• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.723-728
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• 2008

Purpose: The disinsertion of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion has difficulties in ordinary tenorrhaphy operation for the anatomical features, and still has controversy between non-surgical and surgical management. The purpose of this study is to select treatment for the injury of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion, as we've had a good results from operation treatment with Pull-in suture technique. Methods: We reviewed the hospital records of 12 patients treated with Pull-in suture technique with disinsertion of the phalangeal extensor or flexor tendon distal insertion from June 2006 to June 2007. Eight patients were involved with the tendon disinsertion without bone fracture, and 4 patients were involved with the fracture of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion site. After removal of the K-wire in week 6, active physical exercises were commenced immediately. The mean follow-up period was 12.4 months. Results: All the patients who had tendon disinsertion with bone fracture had IIB, by Wehbe and Schneider's classification 2, and we evaluated the results comparing the same finger of the other hand according to Crawford's evaluation criteria 5. The nine excellent and three good results were obtained and there were no limitation of motor for the patient who had operation for the rupture of flexor tendon as well. There were no particular complications during the follow-up period. Conclusion: The most important thing for the disinsertion of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion is to maintain an accurate and durable reduction state keeping the tension of tendon. At this point, after removal of the K-wire, the Pull-in suture technique allows accurate realignment of the tendon-bone unit without any specific instrumentation under the more stable state. The Pull-in suture technique seems to be a strong alternative for the treatment of disinsertion of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion, with successful treatment outcome(rapid functional recovery and high patient satisfaction).

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.46-50
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• 2009

Purpose: Finger injury by green onion cutting machine is one of the common hand injuries in the kitchen. It has a unique feature: there are multiple parellel laceration 3 - 5 mm wide. There are two directions of injuries(vertical, oblique). It may involve bone, tendon, nerve, and vessel injuries. We discuss its management and the long - term progress. Methods: We have treated six patients from 2003 to 2007. We carried out low tension approximation with thin suture materials to avoid ischemia and performed the additional operation as nail bed repair, tenorrhaphy, open reduction, vessel anastomosis, and composite graft. We reviewed the record of initial injury and collected the follow - up record. Results: They were all middle aged - women who had worked in the kitchen. Right hand was dominent over left hand. The ratio of the directions was 3 : 3 (vertical : oblique). They were all competely healed although there were three atrophy, four hyperesthesia, and one nail deformity. Conclusion: Finger injury by green onion cutting machine is a unique pattern of laceration with various accompanied injuries. It may look like a severe form of injury, but in most cases have relatively favorable progress. We have to perform careful examination of accompanied injuries and carry out the proper management. First and foremost, the user especially in the middle aged women should be warned to be careful in handling this risky machine.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.397-403
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• 2012

Background Nonabsorbable sutures are favorable for repairing flexor tendons. However, absorbable sutures have performed favorably in an animal model. Methods Two-strand sutures using the interlocking modified Kessler method with polydioxanone absorbable sutures 4-0 were used to repair completely ruptured flexor tendons in 55 fingers from 41 consecutive patients. The medical records of average 42 follow up weeks were analyzed retrospectively. The data analyzed using the chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test was used for postoperative complications. The results were compared with those of other studies. Results Among the index, middle, ring, and little fingers were injured in 9, 17, 16, and 13 fingers, respectively. The injury levels varied from zone 1 to 5. Of the 55 digits in our study, there were 26 (47%) isolated flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) injuries and 29 (53%) combined FDP and with flexor digitorum superficialis injuries. Pulley repair was also conducted. Concomitant injuries of blood vessels and nerves were found in 17 patients (23 fingers); nerve injuries occurred in 5 patients (10 fingers). Two patients had ruptures (3.6%), and one patient had two adhesions (3.6%). Using the original Strickland criteria, all the patients were assessed to be excellent or good. Also, fibrosis and long-term foreign body tissue reactions such as stitch granuloma were less likely occurred in our study. Compared to the Cullen's report that used nonabsorbable sutures, there was no significant difference in the rupture or adhesion rates. Conclusions Therefore, this study suggests that appropriate absorbable core sutures can be used safely for flexor tendon repairs.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.12-20
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• 2010

Purpose: Industrial punch accidents involving fingers cause segmental injuries to tendons and neurovascular bundles. Although multiple-level segmental amputations are not replanted to regain function, most patients with an amputated finger want to undergo replantation for cosmetic as much as functional reason. The authors describe four cases of digital amputation by an industrial punch that involved the reinstatement of the amputated finger involving a joint and neurovascular bundle. Amputated segments were replanted to restore amputated surfaces and distal segments. Methods: A single institution retrospective review was performed. Inclusion criteria of punch injuries requiring replantation were applied to patients of all demographic background. Injury extent (size, tissue involvement), operative intervention, pre- and postoperative hand function were recorded. Result: Four cases of amputations were treated at our institute from 2004 to 2008 from industrial punch machine injury. Average patient age was 32.5 years (25~39 years) and there were three males and one female. Sizes of amputated segments ranged from $1.0{\times}1.0{\times}1.2\;cm^3$ to $3{\times}1.5{\times}1.6\;cm^3$. Tenorrhaphy was conducted after fixing fractured bone of the amputated segments with K-wire. Proximal and distal arteries and veins were repaired using the through & through method. The average follow-up period was thirteen months (2~26 months), and all replanted cases survived. Osteomyelitis occurred in one case, skin grafting after debridement was performed in two cases. Because joints were damaged in all four cases, active ranges of motion were much limited. However, a secondary tendon graft enhanced digit function in two cases. The two-point discrimination test showed normal values for both static and dynamic tests for three cases and 9 mm and 15 mm by dynamic and static testing, respectively, in one case. Conclusion: Though amputations from industrial punch machines are technically challenging to replant, our experience has shown it to be a valid therapy. In cases involving punch machine injury, if an amputated segment is available, the authors recommend that replantation be considered for preservation of finger length, joint mobility, and overall functional recovery of the hand.