Orthopaedic Surgeon, specialising in hand and reconstructive microvascular surgery. Experienced consultant, lecturer and examiner in Orthopaedic and Orthopaedic research.
Abstract: We have compared a simple four-strand flexor tendon repair, the single cross-stitch locked repair using a double-stranded suture (dsSCL) against two other four-strand repairs: the Pennington modified Kessler with double-stranded suture (dsPMK); and the cruciate cross-stitch locked repair with single-stranded suture (Modified Sandow). Thirty fresh frozen cadaveric flexor digitorum profundus tendons were transected and repaired with one of the core repair techniques using identical suture material and reinforced with identical peripheral sutures. Bulking at the repair site and tendon-suture junctions was measured. The tendons were subjected to linear load-to-failure testing. Results showed no significant difference in ultimate tensile strength between the Modified Sandow (36.8 N) and dsSCL (32.6 N) whereas the dsPMK was significantly weaker (26.8 N). There were no significant differences in 2 mm gap force, stiffness or bulk between the three repairs. We concluded that the simpler dsSCL repair is comparable to the modified Sandow repair in tensile strength, stiffness and bulking.
Abstract: Glomus tumours (GT), neoplasms of the glomus body comprise 4.5% of upper limb tumours. Seventy-five per cent of these occur in the hand, and most are subungual (50%). We performed a literature review and retrospective search of histopathologically confirmed GT seen from 1995 to 2009. Fifteen patients were identified, with an average age of 49.6 years. Eight were in the hand, 2 in the upper limb, 2 lower limb and 3 in the ear. Eighty-six per cent presented with pain and 50% underwent radiological investigation. Most diagnoses followed biopsy findings. Surgical excision resulted in a recurrence rate of 13%. The average time to diagnosis was 3.3 years. The average duration of symptoms was 7 to 11 years with an average of 2 to 3 consultations pre-diagnosis. MRI remains the most useful imaging modality (82 to 90% sensitivity). Excision biopsy is the most common treatment. Greater awareness is needed for quicker diagnosis.
Abstract: The effects of Glucosamine Sulphate (GS) and Chondroitin Sulphate (CS) on the healing of damaged and repaired articular cartilage were investigated. This study was conducted using 18 New Zealand white rabbits as experimental models. Focal cartilage defects, surgically created in the medial femoral condyle, were either treated by means of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) or left untreated as controls. Rabbits were then divided into groups which received either GS+/-CS or no pharmacotherapy. Three rabbits from each group were sacrificed at 12 and 24 weeks post-surgery. Knees dissected from rabbits were then evaluated using gross quantification of repair tissue, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) assays, immunoassays and histological assessments. It was observed that, in contrast to untreated sites, surfaces of the ACI-repaired sites appeared smooth and continuous with the surrounding native cartilage. Histological examination demonstrated a typical hyaline cartilage structure; with proteoglycans, type II collagen and GAGs being highly expressed in repair areas. The improved regeneration of these repair sites was also noted to be significant over time (6 months vs. 3 months) and in GS and GS+CS groups compared to the untreated (without pharmacotherapy) group. Combination of ACI and pharmacotherapy (with glucosamine sulphate alone/ or with chondroitin sulphate) may prove beneficial for healing of damaged cartilage, particularly in relation to focal cartilage defects.
