Anatomic Study of the Integrity of the Breast Lymphatic Network With Indocyanine Green in Breast Implant Surgery Through the Axillary Approach.

INTRODUCTION: The performance of a prosthetic breast augmentation through the axilla always makes the surgeon fear the possibility of damage to the breast lymphatic network. Indocyanine green is a fluorescent marker allowing the analysis of the lymphatic system. This anatomical work aims at demonstrating, thanks to the use of indocyanine green, whether the realization of a prosthetic breast augmentation by axillary way leads to lesions of the breast lymphatic network and also seeks to show the feasibility of detecting the axillary sentinel node after axillary breast augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is an anatomical study. After injection of indocyanine green in the periareolar area, a prosthetic breast augmentation was performed through the axilla. At the end of the procedure, a change in the distribution of indocyanine green in the skin or its abnormal presence was sought: at the level of the skin incision, the prosthetic space, or in contact with the prosthesis itself. The presence of green in these situations was synonymous with a lesion of the lymphatic network. In the opposite case, we considered that the lymphatic system was respected. After sampling, an axillary lymph node we also looked for the presence of indocyanine green at its contact. RESULTS: We performed 22 breast injections. The lymphatic network could be demonstrated in 15 of them. Among these 15 injections, 12 (80%) were in favor of a preservation of the lymphatic network, whereas 3 (20%) evoked a lesion of the lymphatic network. In all subjects (100%), an axillary lymph node was found with the presence of indocyanine green within it. CONCLUSION: Our study is in favor of a preservation of the lymphatic network during a prosthetic breast augmentation by axillary way. Furthermore, with the collection of an axillary lymph node containing the dye from each subject, this work demonstrates the feasibility of axillary sentinel node detection with indocyanine green after axillary breast augmentation. Further work on live subjects and on a larger number of subjects would be necessary to confirm these results.

Feasibility of the abductor pollicis longus hemitendon transfer for thumb opposition: An anatomical study.

INTRODUCTION: The abductor pollicis longus (APL) presents two muscle bellies and multiple accessory tendons available for transfer, amongst these an accessory tendon inserting on the thenar aponeurosis (APLTh). Edgerton described an opponensplasty using the whole APL tendon, but its results were limited due to the short size of the donor tendon. HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of transferring the APLTh for thumb opposition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven cadaver upper limbs were dissected to assess the presence of the two heads of the APL as well as their main and accessory tendon insertions. The accessory tendon of the APL inserting on the thenar aponeurosis (APLTh) was harvested with a slip of the thenar aponeurosis. The length of the transplant, the number of tendon slips and their location, as well as pre and postoperative radial and palmar abduction provided by the APL were assessed. RESULTS: The APL was present in all cadavers whereas its insertion on the thenar aponeurosis was absent in 18% of the cases. When the APLTh was present and could be used for opponensplasty, the mean gain in palmar abduction was 16 degrees, and the mean loss in radial abduction was 21 degrees. DISCUSSION: Although the experiments revealed a variability in APL anatomy, when present, the APLTh represents a suitable donor for the restoration of thumb opposition. In some cases of high median nerve palsies, thumb opposition can't be restored using median innervated muscles. In these cases, when the APLTh is present, it can be used to restore thumb opposition without functional loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; anatomical feasibility study.

Posterior tibial perforator-based flaps for leg and foot defects: Indications, limitations, and technical considerations.

BACKGROUND: Covering defects at the lower leg and foot is a common challenge in reconstructive surgery. A flap is often required, and free flaps are widely used. The posterior tibial perforator-based flap constitutes a valuable option in this situation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the reliability of the posterior tibial perforator-based flap, report any complications, and describe the outcomes, with the goal of defining the indications of this flap in the treatment of lower limb defects. HYPOTHESIS: The posterior tibial perforator-based flap is a useful and reliable option for soft-tissue defect reconstruction at the leg and foot. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients managed using a posterior tibial perforator-based flap to cover soft-tissue defects of the leg and foot were reviewed retrospectively. A physical examination was performed and radiographs obtained at the last postoperative follow-up visit. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with a mean age of 46.9 years (range: 25-73 years) were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 19.5 months (range: 16-63 months). The tissue defects were due to compound fractures in 10 patients and to postoperative complications in 3 patients. Mean flap size was 12.3cm by 6.2cm. The donor site was covered by a skin graft in 12 patients and closed primarily in 1 patient. The procedure was successful in 11 (85%) patients. DISCUSSION: The posterior tibial perforator-based flap is a method of choice for covering soft-tissue defects at the leg and foot. Careful patient selection and flawless technique contribute to minimise the failure rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Microsurgical Replantation of a Two-Segment Total Scalp Avulsion.

Total scalp avulsion is a rare and severe injury that may be life threatening and can result in devastating disfigurement and psychological trauma. Microsurgical hair-bearing scalp replantation is considered the procedure of choice and should be performed by a skilled surgical team. Replantation of a multifragmented scalp is even rarer and shows random results. Only 2 patients have been reported, resulting in partial or total necrosis of implanted fragments. The authors describe the successful replantation of a totally avulsed 2-segment scalp in a 63-year-old woman whose hair was entrapped in the propeller shaft of a ship. The avulsed scalp involved both eyebrows, the frontal region, the upper part of both ears, and most of the occipital portion. After initial management including correction of hemorrhagic shock, the patient underwent emergency scalp replantation by microsurgical anastomosis of 3 arteries and 4 veins and the use of 2 vein grafts.According to authors' experience, multifragmented scalp avulsion imposes emergency relocation using as many microsurgical sutures as possible and implementation of vein grafts to ensure optimal revascularization of the avulsed scalp.