Resumo Objetivo Os avanços da microcirurgia reconstrutiva na cirurgia ortopédica proporcionaram melhores resultados funcionais e estéticos, evitando as muitas indicações de amputação. Nos hospitais de ortopedia e traumatologia com um grande volume de atendimento, a reconstrução microcirúrgica é essencial, a fim de reduzir os custos e as complicações destes complexos defeitos ortopédicos. Descrevemos uma abordagem microcirúrgica para feridas traumáticas, ressecção tumoral, defeitos ósseos e transferência muscular livre realizada por uma unidade ortopédica especializada em microcirurgia. O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar os fatores preditivos de resultados dos retalhos microcirúrgicos na reconstrução dos membros, fornecendo uma análise descritiva dos retalhos microcirúrgicos para as indicações ortopédicas. Métodos Estudo prospectivo transversal, que incluiu todos os casos consecutivos de retalhos microcirúrgicos com indicação ortopédica de 2014 a 2020. Foram coletados os dados do histórico clínico pessoal, procedimentos microcirúrgicos intraoperatórios e exames laboratoriais. As complicações e os desfechos de retalho livre foram estudados mediante uma análise descritiva e estatística. Resultados Avaliamos 171 retalhos em 168 pacientes. A indicação mais frequente para a realização de um retalho microcirúrgico foi a traumática, em 66% dos pacientes. Foram observadas complicações cirúrgicas em 51 retalhos, conforme a classificação de Clavien-Dindo do tipo III. A taxa de êxito global dos retalhos microcirúrgicos foi de 88,3%. Na análise multivariada, foram identificados como fatores de risco para complicações tempo de isquemia ≥ 2 horas (p= 0,032) e obesidade (p= 0,007). A perda parcial do retalho foi mais comum em pacientes com trombocitose, com contagem de plaquetas pré-operatória (p= 0,001). Conclusão Os fatores de risco independentes para complicações de retalhos microcirúrgicos para a reconstrução de membro são obesidade e tempo de isquemia do retalho ≥ 2 horas, e a presença de trombocitose como fator de risco para perda parcial do retalho.

Abstract Objective Advances in reconstructive microsurgery in orthopedic surgery provided better functional and aesthetic results and avoided many indications for amputation. In high-volume trauma and orthopedic hospitals, microsurgical reconstruction is essential to reduce costs and complications for these complex orthopedic defects. We describe a microsurgical approach to traumatic wounds, tumor resection, bone defects, and free muscle transfer, performed by an orthopedic microsurgery unit. The objective of the present study was to evaluate predictor factors for outcomes of microsurgical flaps for limb reconstruction, and to provide a descriptive analysis of microsurgical flaps for orthopedic indications. Methods Cross-sectional prospective study that included all consecutive cases of microsurgical flaps for orthopedic indications from 2014 to 2020. Data were collected from personal medical history, intraoperative microsurgical procedure, and laboratory blood tests. Complications and free-flap outcomes were studied in a descriptive and statistical analysis. Results We evaluated 171 flaps in 168 patients; the indications were traumatic in 66% of the patients. Type III complications of the Clavien-Dindo Classification were observed in 51 flaps. The overall success rate of the microsurgical flaps was 88.3%. In the multivariate analysis, the risk factors for complications were ischemia time ≥ 2 hours (p= 0.032) and obesity (p= 0.007). Partial flap loss was more common in patients with thrombocytosis in the preoperative platelet count (p= 0.001). Conclusion The independent risk factors for complications of microsurgical flaps for limb reconstruction are obesity and flap ischemia time ≥ 2 hours, and presence of thrombocytosis is a risk factor for partial flap loss.