Abstract: Ultrasound criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may vary in different populations. To determine the ultrasonographic criteria for CTS in a Malaysian population and compare its usefulness with nerve conduction studies (NCS), we studied patients clinically diagnosed with CTS and normal controls by ultrasonography. All patients also underwent standard NCS. Median nerve Cross-Sectional Area (CSA) and Flattening Ratio (FR) at 3 different levels - proximal to tunnel inlet, at tunnel inlet and tunnel outlet were measured. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to calculate the optimal discriminatory threshold values for CTS. Of 54 CTS hands, NCS was positive in 85.2%. Median nerve CSA at all 3 levels, were significantly greater in CTS hands. FR was significantly greater at tunnel inlet. A CSA threshold of 0.1 cm(2) proximal to and at tunnel inlet had sensitivities of 70.4% and 63% and specificities of 85.2% and 88.5 % respectively. CSA at tunnel outlet had lower specificity. If CSA of 2 levels (viz. proximal to or at tunnel inlet) were considered together, sensitivity and specificity improved to 81.5% and 83.3%. Qualitative loss of fascicular discrimination of the nerve proximal to the inlet had sensitivity and specificity of 77.8% and 96.3%. The most useful ultrasonographic parameter was median nerve CSA either proximal to or at tunnel inlet. However, the sensitivities were lower compared to NCS. Qualitative appearance of the median nerve is a useful adjunct to diagnosis. In conclusion, ultrasonography play an important complementary role to NCS in the diagnosis of CTS.
Abstract: Objectives: The aim was to compare the effectiveness of intraarticular lidocaine (IAL) versus intravenous Demerol and Diazepam (IVS) in reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocation. Design: This is a prospective randomized study. Setting: Emergency room setting. Patients: Thirty-one dislocations reduced with IVS, whereas 32 patients were reduced using IAL. Main Outcome Measurements: The visual analog pain scale was used before analgesic administration and during the closed manipulative reduction. Length of time since dislocation, frequency of dislocation, ease of reduction, patient satisfaction, adverse effects, and duration of hospitalization were recorded. Results: The IVS group had a 100% success rate, whereas the IAL group had a 19% (six of 32) failure rate (P = 0.024). However, there was no significant difference in terms of pain relief (P = 0.23) or patient satisfaction (P = 0.085) between both groups. In addition, patients in the IAL group had a shorter duration of hospitalization and no reported complications, whereas the intravenous group had a longer hospital stay and a 29% complication rate. The cost of IAL was 32% less than the cost for IVS. Conclusion: IAL was more cost effective than the IVS method. IAL provided adequate pain relief and fewer complications and is a viable option for analgesia during reduction of acute shoulder dislocation.
Abstract: The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in tissue repair and regeneration despite their multipotentiality has been limited by their cell source quantity and decelerating proliferative yield efficiency. A study was thus undertaken to determine the feasibility of using microcarrier beads in spinner flask cultures for MSCs expansion and compared to that of conventional monolayer cultures and static microcarrier cultures. Isolation and characterization of bone marrow derived MSCs were conducted from six adult New Zealand white rabbits. Analysis of cell morphology on microcarriers and culture plates at different time points (D0, D3, D10, D14) during cell culture were performed using scanning electron microscopy and bright field microscopy. Cell proliferation rates and cell number were measured over a period of 14 days, respectively followed by post-expansion characterization. MTT proliferation assay demonstrated a 3.20 fold increase in cell proliferation rates in MSCs cultured on microcarriers in spinner flask as compared to monolayer cultures (p < 0.05). Cell counts at day 14 were higher in those seeded on stirred microcarrier cultures (6.24 +/- 0.0420 cells/ml) x 10(5) as compared to monolayer cultures (0.22 +/- 0.004 cells/ml) x 10(5) and static microcarrier cultures (0.20 +/- 0.002 cells/ml) x 10(5). Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated an increase in cell colonization of the cells on the microcarriers in stirred cultures. Bead-expanded MSCs were successfully differentiated into osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages. This system offers an improved and efficient alternative for culturing MSCs with preservation to their phenotype and multipotentiality.
Abstract: Splinter or foreign body removal from the hand and foot is a common occurrence. Usually only the deep seated, broken or missed splinters are referred to the surgeon for removal. Unless the object is radio-opaque, plain radiograph will not give any useful information, hence removal can sometimes be very difficult and traumatic. We are reporting a case where a radiolucent splinter was removed with the aid of ultrasonography. This modality can help to localize a splinter at the pre and intra-operative period, minimizing amount of exploration and time of operation.
Abstract: PURPOSE:
To compare the efficacy of autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) versus non-operative measures for cartilage repair in rabbits.
