Impact of COVID-19 on hand surgery in Italy: A comparison between the Northern and the Southern regions

The aims of this study were to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency and elective hand surgery in four Italian regions that had either a high (Lombardy and Piemonte) or a low (Sicilia and Puglia) COVID-19 case load to discuss problems and to elaborate strategies to improve treatment pathways. A panel of hand surgeons from these different regions compared and discussed data from the centers they work in. The COVID-19 pandemic had an enormous impact on both elective and emergency surgery in Italy, not only in highly affected regions but also – and paradoxically even at a higher extent – in regions with a low COVID-19 case load. A durable and flexible redesign of hand surgery activities should be promoted, while changing and hopefully increasing human resources and enhancing administrative support. Telematics must also be implemented, especially for delivering rehabilitation therapy.

High division of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel: anatomical observations

Here are analysed personal observation about high duplication of median nerve at the wrist. Here are reported 18 cases on 3300 operations for carpal tunnel. The results are compared with the literary casuistry.

The nerves of the upper and lower extremities which are at a greater risk of compressive pathology. Anatomical topographical correlations. Our experience

The experience of numerous cases of surgical operations carried out over the ten years from 1990-2000, has meant we have been able to reflect on the fact that the median, ulnar, radial (upper extremity), tibial and external popliteal sciatic (lower extremity) nerves are more greatly exposed to compressive pathology. This is due to certain anatomical topographical relationships with canals, semi-canals, tunnels in well-defined and unchanging sites. From this point of view, a pathology with an etiopathogenic topographical tendency is emerging.

Neosartorya fischeri var fischeri (Wehmer) Malloch and Cain 1972 (anamorph: Aspergillus fischerianus Samson and Gams 1985) as a cause of mycotic keratitis

The first case of mycotic keratitis caused by Neosartorya fischeri var. fischeri the teleomorph of Aspergillus fischerianus, is described. The patient, a 62-year-old man, had no history of trauma to his infected left eye. The infection progressed despite treatment with ketoconazole and the eye had to be eviscerated. Histological studies revealed the presence of hyaline, septate mycelium in the eye tissue. Cultures gave rise to a thermotolerant mould that developed both its asexual and sexual forms. The isolate was identified on the basis of the morphologic features of its anamorphic and teleomorphic states. In the literature only seven other species of Aspergillus have been unequivocally reported as causing mycotic keratitis.