RESUMO Introdução Os achados radiográficos, cirúrgicos e o tratamento das fraturas-luxações radiocárpicas foram analisados retrospectivamente em 40 pacientes. Materiais e Métodos Todos os pacientes foram classificados de acordo com a classificação radiológica de Dumontier e comparados com os achados cirúrgicos. Com base nessa análise, uma nova classificação e tratamento são propostos. Resultados De 1995 a 2018, 40 pacientes com fratura-luxação radiocárpica foram submetidos à cirurgia. Trinta e seis eram homens e quatro mulheres. A média de idade foi de vinte e quatro anos (variação de 18 a 45). Três luxações eram volares e 37 dorsais. Inicialmente, 8 (20%) pacientes foram classificados como Grupo I, 29 (72,5%), como Grupo II e 3 (7,5%), permaneceram sem classificação. As variações principais ocorreram no Grupo II. Sete fraturas permaneceram estáveis depois da fixação da estiloide radial e 6 permaneceram instáveis. Dezesseis fraturas apresentaram fragmentos articulares ou cápsula interposta que impediu a redução anatômica por manobras conservadoras. Conclusões Com base em nossas observações intraoperatórias e nos resultados cirúrgicos, acreditamos que uma classificação mais detalhada deva ser adotada. Nível de evidência IV;Estudos Terapêuticos; Série de casos.

ABSTRACT Introduction The radiographic and surgical findings, and treatment of radiocarpal fracture dislocations, were analyzed retrospectively in 40 patients. Materials and Methods All patients were classified according to Dumontier´s radiological classification and compared with the surgical findings. Based on this analysis, a new classification and treatment are proposed. Results From 1995 to 2018, 40 patients with radiocarpal fracture dislocation underwent surgery. Thirty-six were males and four were females. The mean age was twenty-four years (range: 18-45). Three dislocations were volar dislocations and 37 were displaced dorsally. Initially, 8 (20%) patients were classified as group I, 29 (72.5%) as group II, and 3 (7.5%) remained unclassified. The main variations occurred in group II. Seven fractures were stable after radial styloid fixation and 6 remained unstable. Sixteen fractures presented articular fragments or an interposed capsule, which prevented anatomical reduction using conservative maneuvers. Conclusion Based in our intraoperative observations and surgical results, we believe that a more detailed classification should be adopted. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.

RESUMO Obejtivo: Descrever fatores associados e aspectos epidemiológicos da Doença de Dupuytren em uma população de pacientes acompanhados em serviço de Cirurgia de Mão de hospital público terciário brasileiro. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo transversal entre os anos de 2014 e 2019. Coletamos dados como idade, gênero, ascendência, comorbidades associadas, doenças fibróticas associadas, uso de fenobarbital, uso de tabaco e álcool e histórico familiar de Doença de Dupuytren. Em seguida, realizamos exame clínico, caracterizando o acometimento dos dedos da mão. Também foi avaliado se os pacientes da amostra apresentavam fatores de gravidade da Doença de Dupuytren. Resultados: 140 pacientes foram incluídos, 70,7% eram homens e 29,3% mulheres. Apenas 42,3% dos pacientes relataram ascendência europeia; 20% apresentaram parentes de primeiro grau com a doença; 59,3% apresentaram comorbidades, incluindo hipertensão, diabetes, cardiopatia crônica, dislipidemia e infecção por HIV; 15,8% tinham doença de Ledderhose e 7,1% tinham doença de Peyronie. 31% eram fumantes, 16,6% declararam alcoolismo, 37,1% faziam uso de fenobarbital e 40% apresentaram a forma grave da DD. Conclusão: A população estudada foi composta por brasileiros que apesar de, em sua maioria, não relatarem ascendência europeia, apresentaram diversas características semelhantes às descritas na literatura mundial. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos Prognósticos; Investigação do efeito de característica de um paciente sobre o desfecho da doença.

ABSTRACT Objectives: The purpose of this study is to describe associated factors and epidemiological aspects of Dupuytren’s Disease in patients followed up in a Brazilian tertiary public hospital, at the Hand Surgery service. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from 2014 to 2019. Data collected included: age, gender, ancestry, associated comorbidity presence, phenobarbital, tobacco, and alcohol use, family history of Dupuytren’s Disease and associated fibrotic diseases. Then, the patients underwent a clinical examination to identify and characterize the involvement of the fingers. The patients were also assessed in regard to whether they presented Dupuytren’s Disease severity factors. Results: 140 patients were included, 70.7% men and 29.3% women. Only 42.3% reported being of European ancestry; 20% had first-degree relatives with the disease; 59.3% presented comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, chronic heart disease, dyslipidemia, epilepsy, and HIV infection; 15.8% had Ledderhose disease, 7.1% had Peyronie’s disease. 31% were smokers, 16.6% were alcoholic, and 37.1% were phenobarbital users; 40% presented with a severe form of DD. Conclusion: The population studied was composed of Brazilians, most of whom did not report European ancestry; still, they presented several characteristics similar to those described in literature worldwide. Level of Evidence II; Prognostic Studies; Investigating the effect of a patient characteristic on the outcome of a disease .