METHODS:
Nine New Zealand white rabbits were used. Identical focal defects were created in the articular cartilage of both knees. One month later, the right knee was repaired via ACT, while the left knee was left untreated (control group). The quality of cartilage tissues in both knees was compared 3 months later, according to the quantitative analysis of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in the cartilage and macroscopic examination of histology using the Brittberg/International Cartilage Research Society (ICRS) score.
RESULTS:
Microscopic examination showed enhanced regeneration following ACT repair. Quantification analysis revealed significantly higher cellular expression of GAG in the ACT-treated knees (1.12 vs 0.81 microgram GAGs/mg protein, p=0.008). The mean Brittberg/ICRS score was significantly higher in the treated knees (6.00 vs 1.89, p=0.007).
CONCLUSION:
ACT is superior to non-operative measures for repairing focal cartilage defects, as determined by favourable histological and immunohistological outcomes at the cellular level.
Abstract: Anthropometric wrist measurement ratios were examined for an association with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Wrist measurements were recorded in 67 patients with CTS and ill a matched control group of 67 healthy volunteers. The Wrist Ratio (WR) (wrist anterior to posterior dimension/wrist medial-lateral dimension) and the Wrist Palm Ratio (wrist anterior to posterior dimension/palm length) were calculated for each case. We found that a W R of >= 0.70 and a Wrist Palm Ratio of > 0.342 were significantly associated with idiopathic CTS.
Abstract: A 27-year-old patient with ameloblastoma of the mandible underwent anterior mandibulectomy and reconstruction with left fibula osteocutaneous flap. The bone was shaped at the lower limb before cutting the pedicle. Vascularised free fibula flap provides a good alternative to other bone grafts in mandible reconstruction as it is relatively easy to perform, carries a low complication rate, and mandibular shaping with intact pedicle cuts down on ischaemic as well as total operative time.
Abstract: Background: The response of chronic plantar fasciitis to any treatment is unpredictable. Autologous blood might provide cellular and Immoral mediators to induce healing in areas of degeneration, the underlying pathology in plantar fasciitis. This study compared the efficacy of intralesional autologous blood with corticosteroid injection for plantar fasciitis present for more than 6 weeks. Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled, observer-blinded study was done over a period of 6 months. Sixty-four patients were randomly allocated to either the autologous blood or corticosteroid treatment group. All patients were assessed for the worst pain daily on visual analogue scale (VAS) and tenderness threshold (TT) at the plantar fascia origin using a pressure algometer before treatment, and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. A p value of 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Data were complete for 61 patients. The reduction in VAS and increase in TT for both groups was significant over time (p < 0.0001). At 6 weeks and 3 months, the corticosteroid group had significantly lower VAS than the autologous blood group (p < 0.011 and p < 0.005, respectively), but the difference was not significant at 6 months. The corticosteroid group had significantly higher TT than the autologous blood group at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months (p < 0.003, p < 0.003, p < 0.008, respectively). Although the trends were different, repeated-measures F test of both VAS and TT showed no significant difference in improvement between the groups over time. Conclusions: Intralesional autologous blood injection is efficacious in lowering pain and tenderness in chronic plantar fasciitis, but corticosteroid is more superior in terms of speed and probably extent of improvement.
Abstract: This study is designed to evaluate twenty patients after sural nerve harvest using the single longitudinal incision method. The area of sensory loss to pin prick was assessed by the authors at different intervals. Donor site factors, scar cosmesis, functional status and complications were assessed using a questionnaire. The mean area of anaesthesia at one month was 65 cm2 and it had reduced by 77% to 15 cm2 at one and a half years. The mean area of reduced sensation was 49 cm2 at one month and it increased by 18% to 58 cm2 over the same period. Therefore, the total area of sensory deficit was reduced by 36% from 114 cm2 at one month to 73 cm2 at one and a half years. Subjective patient evaluation indicated moderate level of pain during immediate post surgical period, which reduced significantly at one month. A low level of neuroma symptoms was recorded throughout the study period. At a mean follow-up period of two years, there was no area of anaesthesia in 50% of the patients. Mean area of anaesthesia for all patients was 12 cm2 and mean area of reduced sensation was 55 cm2. Subjective patient evaluation indicated a low level of pain, neuroma symptoms and numbness over the sural nerve sensory distribution. Twenty five percent of the patients were not satisfied with the scar appearance. Function and daily activities were not affected significantly. No surgical complications were observed.
