• Applied Microscopy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.177-195
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• 1996

Fine structure of the processes of intramembranous ossification and endochondral ossification at the tip of the distal phalanx of human fetuses was studied by electron microscopy. In 50 mm fetus, intramembranous ossification of the tip of cartilaginous phalanx was first noted. The osteoblasts of the perichondral zone of tip of cartilaginous phalanx started to lay down a thick membranous bony lamella. Most of the hypertrophied chondrocytes in the marginal parts of tip of the distal phalanx remained viable after being embeded in mineralized cartilaginous septa. The tuberosity of the distal phalanx was formed by membranous bony trabeculae on the exterior of the subperiosteal cap at 80 mm fetus. At this stage endochondral ossification was first observed in distal extremity of the distal phalanx. The maority of hypertrophied chondrocytes in the center of distal extremity appeared to be disintegrating. Resorption of calcified matrix was undertaken by perivascular cells and chondroclasts. From the periosteum, zone of calcification, vascular sprouts expanded within a recently opened lacunae, and the invading osteoblasts laid down osteoid and bone. After 120 mm fetus, endochondral and subperiosteal ossification proceeded in only one direction, just proximally. These findings demonstrate that intramembranous ossification, calcification, and endochondral ossification start at tip of the distal phalanx instead of at the center of the shaft, as was the case in other long bones.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.117-120
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• 2011

Avulsion rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon at the distal phalanx is a rare injury. It usually occurs during extension of the DIP joint, while the flexor digitorum profundus tendon is contracted, or when strong extension force is applied, to the distal phalanx. We experienced a patient, combat policeman who had avulsion rupture of flexor digitorum profundus tendon at the distal phalanx after 2 days of combat exercise. Here, we would like to report unusual case of rare tendon injury with studies from other papers.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.480-484
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• 2006

Purpose: A lot of surgical techniques were tried to correct extension lag of distal interphalangeal joint. Spiral oblique retinacular ligament reconstruction is the one of correction techniques. Methods: From January 2004 to January 2005, a total of 13 extension lag of distal interphalangeal joint corrections were performed using spiral oblique retinacular ligament reconstruction for 11 patients. After dorsal incision exposing from base of distal phalanx to proximal phalanx, the new ligament(half of lateral band or graft tendon) lies distally at the dorsum of the distal phalanx and passes volarly and proximally along the side of the middle phalanx and anterior and obliquely across the front of the proximal interphalangeal joint to the opposite side of the digit at the proximal phalanx. Results: 5 of 6 mallet finger deformities and 7 swan neck deformities were corrected, which were both extension lag of distal interphalangeal joint and hyperextension of proximal interphalangeal joint. Conclusion: As a result, spiral oblique retinacular ligament reconstruction is an effective and recommendable method for correction of mallet finger deformity and swan neck deformity.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.38-42
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• 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intermittent bleeding method in the distal phalanx replantation. Materials and Methods: From January 2007 through June 2009, authors have replanted 117 cases of distal phalangeal amputation in adults at Soo Hospital and Chonbuk National University Hospital. Cases of zone II were 60 cases and zone III 57 according to Allen classification. Male to female ratio was 8.7:1.3. The most common cause was machinery injury in the factory, 98 cases(83.8%), next one was belt injury of the machine, 11 cases(9.4%) and others, 8(6.8%). At least one digital artery and digital nerve were anastomosed under the operating microscope, but vein was impossible to anastomosis as unable to find out in the zone II and III. After anastomosis of one or more digital arteries and nerves, heparine(6,000-10,000 units) was kept to intravenous injection for 24 hours and at the same time fish mouth incision in 2-3 millimeter diameter was made in the distal radial and ulnar margin of the replanted distal phanlanx. From the first 30 minutes to an hour after replantation, incision site was swabbed with heparinized cotton ball for 5 minutes in every 30 to 40 minutes to make sure perfusion for 24 hours, every an hour at the second day, every two hours at the postoperative third to fifth day. Results: 92 cases(78.6%) was completely survived at average postoperative third week follow-up and satisfied with preservation of the finger nail, digit length, good range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint and acceptable sensibility at average 1.2 years follow-up. Conclusions: Intermittant bleeding method in replantation of crushed distal phalanx impossible to anastomosis of vein at zone II and III of Allen classification was regarded as one of the notable salvage procedure.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.447-451
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• 2019