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações histológicas nos nervos periféricos após neurorrafia do nervo ciático de ratos, de acordo com o tempo de exposição ao tratamento com câmara hiperbárica de oxigênio. Métodos: Vinte e cinco ratos da raça Wistar foram divididos em cinco grupos conforme o tempo de exposição ao tratamento com câmara hiperbárica de oxigênio. O grupo 1 não recebeu o tratamento; o grupo 2 recebeu uma semana de terapia; o grupo 3, duas semanas; o grupo 4, três semanas; e o grupo 5, quatro semanas. Após quatro semanas de pós-operatório, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia e uma amostra do nervo ciático foi enviada para análise histológica. Foram feitas contagens do número de axônios proximalmente e distalmente à neurorrafia, com medição do índice de regeneração axonal. Resultados: Observamos que o aumento do número de axônios distais à neurorrafia foi diretamente proporcional ao tempo de exposição à câmara hiperbárica de oxigênio, sendo mais expressivo a partir da terceira semana de tratamento. Entretanto, a análise estatística não encontrou diferença significativa entre os grupos. Conclusão: A análise descritiva sugere benefício do uso da câmara hiperbárica de oxigênio. Porém, devido à amostra reduzida, o estudo não apresentou resultados estatisticamente relevantes, sendo necessária a realização de estudos subsequentes com amostragem mais significativa. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Prospectivo Comparativo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate histological changes in peripheral nerves of rats after sciatic nerve neurorrhaphy, according to the time of exposure to hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment. Methods: Twenty-five Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups according to the amount of exposure to hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment. Group 1 was the control and there was no use of hyperbaric oxygen chamber; group 2 received one week of therapy; group 3, two weeks; group 4, three weeks; and group 5, four weeks. After the fourth postoperative week, the animals were submitted to euthanasia and a sciatic nerve sample sent for histological analysis. Axons proximal and distal to the neurorrhaphy were counted with axonal regeneration index measurement. Results: We observed that the number of axons distal to neurorrhaphy increases with the amount of hyperbaric oxygen chamber exposure, the results were more expressive from the third week of treatment. However, the statistical analysis found no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: The descriptive analysis suggests benefit of using hyperbaric oxygen chamber directly proportional to the time of therapy. The study, however, did not present statistically relevant results, probably due to the reduced sample size. Subsequent studies with more significant sampling would be of great value. Level of Evidence II, Prospective Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study proposed a structured microsurgical training program and evaluated it with the assistance of a large sample of surgeons. METHODS: The practical course comprised 16 sessions of approximately 4 hours each. This included two sessions for suturing rubber gloves and two sessions for suturing arteries, veins, and nerves in chicken thighs. The other sessions were performed on the femoral vessels of rats: 5 sessions for end-to-end arterial anastomosis, 5 for end-to-end venous anastomosis, 1 for arterial grafting, and 1 for end-to-side anastomosis. We conducted a structured assessment of the microsurgical skills in each training session. RESULTS: In this study, 89 surgeons were evaluated. The mean scores for the different procedures were as follows: glove suturing, 33.3±0.59; chicken nerve end-to-end anastomosis, 40.3±0.49; chicken artery suturing, 40.9±0.36; chicken vein suturing, 42.3±0.36; graft interposition, 44.8±0.7; and end-to-side anastomosis, 43.7±0.63 (p<0.05 for all). The chicken thigh suturing scores were significantly higher than the rubber gloves suturing scores (p<0.01). There were no differences between scores of the rat artery and chicken thigh suturing procedures (p=0.24). The rat venous anastomosis scores were higher than the rat arterial anastomosis scores (p=0.02), as were graft interposition scores when compared with end-to-end venous anastomosis scores. The end-to-side anastomosis scores did not differ significantly from the grafting scores (p=0.85). The most common errors were inadequate knotting technique and suture rupture due to inadequate technique (both n=88 [98.9%]). CONCLUSION: We propose a 16-step, progressive microsurgical training program to learn the basic microsurgical techniques comprehensively and reliably. The program was evaluated in a large sample of trainees, and it demonstrated the adequacy of the training sequence and results.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a influência dos níveis totais de proteína sérica e albumina como fator de risco para complicações de retalhos microcirúrgicos para reconstrução de membros. Métodos: Inclusão consecutiva de todos os pacientes submetidos a retalhos microcirúrgicos para reconstrução de membros de lesões complexas. Foram registrados dados epidemiológicos e laboratoriais, incluindo proteínas e frações totais, para fins estatísticos descritivos e analíticos. Resultados: 35 retalhos microcirúrgicos foram estudados em 35 pacientes com lesões complexas dos membros. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 35 anos, e 23 pacientes eram do sexo masculino. Após análise estatística, não foi observada influência da hipoalbuminemia pré ou pós-operatória na incidência de complicações. Pacientes com hipoalbuminemia permaneceram mais tempo hospitalizados do que aqueles com níveis normais de albumina (p = 0,008). Conclusão: Observamos 71% dos pacientes com hipoalbuminemia no início do período pós-operatório e sugerimos fornecer suporte nutricional para pacientes que necessitam de reconstrução traumática complexa dos membros. A presença de hipoalbuminemia em pacientes submetidos a retalhos microcirúrgicos para o tratamento de lesões traumáticas complexas nos membros não influenciou a presença de complicações que exigiam reintervenção cirúrgica, mas foi associada ao tempo de hospitalização prolongado. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo retrospectivo .

