Anatomically based radiological classification of thumb basal joint arthritis

The numerous surgical techniques proposed for treating thumb basal joint arthritis (osteotomy of the first metacarpal, trapezial osteotomy, simple trapeziectomy, trapeziectomy with implant, total joint prosthesis, arthroplasty by interposition, etc.) necessitate an anatomically based radiological evaluation of the different pathological forms of thumb basal joint arthritis. Here, the author defines three parameters: narrowing of the trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint space: TMA; TM instability and subluxation: TM I; scaphotrapeziotrapezoid damage: STT. Four stages of TM osteoarthritic deterioration are defined: TMA0: no joint narrowing (painful and unstable joint); TMA1: narrowing <50%; TMA2: narrowing>50%; TMA3: disappearance of the joint space, bone erosions. For TM instability/subluxation: TMI 0: reducible subluxation (unstable and painful TM); TMI 1: reducible subluxation but with imperfect reintegration; TMI 2: non-reducible subluxation <1/3; TMI 3: subluxation>1/3. For STT damage, STT 0: radiograph is normal but anatomical damage is visible intraoperatively; STT 1: joint space narrowing <50%; STT 2: joint space is barely visible; STT 3: presence of erosion, sclerosis, irregularities. He outlines the shortcomings of the often-used Dell and Eaton-Littler classifications. A prospective study involving multiple cases having the same anatomical and radiological appearance that are assessed with sufficient follow-up is needed to standardize the modalities of surgical treatment.

[Postoperative radiotherapy after immediate breast reconstruction]

Immediate breast reconstruction versus delayed breast reconstruction improves quality of life of breast cancer patients undergoing total mastectomy without impacting oncologic outcomes. Two types of immediate reconstruction are possible, implant-based reconstruction or autologous reconstruction. These reconstructions interpose a tissue in the operating bed, which modifies target volume definition compared to a wall without reconstruction Post mastectomy radiotherapy increases the rate of postoperative complications for both surgical procedures. Recent guidelines were published about target volume definition in the post mastectomy setting after implant-based reconstruction. Guidelines about target volume definition after autologous reconstruction are still awaited. The aim of our work is to present the different surgical procedures for immediate breast reconstruction, their complications, and the definition of the postmastectomy target volume.

[Postoperative course after immediate breast reconstruction: Comparison between five surgical techniques]

INTRODUCTION

This study analyzes postoperative course of different immediate breast reconstruction techniques: deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP), gracilis, latissimus dorsi flap, expander implants and definitive implants.

METHODS

All women operated on IBR between 2012 and 2017 in the CHU Strasbourg were included in this retrospective study. The main data collected were healing time, complications, surgical revisions and failure rates. These data were compared between the five IBR techniques to find a significant difference. Two groups were distinguished according to the surgical techniques: free flaps and implants. Data of those groups were compared too.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety three patients have had a breast surgical treatment between 2012 and 2017. Among them, 44 had a bilateral IBR (23%). Early and unserious complications, were less frequent in the implants group than in the free flaps group: 8.6% vs. 33.3% (P<0.01) for unilateral reconstructions and 10.9% vs. 38.9% (P<0.01) for bilateral reconstructions. No surgical failures were found in the free flaps group versus 6.2% for definitive implants and 3.6% for expander implants. Healing time was longer for the free flaps group than for the prothesis group: 5.6 weeks vs. 4.2weeks, (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

IBR with free flaps is associated with a higher risk for early and unserious complications as healing disorders, which extend the dressings time. However the failure rate is not higher with free flaps.

[Patients' satisfaction after immediate breast reconstruction: Comparison between five surgical techniques]

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to evaluate patients' satisfaction after immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) according to the surgical technique.

METHODS

Included patients had an IBR between 2012 and 2017 and finished their reconstruction since a year. Patients were contacted by phone and their satisfaction was evaluated with the Breast Q questionnaire. According to the surgical technique, patients were divided into 5 groups: DIEP, gracilis, Latissimus Dorsi flap, definitive implant and expander implant. Techniques were grouped into two categories: free flaps and prothesis. Nipple reconstruction techniques were also evaluated: toe pulp grafting, nipple sharing and local flap.

RESULTS

Nighty-five patients on the 103 who were eligible accepted to answer the questionnaire. Satisfaction with breasts was stastistically higher in the free flap group (72.6/100) than in the prothesis group (62.7/100) (P<0.01). Physical well-being (chest) was better for the free flap group than for the prothesis group (92.2/100 vs. 85.2/100, P=0.02). Nipple reconstructions with nipple sharing and free flap give a better satisfaction for patients than toe pulp grafting (75.3/100 and 73.5/100 vs. 47.8/100, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

IBR with free flap give, in a short time, a statistically higher satisfaction for breast than prothesis. Nipple reconstructions with free flap and nipple sharing give a better satisfaction too.