The Journal of hand surgery
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To determine whether there is a difference in the incidence of infection between exposed and buried K-wires when used to treat phalangeal, metacarpal, and distal radius fractures. ⋯ Therapeutic IV.
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To report the distribution of the different patterns of stretch brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) in a retrospective cohort of patients operated at our institution during an 11-year period. ⋯ Diagnostic IV.
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Which infants with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) should undergo microsurgical plexus reconstruction remains controversial. The current gold standard for the decision for plexus reconstruction is serial clinical examinations, but this approach obviates the possibility of early surgical treatment. We hypothesize that a new technique using 3-dimensional volumetric proton density magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without sedation can evaluate the severity of BPBP injury earlier than serial clinical examinations. ⋯ Diagnostic II.
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After complete 5-level root avulsion brachial plexus injury, the free-functioning muscle transfer (FFMT) and the intercostal nerve (ICN) to musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) transfer are 2 potential reconstructive options for restoration of elbow flexion. The aim of this study was to determine if the combination of the gracilis FFMT and the ICN to MCN transfer provides stronger elbow flexion compared with the gracilis FFMT alone. ⋯ Therapeutic IV.
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Management of fingertip and thumb tip injuries has recently undergone substantial changes. The time-proven traditional armamentarium of local flaps has been expanded and replaced by a wide variety of flaps. ⋯ The excellent results with respect to restoring contour, sensibility of the pulp, and aesthetics of the finger justify this more tedious and time-consuming treatment of fingertip and thumb tip injuries. This article gives an update of the most commonly used flaps and the semiocclusive dressing treatments of fingertip and thumb tip injuries.