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate if the levels of serum total protein and serum albumin are risk factors for surgical complications of free flap limb reconstruction. Methods: Consecutive inclusion of all patients undergoing microsurgical flaps for limb reconstruction of complex injuries. We recorded epidemiological and laboratory data, including total proteins and fractions, for descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: Our study analyzed one microsurgical flap from 35 patients that underwent complex injuries of the limbs. In total, 23 patients were men, and mean age of all patients was 35 years. After statistical analysis, no influence of pre or postoperative hypoalbuminemia was observed on the incidence of complications. Patients with hypoalbuminemia had a higher length of stay than those with normal albumin levels (p = 0.008). Conclusion: We observed that 71% of patients had hypoalbuminemia in early postoperative period and we suggest a nutritional support for patients requiring complex traumatic limb reconstruction. Hypoalbuminemia in patients subjected to microsurgical flaps for the treatment of complex traumatic limb injuries did not influence the complications that required surgical reintervention; However, it was associated with prolonged hospital stay. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Através de imagens de ressonância magnética, investigar a ocorrência de degeneração gordurosa no músculo trapézio em pacientes adultos submetidos a procedimento de transferência de nervo envolvendo o nervo espinal acessório. Métodos: 13 pacientes com lesão do plexo braquial unilateral e mais de um ano de cirurgia de transferência de nervo utilizando o nervo espinal acessório foram submetidos a exame de ressonância magnética do músculo trapézio. Foi obtida uma sequência 3D ponderada em T1, com a técnica IDEAL, espessura de corte de 8,0 mm, espaçamento entre os cortes de 8,0 mm, TR de 100 ms, TE de 3,45 ms, flip angle de 10 graus e 20 cortes, no plano sagital. As imagens das porções superior, transversa e inferior do músculo trapézio foram classificadas de acordo com o grau de degeneração gordurosa e comparadas com o lado contralateral, utilizando o score de Goutallier. Resultados: Para o trapézio superior houve mudança no estado de degeneração em 23% (p = 0,083), para o trapézio transverso houve mudança em 84,6% (p = 0,003), e para o trapézio inferior houve mudança em 92,3% (p = 0,002). Conclusão: O trapézio superior não sofreu degeneração significativa após transferência. Os trapézios inferiores e médios sofreram degeneração gordurosa na maioria dos pacientes, indicando comprometimento funcional severo. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos .

