A simple sign for the differential diagnosis of the congenital trigger thumb

[Flexion deformities of the thumb: clasped thumb and trigger thumb]

Congenital clasped thumb in palm corresponds to a spectrum of anomalies leading to a loss of thumb extension and abduction. Intrinsic muscles and skin shortening are not infrequent. Conservative orthopedic treatment should be undergone as soon as possible. When this treatment fails, or when patients are seen late, surgical correction has to be customized according to the involved structures. The trigger thumb is 10 times more frequent than the trigger finger. It is bilateral in 30% of the cases. The term "congenital" remains unclear as several investigations on newborns have not evidenced trigger thumb. In children, it is very rare to find a real trigger and presentation consists in a fixed flexion deformity of the interphalangeal joint. Diagnosis is clinical, with a palpable nodule at the level of T1 pulley. Conservative treatment, consisting in a nocturnal splint, is indicated before the age of two years old. After this age, or in case of failure of splinting, surgery will be needed.

Circumferential Negative-Pressure Dressing (VAC) to Bolster Skin Grafts in the Reconstruction of the Penile Shaft and Scrotum

This paper presents 4 consecutive cases using negative-pressure dressings (VAC) to bolster skin grafts in male genital reconstruction. In this series reconstruction followed 1 case of tumor ablation and 3 cases of debridement of abscesses or Fornier's gangrene. The VAC was applied circumferentially to the penis to secure skin grafts either directly to the penile shaft or to facilitate skin grafting to the scrotum. Graft areas ranged from 75 to 250 cm. All cases resulted in successful genital wound coverage; minor complications are described. Three practical points are brought forth. First, the VAC facilitates skin grafting to the complex contour of male genitalia. Second, the VAC can be applied circumferentially to the penis without the need for perfusion monitoring or fears of avascular necrosis. Third, with the use of the VAC, bolster use can likely be discontinued as early as 72 hours with good graft adherence and survival.