Metacarpal and phalanx fractures of the hand amendable to closed reduction and percutaneous pinning can be treated in the procedure room with no increase in risk of infection, malunion, or nonunion rates. In addition, these surgeries can be performed in a procedure room with lower cost and less charges to patients than in the operating room.

Study Design: Biomechanical investigation. Objective: To compare the biomechanical performance of nitinol memory metal rods and titanium rods when used as posterior spinal instrumentation in a synthetic model. Methods: Biomechanical testing was performed using ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene blocks. Nineteen spinal constructs were created to allow comparison of 5.5-mm nitinol rods with 5.5-mm titanium rods. Static compression and rotational testing were performed on an Instron 8874 and Instron 4202 at 37°C to simulate body temperature. Results: The average titanium construct stiffness under static compression or bending was 47.2 ± 9.1 N/mm while nitinol’s stiffness averaged 48.9 ± 12.4 N/mm ( P = .83). During axial rotation testing, the nitinol rod system showed no torsional stiffness difference from the titanium system: 0.95 ± 0.03 Nm/deg versus 0.96 ± 0.17 Nm/deg, respectively ( P = 0.91). There was a statistically significant difference between the average torsional yield point for the titanium constructs (14.4 ± 1.6 Nm/deg) and nitinol constructs (21.3 ± 0.8 Nm/deg) ( P = .004). The torsional toughness of the nitinol constructs was also statistically greater than the titanium rods: 473 GN/m3 versus 784 GN/m3 ( P = .0006). There was no statistically significant difference between the nitinol group sustaining a higher number of fatigue cycles until failure and the titanium group (181 660 cycles vs 64 104 cycles, respectively, P = .22). Conclusions: This study provides biomechanical evidence that nitinol rods used in a posterior construct are comparable to titanium rods with regard to compression and have increased torsional failure load and torsional toughness. While nitinol trended toward superior fatigue resistance, there was no significant difference in nitinol versus titanium construct fatigue resistance.

Background: Distal fingertip amputations with exposed bone is challenging for the surgeon to manage. In order to reconstruct a good sensate pulp with appropriate closure, various flaps are advocated in the literature. Of these, palmar advancement flap, first described by Moberg in 1964, comprises one of the most popular options. Methods: Thirteen patients (11 male, 3 female) with fingertip injuries were operated. Following the elevation of Moberg flap, proposed modifications were carried out. Joint mobility and pulp sensitivity were recorded as well and advancement scores were noted before and after the modification. These scores were assessed statistically. Results: No complications were noted and there was no need for additional surgery. Excellent joint mobility and pulp sensitivity were maintained. This modification showed a statistically significant improvement in the advancement (p<0.05). Conclusions: Moberg flap is a good option for the closure of fingertip defects. Some simple modifications, as described in here, can enhance the advancement while securing the entire advantages of the flap. IntroductionThe hand is a unique part in the body in and plays important and often irreplaceable functions. In the industrialized world, occupational hand injuries need to be healed as soon as possible. Meanwhile, several healing techniques with various options are being applied to hundreds of thousands of patients by experienced practitioners.Unlike other hand injuries, fingertip amputations need additional attention in order to establish a normal pulp sensibility and maximum range of motion, and like others to maintain the upmost level of hand functioning.In 1964, the volar advancement flap was first described by Moberg for the reconstruction of pulp defects of the thumb (1). This flap is a pedicled advancement flap proximally based on an intact skin pedicle including both neurovascular bundles. This technique establishes a successful neurosensation of the pulp with a limited advancement as well. However, a simple modification as described here, and never been reported elsewhere, can enhance additional advancement. Patients and MethodsThe study was performed with informed consents obtained from all participants.Technique Thirteen patients (11 males, 3 females) with fingertip injuries were operated under regional anaesthesia. Palmar advancement flap was raised over the parathenon (1) (Figure 1a). Both neurovascular bundles were included in the flap so that neurosensible coverage is accomplished (Figure 1b). To increase the Hand Microsurgery & ABSTRACTOsseous blastomycosis of small bones of the pediatric hand is rare. A thirteen-year-old male was reported with a missed diagnosis of right ring finger blastomycosis osteomyelitis and six-week delay in treatment. He was treated successfully with surgical debridement and long term itraconazole. Blastomycosis should be considered in any patient with a lytic bone lesion and prompt tissue cultures are crucial to timely and appropriate treatment.