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate, through magnetic resonance imaging, the occurrence of fatty degeneration of the trapezius in adult patients undergoing nerve transfer procedure, using the spinal accessory nerve. Methods: A total of 13 patients meeting the criteria of unilateral brachial plexus injury and more than one year of postoperative care after nerve transfer surgery underwent an MRI scan of the trapezius. A T1-weighted 3D sequence was used, with the IDEAL technique using 8.0 mm cut thickness, 8.0 mm cut spacing, TR of 100 ms, TE of 3.45 ms, flip angle of 10 degrees, 20 cuts, on the sagittal plane. The images of the upper, transverse and lower parts of the trapezius muscle were then classified according to the degree of fatty degeneration, compared with the contralateral side, using the Goutallier score. Results: For the upper trapezius there was a change of the degeneration state in 23% (p = 0.083), for the transverse section there was a change in 84.6% (p = 0.003), for the lower one there was a change in 92.3% (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The upper trapezius did not undergo significant degeneration after transfer. The lower and transverse trapezius suffered fatty degeneration in most patients, indicating severe functional impairment. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar, em coelhos, qual é a influência do desenho da alça de veia femoral com anastomose na artéria femoral, na presença de fluxo (patência) após sete dias. Método: 39 coelhos foram submetidos à microanastomose arteriovenosa com técnica microcirúrgica. As alças foram acomodadas em dois desenhos, um circular e outro, o mais alongado possível sem dobras na alça. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: presença ou não de fluxo, sinais de hemólise, alterações hemodinâmicas. Resultados: após sete dias, o fluxo estava presente em 68% das alças anguladas e em 75% das alças circulares (p > 0,05). Houve, intragrupo, diminuição estatisticamente significante da pCO 2 e aumento estatisticamente significante do pH. Não houve diferença estatística no restante dos parâmetros avaliados entre os dois modelos de alça. Conclusões: apresentamos um modelo reprodutível de alça vascular. Não houve diferença estatística quanto à presença de fluxo após sete dias nos dois modelos de alça vascular. Nível de Evidência V, Estudo experimental em animais.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of the design of a femoral vascular loop with anastomosis in the femoral artery of rabbits on the presence of flow (patency) after seven days. Methods: A total of 39 rabbits underwent arteriovenous microanastomosis using the microsurgical technique. Two loop designs were used: one circular and the other angled. The parameters evaluated were presence or absence of flow, signs of hemolysis and hemodynamic changes. Results: After seven days, flow was present in 68% of the angled loops and 75% of the circular loops (p > 0.05). There was a significant intragroup decrease in pCO2 and a significant increase in pH. For the other parameters evaluated, no significant differences between the two loop models were found. Conclusions: A reproducible vascular loop model was shown. There was no significant difference between the two vascular loop models about the presence of flow after seven days. Level of Evidence V, Animal experimental study.

Resumo A artroscopia é uma técnica cirúrgica que tem sido cada vez mais usada para a abordagem de lesões no punho. Atletas estão sujeitos a lesões traumáticas no punho devido à sobrecarga de treinamento ou à intensidade da atividade em competição. A necessidade de retornar o mais breve possível à pratica esportiva faz da artroscopia uma técnica minimamente invasiva muito útil nessas situações. Os autores apresentam as principais indicações de tratamento de lesões esportivas por artroscopia. Foi feita uma revisão da literatura.