Abstract: The conventional upper arm tourniquet used for hand and wrist operations may cause significant discomfort to patient when the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. Forearm tourniquet causes less muscle ischeamia and pain. The discomfort experienced while using a forearm and upper arm tourniquet was assessed in 96 healthy subjects. Tourniquet placed on both sides was inflated sequentially to 250mmhg for five minutes on different hand. The discomfort level was assessed using a small visual analogue scale and complications were recorded. In the upper arm tourniquet, 24.9% had mild, 60.5% had moderate and 14.6% had severe pain whereas with forearm tourniquet, 99% had mild pain and only 1% had moderate pain. Seventy-nine percent of the subjects tested with forearm tourniquet had no discomfort at all. The average discomfort level for upper arm and forearm tourniquet was 4.72 and 0.39 respectively, which is statistically significant. Complications that were observed only in upper arm tourniquet included prolonged tingling, burning sensation and discomfort and stiffness of the upper limb. We concluded that forearm tourniquet was safe and well tolerated and should be used more often when indicated.
Abstract: The excess accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contributes to the chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and renal failure. Biopsy specimens (n = 184) of arterial (n = 92) and venous (n = 92) tissues were obtained (radial artery and cephalic vein) from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with or without DM and normal healthy subjects (n = 12) requiring surgery (trauma patients). Immunohistochemical assessment of the blood vessels revealed the presence of pentosidine (AGE marker) in both veins and arteries in 72% of the ESRD patients. The percentage of arteries and veins that showed positive pentosidine staining in ESRD patients with type 2 DM alone was 100% and 92% respectively, in the non-diabetic ESRD patients it was <70% (for arteries and veins), and in the ESRD patients with hypertension as an additional co-morbidity to type 2 DM it was 70% and 82%, respectively. The veins of ESRD patients with DM showed a strong (+++) positive staining and very strong (++++) positive staining was observed in the patients with DM and hypertension. Only mild (+) or moderate (++) pentosidine staining intensity was observed in the arteries of ESRD patients without or with comorbidities, respectively. The accumulation of AGE in the vein rather than the artery may be a better reflection of the extent of complications of ESRD.
Abstract: Treatment of radius or ulna nonunion requires both osteogenic environment and mechanical stability. We would like to report three radial and six ulnar diaphyseal nonunions treated with 3.5 mm locking compression plate (LCP) fixation. To assess the effectiveness of 3.5 mm LCP in treating diaphyseal nonunion of the forearm bones, we prospectively reviewed nine patients with the mean age of 33 years with diaphyseal nonunion of the radius or ulna. All patients were treated with 3.5 mm LCP. Bone grafting was only performed for atrophic nonunion. Surgical and functional outcome were evaluated. There were three atrophic nonunion of the radius, four atrophic nonunion of the ulna and two hypertrophic nonunion of the ulna. All nonunion united successfully with satisfactory functional outcome. 3.5 mm LCP is effective in the treatment of nonunion of ulna or radius.
