergoing traditional operation (traditional group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, and injury causes between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention. In traditional group, 5 cases were out of follow-up, and the other 24 cases were followed up 1 year and 6 months on average (range, 8 months-2 years and 6 months). At the last follow-up, according to the evaluation of SEEM, the thumb elevation and flexion deficits of modified group were significantly less than those of traditional group (P lt; 0.05). The independent elevation deficit of the index finger of modified group was similar to that of traditional group (P gt; 0.05). The effectiveness was excellent in 9 cases and good in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 100% in modified group, and was excellent in 5 cases, good in 6 cases, and fair in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 84.6%. The effectiveness of modified group was significantly better than that of traditional group (χ2=0.03, P=0.03). ConclusionReconstruction of EPL tendon function by modified EIP tendon transfer is effective and easy. It can increase strength of the transferred tendon and obtain satisfactory results, but the long-term effectiveness needs further follow-up.
Objective To evaluate the results of thumb opposition function by transferring the extensor carpi ulnaris and the extensor poll icis brevis muscle tendons. Methods Between March 2006 and August 2009, 35 patients with dysfunction of thumb opposition were treated and the thumb opposition function was reconstruced by transferring the extensor carpi ulnaris and the extensor poll icis brevis muscle tendons. There were 25 males and 10 females with an average age of 33.5 years (range, 20-53 years); 20 had median nerve injury in the wrist and 15 had median nerve injury with ulnar nerve injury. The causes were sharp instrument injury in 24 cases, blunt injury in 9 cases, and hot crush injury in 2 cases. Six cases complicated by shaft fractures of radius and ulna. All the patients underwent an operation of nerve repair at 1 to 3 hours after injury (mean, 2 hours). The time from injury to reconstructing operation was 6-14 months (mean, 7.5 months). Two cases was able to abduct thumb sl ightly, the others had no functions of thumb abduct and thumb opposition. Results All the wounds gained the primary healing. The patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14 months). The wrist joint angle and thumb dorsal extension were satisfactory. Thumb abduct and thumb opposition function returned to normal in 20 patients with simple median nerve injury; in 15 patients with median nerve injury and ulnar nerve injury, thumb abduct and thumb opposition function returned to normal in 15 and 13, respectively. According to ZHAO Shuqiang’s standard, the results of thumb opposition function were normal in all patients at 12 months after operation. Conclusion It is a convenient and efficient procedure to reconstruct thumb opposition function by transferring the extensor carpi ulnaris and the extensor poll icis brevis muscle tendons.
Objective To summarize the method and the cl inical outcome of repairing both toe extensor tendon and dorsal foot wounds with anterolateral thigh flap. Methods Between February 2007 and May 2009, 11 patients with toe extensor tendon and dorsal foot defect were treated with anterolateral thigh flap. There were 8 males and 3 females with a medianage of 45 years (range, 10-60 years). The causes of injury were sharp injury in 3 cases, machine crush injury in 3 cases, and traffic accident injury in 5 cases, including 7 cases of fresh wounds with a disease duration of 2-8 hours and 4 cases of old wounds with a disease duration of 3-15 days. The size of wound ranged from 6 cm × 5 cm to 25 cm × 15 cm. All cases compl icated by toe extensor tendon defect, which were located at the 2nd-5th toes in 1 case, 3rd-5th toes in 1 case, 2nd-4th toes in 2 cases, 2nd and 3rd toes in 3 cases, 1st and 2nd toes in 1 case, and 1st toe in 3 cases. In the first stage, the anterolateral thigh flap ranged from 8 cm × 7 cm to 27 cm × 15 cm was used to repair defect and fascia lata was used to bridge two ends of digitorum longus tendon; the donor site was sutured or repaired with the skin graft. The second stage was performed after 2-3 months, tenolysis for tendon was performed, and fascia lata was spl it into tendon-l ike shape; and the toe functional exercises were done. Results All flaps survived completely after the first stage, wounds healed by first intention; the donor skin graft survived and incisions healed by first intention. At 7 days after the second stage, marginal necrosis occurred in 3 flaps (0.5-2.0 cm in width), and healed after 15-20 days of dressing change; the other flaps survived, and incisions healed by first intention. Eight patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 15 months). Excepts 4 sl ight bulky flaps, the other flaps had satisfactory appearance and soft texture with two points discrimination of 1-3 cm. During the follow-up, part of the dorsiflexion function recovered in 5 patients (5-40°), andflexion function was normal; 3 dorsiflexion function disappeared without effect on the function of toe flexion, and the patients could walk normally. No toe ptosis occurred. Conclusion Appl ication of the anterolateral thigh flap can repair toe extensor tendon and dorsal foot wounds with short treatment time and less damage at the donor site, so it can avoid toe ptosis after surgery and achieve excellent cl inical results.
