Injury
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In recent years, a significant amount of research in the field of tendon injury in the hand has contributed to advances in both surgical and rehabilitation techniques. The introduction of early motion has improved tendon healing, reduced complications, and enhanced final outcomes. There is overwhelming evidence to show that carefully devised rehabilitation programs are critical to achieving favourable outcomes. ⋯ Intra-operative information from the surgeon to the therapist is vital to the choice of splint protected position to reduce repair rupture/gap forces, and to commencement of active, or splint controlled, motion for tendon excursion. Decisions should align with the phases of healing, the clinician's observations, frequent range of motion measurements and patient input. Clinical concepts pertinent to early motion rehabilitation decisions are presented by zone of injury for both flexor and extensor tendons during the early phases of healing.
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Difficulties in management of major degloving injuries of the upper limb are compounded by their relative rarity and a lack of clarity in decision-making regarding surgical treatment strategies. Management options include salvaging the degloved segment through revascularization techniques such as direct arterial anastamosis or arterio-venous (AV) shunting, and reconstructing the unsalvageable degloving injury with microsurgical or non-microsurgical techniques. This article focuses on the use of revascularization techniques as a means to salvaging a major degloved segment. ⋯ Major degloving injuries that include the digits as well require both AV shunting and digital artery revascularization (Group 2). Major deglovings involving the dorsum of hand or forearm are only relative indications for AV shunting and traditional management with flap reconstruction or skin grafting is equally appropriate. This new classification and its application are discussed in a number of case examples.
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The improved short and long term survival rate of individuals with large burn injuries has made rehabilitation for optimal recovery of the patient increasingly important. Burn injury to the hands worsens the prospect of functional recovery and good quality of life in single events, especially when included in larger burns. ⋯ The model of health described by the World Health Organisation provided the framework for the review, to structure the review in the domains of body structures and body functions, functional activities and participation in life roles. The lack of consensus in the burn literature regarding the most appropriate outcome measures and interventions necessitates futures research and long term outcome studies to identify, predict and prevent the difficulties patients may face over their lifespan.
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Injuries that cause soft tissue defects could threaten the function and viability of the involved digit. Reconstruction of such defects can be challenging and requires careful consideration in restoring both the aesthetic and functional deficit. The purpose of this review is to describe appropriate reconstructive technique using various free tissue transfers. ⋯ Composite tissue including bone may be required in selected cases. Additional procedures, such as secondary skin graft or division of the flap, should be done after several weeks of the first operation. Refinements and improvements in free tissue transfer allow an expanse of reconstructive options for soft tissue defect in the digit.
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To report the 10-years' experience of a novel arthroscopic assisted anatomical TFCC reconstruction in treatment of chronic DRUJ instability resulting from irreparable TFCC injuries. ⋯ Our arthroscopic assisted approach on TFCC reconstruction is safe, produces comparable results as the standard technique and may achieve better range of motion with less soft tissue dissection and earlier mobilization.