Abstract: Hand grip strength measurement is a recognized part of hand function assessment. The standard measurement using the Jamar dynamometer and comparing these results to the recommended normal values suggested by the manufacturers of the Jamar was questioned as these values were based on Western population. A study comparing a novel method of predicting grip strength using our software was conducted on 25 normal subjects using the LIDO kinetic workset (Group A and B ). These results were then compared against our predictive software (Group A) and the expected values supplied together with the Jamar Dynamometer (Group B). In another group, 22 normal subjects were tested using the Jamar (Group C and D) and then matched against the predicted values using their recommended chart (Group C). The last group (Group D) was tested using the Jamar but the values attained were compared to the results from our software. In group A, the predictability of our predictive method was 100% (both R & L) as compared to (R = 64%, L = 68%) in group B, (R = 27.3%, L = 59.1%) in group C and (R = 81.8%, L = 86.4%) in group D. The differences between the predictability of both methods were statistically significant. The data collected using both the Jamar and the LIDO kinetic workset correlated well to the data from our software but not to the values suggested by the manufacturers of Jamar. We conclude that our method of predicting hand grip values are superior to that suggested by the manufacturers of dynamometers. The standard reference for hand grip strength provided by the manufacturers is less accurate in predicting the grip strength of our local population.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To measure the hand grip strength of Malaysians aged 18 to 65 years. METHODS: Between January and April 2003, 412 subjects (200 women and 212 men) were recruited from staff, students, and visitors of the University of Malaya Medical Centre. Socioeconomic, general health, and lifestyle data were collected from each subject using a standard questionnaire. Weight and height were measured prior to testing. Standardised positioning and instructions based on several hand grip protocols were used. Data were collected using the LIDO kinetic work set. RESULTS: 93% of the subjects were right-hand dominant and 7% were left-hand dominant. Hand grip strength was significantly correlated with hand dominance, gender, occupation, height, and weight, but not body mass index. No significant differences in grip strength were noted with regard to race or level of income. Men were stronger than women in all age-groups, with a ratio of 1.75:1. In both right- and left-hand dominant groups, the dominant hand was consistently stronger than the non-dominant side, with a ratio of 1.12:1 in the right-hand dominant group and 1.05:1 in the left-hand dominant group. The strongest hand grip strength in the right-hand dominant group occurred in the age-group of 25 to 34 years; in the left-hand dominant group it was in the age-group of 18 to 24 years. In western populations, the mean grip strength can be as much as 1.5 times greater than in the Malaysian population. CONCLUSION: Data derived from western populations cannot be applied to a comparable Malaysian population. Gender, hand dominance, age, occupation, weight, and height must be considered when establishing normal values for grip strength.
Abstract: We report a case of scapholunate dissociation which was initially missed and presented late. A modification of Blatt dorsal capsulodesis performed using dorsal intercarpal ligament (DICL) and extra tunnel appears not only to add to dorsal stability but also address the volar problem as well. This modification may be a better alternative to the current technique of using a single flap.
Abstract: Soft tissue loss of the heel is difficult to treat as it may cause significant morbidity particularly recurrent ulceration and subsequent chronic osteomyelitis. Reconstruction of such defect with local flap can provide good result. We report our experience in treating four patients with heel defect using the in-step island flap. The flap, which is based on the medial plantar neurovascular pedicle, provides a sensate durable tissue required for weight-bearing and normal gait.
Abstract: Shoulder arthrodesis is a secondary reconstructive option for patients with brachial plexus injuries requiring a stable shoulder. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of shoulder fusion in six patients with flail upper limbs following complete brachial plexus injuries. The shoulder was fused in 30 degrees abduction, 30 degrees internal rotation and 30 degrees flexion via a direct lateral approach by using a 4.5 mm reconstruction plate without bone grafting. The average follow-up was 10.3 months. Radiological union was obtained in all patients. Five patients (83%) had relief of pain after the shoulder fusion. Improvement of function was observed in all patients with a mean improvement of 56.6 degrees (range 30 degrees-75 degrees) and 47.5 degrees (range 30 degrees-60 degrees) active flexion and abduction respectively. One patient developed humeral fracture distal to the plate and the fracture eventually healed with a splint. Successful stable fusion of the shoulder in patients with brachial plexus injuries requires rigid fixation with a single 4.5 mm reconstruction plate, protection of bone healing with a triangular abduction brace for 12 weeks and functional trapezius, levator scapulae, serratus anterior and rhomboid muscles for optimizing the functional result.
