Efficacy of Flap-based Posterior Trunk Reconstruction after Vertebrectomy and Radiation Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Adjuvant radiation therapy following vertebrectomy is a major risk factor for local wound complications such as dehiscence, infection, and skin necrosis. In selected cases, well-vascularized coverage and modification of tension forces on the wound might reduce the risk of postoperative complications and reoperations. We aimed to demonstrate a reduction in general and specific complications in patients undergoing vertebral resection and flap coverage compared with vertebral resection alone. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed and collected data from patients diagnosed with a tumor involving the spine and requiring a total or partial posterior vertebrectomy between January 2012 and October 2022, referred to a single tertiary-level orthopedic and trauma center. We included only patients in whom primary closure of the wound was possible but judged to be under excessive tension. Results: A total of 145 patients underwent partial or total vertebrectomy for oncological reasons at our tertiary-level trauma hospital. Among these, 73 patients were eventually included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria: 53 in the orthopedic group and 20 in the orthoplastic group. Considering only patients undergoing radiation therapy, the orthoplastic group showed significantly lower rates of overall complications (33% versus 69%) than the orthopedic group. Conclusions: Primary flap coverage, especially in patients receiving RT, reduces the risk of postoperative complications and avoids a second reconstructive operation, consequently reducing patient discomfort, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs.

Histologic and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Human Breast Capsules Formed around Five Different Expander Surfaces.

BACKGROUND: Polyurethane (PU) coating and implant texturization were designed to reduce the incidence of capsular contracture (CC), even if the link between surface type and CC remains unclear. To date, the etiopathogenetic aspects have not been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate capsules formed around five different breast expanders. METHODS: Thirty patients were divided into randomized groups implanted with five different expanders: smooth, coated with PU foam (poly), with a low-microtextured, high-microtextured, and macrotextured surface (L-micro, H-micro, macro). Specimens of the capsules were removed at implant reconstruction and evaluated for morphology and immunohistochemistry expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I and III, CD68, CD34, and CD3. Remodeling Combined Index was also evaluated. RESULTS: Expression of α-SMA was significantly increased in smooth capsules versus poly, low-microtextured, and high-microtextured groups ( P = 0.007; P = 0.010; P = 0.028), whereas the prevalence of collagen type I in smooth capsules and collagen type III in poly capsules identified a stable versus an unstable tissue. Remodeling Combined Index and α-SMA showed an inverted correlation. CD68 and CD34 cellular expression increased significantly in poly capsules with respect to smooth ( P < 0.001; P < 0.001) and macrotextured groups ( P < 0.001; P < 0.001). CD3 showed no significant difference among the groups. CONCLUSION: In this human study, the authors observed that increased tissue remodeling and reduced myofibroblast activation, along with the inflammatory infiltration and neoangiogenesis, especially in the poly and low-microtextured groups, might promote the formation of an unstable and less fibrotic capsule, lowering the risk of CC. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.