This case report describes the unusual occurrence of a flexor digitorum profundus avulsion secondary to an enchondroma of the distal phalanx of the middle finger. The enchondroma was treated by simple curettage with an autogenous bone graft harvested from the olecranon. The avulsed bone fragment was reattached to the distal phalanx using the pull-out suture technique. Bony union and full function of the digit were achieved.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.776-779
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• 2006

Purpose: Prior to closure of the epiphysis of the distal phalanx, fracture usually occurs through the growth plate, Salter-Harris type I or II, or through the juxtaepiphyseal region 1 to 2 mm distal to the growth plate. The terminal tendon of extensor inserts into the epiphysis only, while insertion site of the flexor digitorum profundus spans both the epiphysis and metaphysis. Because of the difference between these tendon insertions, this injury mimics a mallet deformity. But, this type of injury does not involve a tear or avulsion of the extensor, unlike mallet finger of adults. Seymour was the first to describe this type of injury in children and called after his name, Seymour's fracture. This fracture is prone to infection or remain the residual deformity unless adequate treatment. Methods: We report a case of Seymour's fracture. A 9-year-old boy presented a laceration of the nail matrix, with the nail lies degloved from the nail fold on the right middle finger gotten from an impact against a door. An X-ray examination showed the fracture line lying 1 mm distal to the growth plate. The injury was treated with debridement and the fracture was reduced by applying hyperextension force. Under the C-arm, a single 0.7 mm K-wire was used to immobilize the distal interphalangeal joint. Intravenous antibiotics were applied for 5 days after surgery. Results: The K-wire was removed in the 3rd week. No infection or significant deformity was found until follow-up of 12 months. Conclusions: Seymour's fracture may be at first classically mallet deformity by its appearance. But it is anatomically different and more problematic injury. If it isn't corrected at the time of injury, derangement of the extensor mechanism, and growth deformity of the distal phalanx may occur. The fracture site should be debrided, removed of any interposed soft tissue, and the patient should be given appropriate antibiotics. Reduction should be maintained by K-wire fixation. We experienced no infection or premature epiphyseal closure.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 1998

Subungal exostosis is a rare benign cartilaginous tumor affecting the distal phalanx. From 1995 to 1996, six subungal exostoses of the hallux were treated in the Chonnam national university hospital. The symptoms were subungal pain, mass on the distal phalanx elevating the nail or causing ulceration of the nail bed. The plain radiological examination showed a bony mass occurring on the dorsomedial or medial aspect of the distal phalanx. The diagnosis of the subungal exostosis of the hallux were suspected from clinical presentation and confirmed with radiographic examination. Histological patterns were fibrocartilaginous cap with the mature trabecular bone. Complete excision of the lesion including overlying nail bed was curative without recurrence in all cases.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.64-67
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• 2011

Reconstruction of the distal portion of the great toe has always represented a difficult problem to surgeons. There are many methods of flap reconstruction described for foot defects, but none for tip of the great toe. We report a case of reconstruction of the great toe using a homodigital reverse pedicle island flap method. A 25-year-old man had a crushing injury at the distal phalanx of the left great toe. A homodigital reverse pedicle island flap was raised from the dorso-medial aspect of the proximal phalanx of the great toe based on the distal dorsal arcade. The flap covered the exposed distal phalanx and stump was closed without shortening. He made an uncomplicated recovery and when seen 6 months later he had a good cosmetic and functional result. A homodigital reverse pedicle island flap is described for the reconstruction of the distal part of the great toe. It involves only a single stage procedure with minimal donor site morbidity and provides a good cosmetic results.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.117-120
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• 2002

We experienced 1 case of the giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath penetrating the middle phalanx of the third toe. Patient had painless huge mass all around the third phalanx of the foot which made a penetrating hole through the middle phalanx of the third toe in plain radiography. The period from the onset of the symptom until operation was about several years. The mass extended to the base of the distal phalanx and compressed digital nerves and vessels. Patient presented with a chief complaint of the pain on the plantar aspect of the toe and limitation of the motion of the distal interphalangeal joint. Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath was cured by total en block resection.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.22-26
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• 2014

An intraosseous epidermal cyst is a rare benign cystic lesion. It is thought to result from congenital factors or trauma and can lead to bone destruction because the cyst develops at the soft tissue around the bone. Radiological findings of intraosseous epidermal cysts are a well-defined radiolucent lesion, with cortical expansion. It is important to differentiate an intraosseous epidermal cyst with other disease developed at distal phalanx because its clinical and radiological findings are similar. We report two rare cases of intraosseous epidermal cysts that developed at the distal phalanx.