Objective To analysis the electrophysiological dominance weight of the triceps brachii muscle/extensordigitorum communis muscle innervated by brachial plexus and to conclude its effect on the ipsilateral C7 transfer so as to offer electrophysiological data for the safety and indication of i psilateral C7 transfer. Methods From August 2007 to October 2007, 15 patients with complete brachial plexus nerve root avulsion received contralateral C7 transfer. There were 13 males and 2 females aged 18-49 years (28 years on average). Injury was caused by fall ing in 1 case, by crush in 2 cases and by traffic accident in 12 cases, involving left side in 8 cases and right side in 7 cases. The upper, middle and lower trunk of the brachial plexus were stimulated respectively, the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) at the triceps brachii muscle/extensor digitorum communis muscle was recorded, and then the electrophysiological dominance weight of the triceps brachii muscle/extensor digitorum communis muscle innervated by brachial plexus was confirmed according to the comparison of the ampl itude percentage of the CMAP by three trunks. The muscle strength of triceps brachii muscle/extensor digitorum communis muscle was evaluated and the electromyogram was taken 6 months after operation. Results All patients were followed up for 6 months. Concerning the electrophysiological dominance weight, the triceps brachii muscle was mainly innervated by uppermiddle trunk in 3 cases (20%), by middle-lower trunk in 3 cases (20%), by whole trunk in 7 cases (47%) and by middle trunk in 2 cases (13%). While the extensor digitorum communis muscle was mainly innervated by middle-lower trunk in 3 cases (20%), by whole trunk in 10 cases (67%) and by lower trunk in 2 cases (13%). Concerning the triceps brachii muscle, 2 patients got the muscle strength of 4 grade with recruitment simple phase at 1 month after operation and returned to normal at 3 month after operation, while 13 patients got the muscle strength of 5 grade with recruitment simple or mixed phase at 1 month after operation. Concerning the extensor digitorum communis muscle, the muscle strength and the recruitment phase of all 15 patients recovered to normal at 1 month after operation. Conclusion To patients with various kinds of electrophysiological dominance weight, the cutting of C7 does not substantially damage the triceps brachii muscle or extensor digitorum communis muscle, indicating that the ipsilateral C7 transfer is safe and feasible. However, it should be appl ied prudently for the patients with high dominance weight since it may result in the short-term decrease of triceps brachii muscle strength.
Objective To discuss the mechanisms and clinical effect of musculus extensor hallucis longus shifting in correcting hallux valgus (HV) deformity. Methods From April 2004 to December 2006,25 cases of HV (38 feet) were treated by musculus extensor hallucis longus shifing. There were 2 men and 23 women, aging from 22-60 years (mean 46.3 years).HV angle was 21.45° (mean 31.30°), intermetatarsal(IM) angle was 7-21° (mean 12.52°). The HV were corrected by cutting osteophyma of the first metatarsal bone, cutting transverse head of adductor pollicis, transferring musculus extensor hallucis longus and reconstructing its insertion. Results The patients were followed up 6-14 months after operation. HV angle and IM angle were 7.30°±2.62° and 6.50°±2.46° respectively, showing significantdifferences when compared with before operation (Plt;0.05). According to the American Orthopaedic Foot amp; Ankle Society (AOFAS) score system, the foot function was excellent in 25 feet, good in 7 feet and poor in 6 feet,and the excellent and good rate was 84.2%. Hallux varus occurred in 2 feet after 2 months of operation, metatarsophalangeal joint limitation of motion in 2feet after 3 months of operation, no HV recurred. ConclusionThe HV deforemity can be corrected by shifting the musculus extensor hallucis longus and reconstructing its insertion. It makes stress of metatarsophalangeal joint balance and prevent recurrance of HV deformity.
