Objective To compare the effectiveness of open reduction and hook plate fixation versus closed indirect reduction and dorsal extension blocking Kirschner wire fixation for bony mallet fingers. Methods The clinical data of 68 patients with bony mallet finger who admitted between May 2019 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 33 cases were in the open group (treated with open reduction and hook plate fixation) and 35 cases were in the closed group (treated with closed indirect reduction and dorsal extension blocking Kirschner wire fixation). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, the affected side, the affected finger, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, and Wehbé-Schneider classification (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, fracture healing time, time of returning to work, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. At 12 months after operation, visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to assess the pain of the injured finger, active flexion range of motion and extension deficit of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) were measured by goniometer, and the effectiveness was assessed by Crawford criteria. Results All patients in the two groups were followed up 12-26 months, with an average of 15 months. There was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the closed group and the open group (P>0.05). The operation time in the closed group was shorter than that in the open group, and the intraoperative fluoroscopy times, the fracture healing time, and the time of returning to work in the closed group were more than those in the open group, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). In the closed group, there were 5 cases of pinning tract infection and 3 cases of small area pressure ulcer skin necrosis on the dorsal side of the finger, which were cured after intensive nursing and dressing change. Local nail depression deformity occurred in 7 cases in the open group, and the deformity disappeared after removal of plate. The incisions of the other patients healed uneventfully without complications such as infection, skin necrosis, exposure of the internal fixation, or nail deformity. There was no significant difference in the incidence of skin necrosis between the two groups (P>0.05), but the differences in the incidence of infection and nail deformity between the two groups were significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS score, DIP active flexion range of motion, DIP extension deficiency, or Crawford criteria evaluation between the two groups at 12 months after operation (P>0.05). At last follow-up, there was no DIP osteoarthritis and joint degeneration in both groups. Conclusion Open reduction and hook plate fixation versus closed indirect reduction and dorsal extension blocking Kirschner wire fixation have their own advantages and disadvantages, but both of them have good results in the treatment of bony mallet fingers. Open reduction and hook plate fixation is recommended for young patients with bony mallet fingers who are eager to return to work.
Objective To verify the effect of palatoplasty with or without velopharyngeal muscular reconstruction on the velar movement through the lateral radiography. Methods From October 1988 to October 2000, 62 patients with cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency were treated. Of them, 32 were repaired by velopharyngeal muscular reconstruction (group A) and 30 by modified von Langenbeck’s procedure (group B). The lateral radiographs and cephalometric analysis were taken. The velopharyngeal closure, velar extensibility, the angle changes of velar elevation, the distance changes of velar levator eminence based on anatomy (LEA) to velopharyngeal closure line (VCL), the varieties in LEA, the comparison of LEA and velar levator eminence based on phonation (LEP), the distance comparison between posterior nasal spine (PNS) to LEA and LEP through soft palate line (SPL) were measured. Results During the phonation, group A was significantly greater than group B in the velopharyngeal closure rate(Plt;0.01)， the velar extensibility(Plt;0.05) and the location comparison between LEA and LEP(Plt;0.01); group B was significantly greater than group A in velar elevation angle (Plt;0.05), the varieties in LEA(Plt;0.05). In velar rest position, the distance of LEA to VCL was greater inB group than in A group(Plt;0.01). There was significant difference in thedistance comparison between LEA and LEP(Plt;0.05), difference between LEA and LEP(Plt;0.01) and the distance PNS-SPL-LEA and PNSSPL-LEP(Plt;0.05) within group B; contrary to the results within group A(P＞0.05). Conclusion The velopharyngeal muscular reconstruction in palatoplasty can result in a near normalizationof anatomic measurement of velar levator muscles and improve the velar functionand velopharyngeal competence. Repositioning of velar muscles in a more anatomic correct, transverse position is more important to improve the velar length andaccordant velar movement with velopharyngeal muscles in functional palatoplasty. The velar angle change and velar elevation during phonation are not determinative factors for velopharyngeal competence.
Objective To investigate the application and effectiveness of metatarsal mortise and tenon shortening osteotomy in the treatment of macrodactyly in children. Methods The clinical data of 17 children with macrodactyly (18 feet and 27 toes) admitted between January 2018 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males (12 feet and 18 toes) and 5 females (6 feet and 9 toes); the age ranged from 1 to 13 years, with a median age of 5 years. All children were treated with metatarsal mortise and tenon shortening osteotomy. Ten cases of single-segment metatarsals were shortened, 7 cases of 2-segment metatarsals, and 1 case of 3-segment metatarsals; involved 1 foot of single toe, 9 feet of 2 toes, 3 feet of 3 toes, 3 feet of 4 toes, and 2 feet of 5 toes. Five cases had lameness, and 1 case had limited walking with the big toes of both feet, and there was no obvious pain in all children. X-ray films showed that the involved phalanges were thickened and increased in 18 feet, and the deformity of the distal segment was heavier than that of the proximal segment in 13 feet, and the two were similar in 5 feet. The length of metatarsal shortening was 0.7-2.5 cm, with an average of 1.2 cm. The clinical healing of shortened metatarsal fractures in children was observed after operation, and the occurrence of related complications was recorded. ResultsAll 17 children were followed up 6-22 months, with an average of 14 months. All incisions healed by first intention. The osteotomy ends of 27 toes were clinically healed after operation, and the healing time was 4-8 weeks. No nonunion, fracture displacement, malunion, epiphyseal plate premature closure, and needle tract infection occurred. ConclusionMetatarsal mortise and tenon shortening osteotomy is a good osteotomy method. It can improve the stability of the osteotomy end and increase the contact surface of the osteotomy end, which is conducive to the healing of the osteotomy end and is suitable for the treatment of macrodactyly.