Abstract: We are reporting four cases of serious washing machine related injury that presented within a period of 5 months. All patients were young children with the mean age of 9 year-old and three had their dominant hand injured. The washing machines involved were the automatic top loader type and all injuries occurred during the spinning phase. Serious automatic washing machine injury is not uncommon in Malaysia. We feel that there is a need to improve the safety features especially during the spinning phase. The operating instructions and safety precautions on the washing machine should be displayed in different languages that can be understood well. Parents should also aware of the potential risks of this seemingly benign household appliance.
Abstract: Background: Comparisons of oxidative indices and total antioxidant status between end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with or without diabetes is scant, especially in the Asian population. Method: The assays were carried out according to known established protocols. Result: The present study showed that ESRD patients with or without non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) did not have any significant differences in antioxidant enzyme activities, advanced glycated end products (AGE), advanced oxidized protein products (AOPP) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), indicating that hyperglycemia does not exacerbate oxidative damage in ESRD. The regulation of catalase and glutathione peroxidase is also altered in ESRD. Elevated FRAP was observed in both ESRD groups (with and without NIDDM). The dialysis process did not alter the antioxidant enzyme activities but decreased AGEs and FRAP and increased AOPP levels. Conclusion: Oxidative stress is present in ESRD but this is not significantly exacerbated by hyperglycemia. The contribution of components in the pathology of renal failure towards oxidative stress exceeds that of hyperglycemia. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Abstract: Severe, persistent back pain following back surgery is often referred to as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). Conservative measures such as physiotherapy, back strengthening exercises, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and epidural steroids may be inadequate to alleviate pain. Spinal Cord Stimulators were implanted into two patients suffering from FBSS. Both patients responded successfully to spinal cord stimulation with reduction of pain and disability.
Abstract: A macroscopically visible scar was present at birth in three infants with a history of injury during amniocentesis at 16-20 weeks’ gestation. In several neonates born between 21 and 31 weeks’ gestation, chemical injury to the skin caused by extravasation of calcium gluconate healed by formation of a large scar. In the infant born at 21 weeks, biopsy of the injured area showed infiltration by large numbers of neutrophils and macrophages. It appears that a very immature neonate can mount a prominent inflammatory reaction and that both a midtrimester foetus and a very immature neonate heal injuries to the skin by scar formation and not by scarless healing.
Abstract: Sixty-one free flaps performed in 59 patients from April 1983 to April 1995 were analysed. Various factors that might have affected the outcome of the surgery were studied. These included the patient's age, history of smoking, pre-existing medical problems such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, the type of free flaps, flap infection, use of postoperative anticoagulation, postoperative anaemia and re-exploration. The infection rate was 16.4% and this had a strong correlation with the free flap failure in our study population. Postoperative anaemia could adversely affect the tissue oxygenation of the free flap and delay the re-exploration due to the high anaesthetic risk. Dextran was routinely used for postoperative anticoagulation. There were also rescue attempts using heparin infusion when needed. The overall failure rate was 13.1%. Besides good anaesthetic support, a well-prepared protocol is necessary both for the preoperative planning of free flap surgery as well as salvaging a failure.
Abstract: We describe a modification of the reverse homodigital island flap, in which a segment of lateral bend of the extensor apparatus is harvested with the flap and used to reconstruct the extensor insertion to the distal phalanx.
Abstract: The high tibial osteotomy has been used to treat medial compartment osteoarthritis for many years and has stood the test of time as an effective method for treatment of the varus knee in this condition. This article presents a quick, simple, safe, and effective method of doing this operation through small incisions using the Ilizarov apparatus.
Abstract: Mandibular resection, following surgery for tumor or osteoradionecrosis, leaves a patient with a swallowing, speech, and cosmetic disability. Repair of the oromandibular detect is difficult and various prostheses and grafts have been used and reported. The most popular form of mandibular reconstruction is the use of the free, vascularized bone transfer. We report our experience with the free vascularized fibula bone transfer in eight patients. (C) 1993 Wiley-Liss. Inc.