Objective To introduce a new operative technique of the expansive laminoplasty with reattachment of the spinous process and theextensor musculature for treatment of a tumor in the cervical vertebral channeland evaluate the clinical outcome of the technique. Methods From July 2003 to June 2006, this technique was applied to 26 patients (14 males,12 females; age, 25-57 years; illness course, 3 months-2 years) in our hospital. The four limbs had a muscle force of ⅢⅣ degrees, and with a high musculartension. The tendon reflex was sthenic and 2 patients had patellar clonus and ankle clonus. MRI was used to measure the tumor size (from 1.5 cm ×0.8 cm to 2.8 cm×2.0 cm, at the C3-6 levels) before and after operation.There were 8 cases at the C3,4levels, 9 cases at the C4,5 levels, 9 casesat the C5,6 levles. Results The result of the follow-up (average,8months; range, 6-12 months) showed that all the patients achieved a recovery at different degrees,with no death or complication. Although 10 of the patients felt a pain in the neck, but the pain was relieved after the functional exercise; the cervical active scope was changed a little with no cervical intervertrbal instability. The postoperative MRI and CT showed that the posterior column was maintained, and the “close-door” phenomenon did not happen. The degree of latitule of the cervical vertebra after operation was measured. The antecollis was 28.43°(37.9° onaverage). The hyposokinesis was 3244°(41° on average), the left antecollis was 25.45°(23° on average), and the right antecollis was 35.45°(36.2° on overage).Conclusion The expansive laminoplasty with reattachment of the spinous process and the extensor musculature can provide enough operative space and reserve the normal posterior column of the cervical vertebra. The intervertebral stability can beobtained after conglutination between the spinous process and the vertebral lamina.
Objective To investigate a synthetical technique combining static and dynamic states for treating facial paralysis. Methods From October 1993 to November 2005, 93 patients (26 males, 67 females; aged 9-69 years; illness course, 6 months to 24 years) with facial paralysis were admitted for treatment, of whom 48 were unknown in their pathological origins, 32 had a history of intracranial or ear operation, 13 had their facial paralysis related to trauma. We applied synthetical techniques for treating facial paralysis, including denerved muscle (extensor hallucis brevis and extensor digitorum brevis) free graft using an operating or chemical technique, temporal muscular flap suspending, treatment of eye closure by uplifting zygomomalar tissues and temporal muscular flap suspending, brow lifting by the Buried Guiding Suture Appliance, Botox injection, and the nerve amputation of normal side for mandibular marginal ramus paralysis. Results After the treatment for 82 patients with the method of the denerved muscle free graft combining femporal muscular flap suspending, 3 patients with the method of uplifting zygomo-malar tissues combining temporalmuscular flap suspending for eye closure, 15 patients with the method of the Buried Giding Suture for eyebrow lifting, 4 patients with the Botox injection and nerve amputation of normal side for the mandibular marginal ramus paralysis,93 patientshad a good therapeutic result. The follow-up for 3 months to 10 years in all the patients revealed that 75 patients were satisfied with their treatment results and 13 patients were almost satisfied according to the criteria for the facialsymmetrical checking and the House-Brackmann grading system. The technique hadadvantages of a complete survival of the related small muscles, a hidden incision, less trauma for the Botox injection, and the denerved muscles for surrounding nerve inserting. Conclusion The synthetical technique combining static and dynamic states for treating facial paralysis is a good therapeutic method and the therapies for facial paralysis should vary with the different conditions of the paralysis. We advocate an individuation treatment for facial paralysis.
Objective To investigate the result of free vascular transplantation of denervated extensor digitorum brevis and extensor hallusis brevisfor the treatment of late facial paralysis. Methods From April 2003 to April 2005, 26 cases of facial paralyces were treated by transplantation of denervated extensor digitorum brevis and extensor hallusis brevis. During operation, the ends of the tendons were fixed at ala nasi, middle point of nasal labial fold,oral commisure and chin; the muscle belly were put around the masseter nerveto correct the nasal and oral deformity, microsurgery was applied to anastomosethe tarsus lateral vessels to the superficial temporalis vessels or the facial vessels. The result of the operation was evaluated by the Standard of Douglas Harrison and the Paresis Assessment scoring system of Stennert. Results The static appearance was satisfactory in 26 cases after operation, the bilateral oral commisure was symmetry and the dynamic appearance was greatly improved 6 months after operation. Among the 23 cases whose disease history was above 2 years，all could smile naturally and show their teeth symmetrically except 1 case whocould only move the oral commissure. Among the 3 cases whose disease history was less than 2 years, one could smile naturally and show his teeth symmetrically, one could smile but could not show his teeth symmetrically, another could move oral commissure but have no motion appearance. The result was evaluated as“” according to Standard of Douglas Harrison, accounting for 88% (23/26). Evaluated according to the Paresis Assessment scoring system of Stenert, the difference before operation and after operation was more than 5, accounting for 86% (22/26). Conclusion The free vascular transplantation of denervated extensor digitorum brevis and extensor halluces brevis can reconstruct the oral appearance for the treatment of late facial paralysis.