This study aims to explore whether Guzheng playing training has a positive impact on the brain functional state of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on power spectral and sample entropy analyses. Eight ASD participants were selected to undergo four months of Guzheng playing training, with one month as a training cycle. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and behavioral data were collected for comparative analysis. The results showed that after Guzheng playing training, the relative power of the alpha band in the occipital lobe of ASD children increased, and the relative power of the theta band in the parietal lobe decreased. The differences compared with typically developing (TD) children were narrowed. Moreover, some channels exhibited a gradual increase or decrease in power with the extended training period. Meanwhile, the sample entropy parameter also showed a similar upward trend, which was consistent with the behavioral data representation. The study shows that Guzheng training can enhance the brain function of ASD patients, with better effects from longer training. Guzheng playing training could be used as a daily intervention for autism.
To investigate the immunoreaction, histological reaction and turnover by comparing the xenotransplantation of fresh human amniotic membrane (HAM) with that of preserved HAM, and to analyze the cl inical appl ication value of different kinds of HAM preparations. Methods Subcutaneous implant models were establ ished in 150 BALB/C mice, which were randomized into 5 groups of 30 mice each, based on different implants: fresh amniotic membrane (FAM), double fresh amniotic membrane (DFAM), glycerin preserved amniotic membrane (GPAM), chorion (positive control) or merely operation (negative control). The tissue samples from grafted area were observed with SABC and HE staining, and the inflammatory cells were calculated with l ight microscopy. 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Results The mice in all of groups were normal in eating and moving, and the wound surface healed well. In all of AM groups, the expression of MHC Ⅱ and the calculation of inflammatory cells were much less than those in chorion groups, showing significant differences (P lt; 0.01). At 1, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery, there were no significant differences in the expression of MHC Ⅱ and the calculation of inflammatory cells in all of AM groups, compared with other groups (P gt; 0.05). From 2 weeks to 4 weeks after surgery, there were no significant differences in the expression of MHC Ⅱ and the calculation of inflammatory cells between FAM and DFAM groups (P gt; 0.05), but they were both more than those in GPAM groups, showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). At the 4th week after surgery, in all of AM groups, the expression of MHC Ⅱ and the calculation of inflammatory cells were less than those at the 2nd week, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.01).The amniotic epithel ium was still al ive in fresh AM groups until 4 weeks after transplantation. Early after surgery, fibroblasts infiltrated AM from the substantia basilaris layer while made fibrous capsule around the epithel ium. After 12 weeks, the amnion absorbed. Conclusion As a kind of heterologous biomaterial, whether fresh or preserved, HAM can be seemedof ideal immunocompatibil ity and histocompatibil ity. Fresh HAM with al ive epithel ium may be more successful in area ofrepair and reconstruction.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of tibial nerve transection with epineurial suture and division of the common plantar digital nerve branches in the treatment of congenital macrodactyly in children. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 9 children with congenital macrodactyly who met the selection criteria and were admitted between January 2018 and December 2024. The cohort included 4 boys and 5 girls, aged 1-6 years (median, 3 years). Syndactyly of the second and third toes was present in 2 patients. Hypertrophy distribution was as follows: 1 case of single-ray involvement, 4 of double-ray, 1 of triple-ray, 1 of quadruple-ray, and 2 of quintuple-ray. Preoperatively, 7 cases exhibited limitations in both active and passive flexion and extension of the affected toes; in 2 cases, active movement was restricted while passive motion remained intact. All 9 children were unable to wear standard-sized footwear for the unaffected foot. Six presented with a limp, and 3 had difficulty walking. All 9 cases were moderate to severe progressive macrodactyly, and the growth rate of the affected foot was significantly faster than that of the healthy side. Six cases had undergone prior surgical interventions at other institutions, but disease progression continued postoperatively. All 9 patients underwent tibial nerve transection with epineurial suture and selective division of the common plantar digital nerve branches. At last follow-up, the foot growth rate was calculated (compared with that immediately after operation), and the changes of plantar pain sensation in the affected foot were detected before operation, immediately after operation, and at last follow-up, and the surgical efficacy was evaluated based on improvements in shoe fit and gait function. Results All 9 children were followed up 6-36 months, with an average of 18 months. All the incisions healed by first intention, and no infection or plantar ulceration occurred. At last follow-up, the growth rate of the affected foot was 0.10 (0.04, 0.14) cm/month, which was significantly slower than that of the healthy foot [0.14 (0.08, 0.18) cm/month] (Z=3.951, P<0.001). Preoperatively, plantar pain sensation was absent in all cases; it was restored immediately after operation. At last follow-up, 6 patients had absent pain sensation, 2 had partial preservation (involving certain toes and central plantar regions), and 1 patient (with 3-year follow-up) exhibited regained sensation in multiple plantar areas. Gait improved in most cases, in which 8 children achieved normal ambulation, while 1 continued to limp due to leg-length discrepancy. Surgical efficacy were rated as excellent in 1 case, good in 7, and fair in 1. Conclusion Tibial nerve transection with epineurial suture combined with selective division of the common plantar digital nerve branches effectively reduces the growth rate of congenital macrodactyly in children, has minimal impact on plantar sensory function, and does not result in plantar ulcers or impaired ambulation.