Abstract Arthroscopy is a surgical technique whose indication for wrist injuries has grown in recent years. Athletes are subject to traumatic injury to the wrist due to training overload or the intensity of the activity during competition. The need of a quick return to sports practice makes arthroscopy a very useful minimally invasive technique in these situations. The authors present indications of sports-related injuries to the wrist that can be treated by arthroscopy. A literature review is also presented.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar e comparar parâmetros radiográficos, tomográficos e funcionais pré e pós-operatórios de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento de pseudoartrose do colo do escafoide com placa bloqueada para escafoide. Métodos: Esta é uma série de casos de pseudoartrose do colo do escafoide, operados no período de março de 2017 a março de 2018 no Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do HCFMUSP, utilizando-se a técnica de Fisk-Fernandez e osteossíntese com placa bloqueada para escafoide APTUS®Hand da Medartis. Os pacientes foram submetidos a radiografias, tomografia computadorizada e avaliação funcional pela equipe de terapia ocupacional no pré e pós-operatório. Resultados: Houve consolidação da pseudoartrose do colo do escafoide em todos os casos e melhora nos parâmetros de alinhamento carpal nos exames de imagem, porém, funcionalmente, observamos redução da amplitude de movimento e força de preensão em relação ao membro contralateral. Conclusão: O tratamento da pseudoartrose do colo do escafoide com placa bloqueada se mostrou efetivo, com elevado índice de consolidação e melhora do alinhamento carpal nos exames de imagem, embora com redução da amplitude de movimento e força de preensão em relação ao membro contralateral, quando avaliados com 12 semanas de pós-operatório. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess and compare radiographic, tomographic and functional pre and postoperative parameters of patients submitted to treatment of nonunion of the scaphoid waist with locked plate for scaphoid. Methods: This is a case series of scaphoid waist nonunion, operated from March 2017 to March 2018 at the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology of HCFMUSP, using the technique of Fisk-Fernandez and osteosynthesis with locked plate for scaphoid APTUS®Hand from Medartis. The patients were submitted to radiographs, computed tomography and functional evaluation by the occupational therapy team in the pre and postoperative periods. Results: There was consolidation of the scaphoid waist nonunion in all cases, improvement in the parameters of carpal alignment in the imaging examinations, but functionally we observed reduction of the range of motion and grip strength in relation to the contralateral limb. Conclusions: The treatment of the scaphoid waist nonunion with locked plate was effective, with a high index of consolidation and improvement of the carpal alignment in the imaging tests, although with a reduction in the range of motion and grip strength in relation to the contralateral limb when evaluated with 12 weeks postoperatively. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

RESUMO Objetivo O retalho ósseo vascularizado do côndilo femoral medial deve sua irrigação à artéria genicular descendente e, na ausência desta, à artéria genicular superior medial. A artéria genicular descendente comumente ramifica-se em: ramo muscular, safeno e osteoarticular. O estudo teve por objetivo analisar as variáveis relativas à dissecção do retalho ósseo do côndilo femoral medial. Métodos Foram dissecados 30 joelhos (20 cadáveres), registrando-se: idade; estatura; peso; comprimento da coxa; presença da artéria genicular descendente; se o ramo safeno tem origem na artéria genicular descendente; comprimento dos ramos da artéria genicular descendente e os diâmetros da artéria genicular descendente e veia comitante. Resultados A artéria genicular descendente esteve presente em 93,3% dos espécimes (28/30). O ramo safeno originou-se da artéria genicular descendente em 76,7% das dissecções (23/70). Distância entre origem da artéria genicular descendente e interlinha articular = 13,4 (±1,4) cm, comprimento da artéria genicular descendente = 7,5 (±1,5) cm, diâmetro da artéria genicular descendente = 1,9 (±0,3) mm, diâmetro da veia comitante = 1,7 (±0,3) mm. Conclusão O retalho ósseo vascularizado do côndilo femoral medial mostrou-se a opção versátil para reconstrução de lesões do sistema músculo-esquelético. Permite a elevação de retalho ósseo associado à pele e tecido muscular, cada qual nutrido por ramos independentes. Nível de Evidência IV; Série de casos.