Objective
To investigate the clinical application of micro transverse flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery from palmar wrist to repair skin defect of finger.
Methods
Twenty-six cases (26 fingers) with skin defect of finger were repaired with micro transverse flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery from palmar wrist between December 2011 and February 2013. There were 20 males and 6 females with the average age of 31.5 years (range, 20-56 years). The causes of injury included cutting injury in 20 cases and crushing injury in 6 cases. The time from injury to admission was 1-5 hours with an average of 2 hours. Injured fingers included thumb in 6 cases, index finger in 6 cases, middle finger in 6 cases, ring finger in 4 cases, and little finger in 4 cases; the locations were the dorsal side of the finger in 6 cases, lateral side in 6 cases, and the volar of the finger tip in 14 cases; there were 4 cases on the proximal phalangeal skin, 8 cases on the middle phalangeal skin, and 14 cases on the distal phalangeal skin. The defect area ranged from 2.0 cm × 1.5 cm to 4.0 cm × 2.0 cm, and the flap area ranged from 2.5 cm × 2.0 cm to 4.5 cm × 2.5 cm. All the donor sites were directly sutured.
Results
The flaps of 25 cases survived well after operation, and wound healed by first intention； 1 case had partial necrosis and the wound had a scar healing by changing dressing. All cases were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 10 months). The color and appearance of the flaps were satisfactory with tender texture. The two-point discrimination of the flap was 5-8 mm (mean, 6.8 mm). The donor sites healed primarily without scar contracture and limitation of wrist flexion or extension.
Conclusion
The micro transverse flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery from palmar wrist is a good option to repair skin defect of finger. It has the advantages of hidden donor site, the same operative field, great comparability of flap and finger skin, and it can be used as a vascularized tendon or nerve graft.
ObjectiveTo analyze and evaluate the clinical characteristics, efficacy, and tolerability of lacosamide monotherapy in the treatment of primary paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD). Methods The Clinical data of children with primary PKD who received lacosamide monotherapy between July 2021 and June 2025 in the Children's Hospital of Soochow University were analyzed, and their efficacy and tolerability were followed up. Results During the study period, a total of 7 children with primary PKD received lacosamide monotherapy. Among them, 4 had simple-type PKD and 3 had complex-type PKD; 2 had familial PKD and 5 had sporadic PKD; 4 were male and 3 were female. The age of onset was 11.0 (0.5 ~ 12.0) years. All 7 cases presented with dystonia as the form of onset, with 1 case also exhibiting athetosis. The attack frequency ranged from once every few days or weeks to 20 times per day, with a duration of 3 ~ 60 seconds. Bilateral limb involvement was most common, and 2 cases also had facial involvement. In auxiliary examinations, 3 cases showed abnormal EEG results, and 4 cases had abnormal genetic test results. Among genetic test results, 2 cases had PRRT2 gene mutations, 1 had a TMEM151A gene mutation, and 1 had a CLCN1 gene mutation. During lacosamide treatment, the initial and long-term maintenance doses were similar, at 2.87 (0.50 ~ 4.44) mg/(kg·d) and 2.67 (0.50 ~ 4.00) mg/(kg·d), respectively. At both the 4-week and long-term follow-ups, all 7 children showed good efficacy and tolerability.ConclusionLacosamide is effective and well-tolerated in children with both familial and sporadic, simple-type and complex-type primary PKD. A low dose of 2.67 (0.50 ~ 4.00) mg/(kg·d) is sufficient to control attacks, which is lower than the minimum maintenance dose of 4 ~ 6 mg/(kg·d) used in the treatment of epilepsy with lacosamide.