ABSTRACT Objective The medial femoral condyle corticoperiosteal flap is irrigated by the descending genicular artery, and when this is absent, by the superior medial genicular artery. The descending genicular artery divides into the muscular, saphenous, and osteoarticular branches. The objective of this study was to describe the variables involved in the dissection of the medial femoral condyle flap. Methods Thirty thighs from 20 cadavers were dissected and the following variables were recorded: age, height, weight, thigh length, presence of the descending genicular artery, whether the saphenous branch originated from the descending genicular artery, the length of the branches originating from the descending genicular artery, and the diameter of the descending genicular artery and the vena comitans. Results The descending genicular artery was present in 93.3% of the specimens (28/30). The saphenous branch originated from this artery in 76.7% of the dissections (23/70). The mean distance between the origin of the descending genicular artery and the knee joint was 13.4 cm (±١.4), the mean length of the descending genicular artery was 7.5 cm (±1.5), the mean diameter of the descending genicular artery was 1.9 mm (±٠.3), and the mean diameter of the vena comitans was 1.7 mm (±٠.3). Conclusion The vascularized medial femoral condyle is a versatile option for reconstruction of musculoskeletal injuries. It allows transference of bone associated with muscle and skin, which are each nourished by independent branches. Level of Evidence IV; Case series.

Objective:To compare the functional results of ankle fractures treated with metallic and absorbable plates. Twenty patients were randomized into two groups (metallic and absorbable implant groups) and followed prospectively. In the immediate postoperative period, patients were immobilized with plaster casts for one week, which was replaced by a removable cast for another four weeks. Partial weight-bearing was allowed after three weeks, and full weight-bearing after six weeks. Functional recovery was similar in both groups. At six months, three patients in the metallic group complained of local pain, and had their implants removed. One patient in the absorbable group exhibited early dehiscence of the suture and underwent debridement and suturing with good evolution. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was similar between the two groups after six and nine months of follow-up. The absorbable implants showed clinical and functional results that were similar to those of metallic implants. Level of Evidence II, Prospective Comparative Study.

Objective: To demonstrate the importance of performing early shoulder tomography in patients with obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP).Methods: This series of cases retrospective study with level evidence IV was conducted by consulting 76 patient's medical records with OBPP divided into three age groups: ≤12 months, 13 to 24 months and ≥ 25 months. The patients were classified according to gender, affected side, type of paralysis according to Narakas classification, and by computed tomography, according to the Waters scale.Results: The association between the age groups with Waters classification was statistically significant (p=0,006), showing that patients in the group aged less than 12 months and in the group aged between 12 and 24 months had a relevant correlation between the physical examination and Waters > III when compared to patients from groups aged 25 months or older.Conclusion: This study shows a correlation between the findings in the physical examination and severe dysplasia on the shoulder of children under 24 months of age, justifying the early tomographic shoulder exam in order to achieve a better follow-up and a consider a more aggressive approach in the treatment of OBPP affected children. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence of wrist ligament and cartilage associated fractures of the distal radius, through arthroscopy, correlating with AO/ASIF classification. METHODS: Thirty patients aged between 20 and 50 years old, with closed fracture from groups B and C according to AO/ASIF classification were selected. All of them were submitted to wrist arthroscopy to address intra-articular injuries and reduction and osteosynthesis of the fracture. RESULTS: A high incidence of intra-articular injuries was noticed, and 76.6% of them presented injury of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, 36.6% of the intrinsic scapholunate ligament, 6.6% of the intrinsic triquetrolunate ligament, and 33% articular cartilage injury larger than three millimeters. Patients with fractures from type C according to AO/ASIF classification presented a higher incidence of ligament injuries. CONCLUSION: There is no relationship between the presence of chondral injury and the AO/ASIF classification of the fractures in the cases reported in this study. Level of Evidence III, Non Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our pioneer national experience with 11 patients with soft tissue defects in the distal 1/3 of the leg, ankle and forefoot treated with extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap (EDB).METHODS: Between November 2009 and July 2012 11 patients were operated with the flap technique. We operated nine men and two women aged between 10 and 66 years. The surgical indications were acute trauma in four patients and post-traumatic osteomyelitis in seven patients. The small defects were covered ranging from 3x3 to 6x3 cm. The patch was applied with proximal stalk in most cases.RESULTS: Complete healing and infectious cure were obtained in all cases, despite one loss.CONCLUSION: The EDB flap is a feasible and safe technique to repair foot, ankle and distal leg losses. Suffering, dehiscence and delayed healing of the EDB end flap donor area may, however, occur. L-shaped incisions should be avoided for muscle lifting. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.