Quantifying Free Fibula Flap Growth After Pediatric Mandibular Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: The free fibula flap (FFF) is a preferred option for adult mandibular reconstruction. Due to skeletal immaturity, its routine use in pediatric patients remains in question. Inconsistencies regarding the ability of the FFF to grow in concordance with the patients' natural growth currently exist in the literature. The purpose of this report is to quantify mandibular growth in a young patient undergoing partial hemi-mandibular reconstruction with a FFF utilizing advanced three-dimensional software. METHODS: A 2-year old underwent left hemi-mandibular reconstruction with a FFF following resection of a desmoid tumor. The condyle was preserved. Using 3D software, changes in mandibular growth and morphology were evaluated based on preoperative (2.1 years old) and postoperative (2.5 years and 5.2 years old) computed tomography imaging. RESULTS: Mandibular growth occurred throughout the mandible in both postoperative evaluations. Greatest growth was seen in the ramus height. Fibula growth was also seen when comparing measurements to the virtual surgical planning guide. A novel parts comparison analysis revealed the greatest growth potential occurred at the condyle. CONCLUSION: Providing an objective evaluation using 3D software, we have demonstrated growth throughout the reconstructed mandible, with greatest growth occurring at the preserved condyle. Despite scientific limitations of our study, the potential for mandibular growth appears to remain after FFF reconstruction, offering successful functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Post-mastectomy sensory recovery and restoration.

Breast sensation has recently become an integral aspect of the reconstructive goal after mastectomy and is an important consideration for many patients. Neurotization techniques using primary coaptation, autograft, allograft, or nerve conduit have been used for autologous flaps, such as the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. Outcomes have shown improved sensation and faster sensory recovery in the flap skin in immediate neurotized DIEP flap breast reconstructions compared to delayed reconstruction. Breast flap neurotization during reconstruction is a rapid and simple procedure with minimal morbidity. An improved understanding of breast anatomy and innovative modifications to breast reconstruction have made the restoration of breast sensation achievable, and promising results have been obtained with respect to sensory return and patient satisfaction.

The Medial Femoral Condyle Flap in the Pediatric Patient.

BACKGROUND: The use of free flaps from the medial femoral condyle has grown in popularity and is now a workhorse in the reconstruction of skeletal defects. The utility of this technique has not yet been described for the pediatric patient population. The authors present their series of pediatric patients who underwent surgery using a medial femoral condyle free flap or a variant thereof in skeletal reconstruction and demonstrate the efficacy of this technique in this population. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective review of patients aged 18 years or younger who required a medial femoral condyle flap for skeletal reconstruction was undertaken. Operative technique, radiographs, and clinical outcomes were recorded. A novel technique (Innocenti) was used to avoid the distal femoral physis in which a Kirschner wire was placed under fluoroscopic guidance just proximal to the growth plate. RESULTS: Thirteen patients met inclusion criteria, with an average age of 14.7 years (range, 7 to 18 years) and mean follow-up of 28 months (range, 3 to 120 months). Six were skeletally immature at the time of medial femoral condyle harvest, with the last patient having organic bone disease, putting her at risk for pathologic fracture. All 13 patients achieved bony union, and no patients suffered pathologic fractures or physeal injuries; no patients developed length discrepancies. CONCLUSIONS: The authors present the first series of corticocancellous medial femoral condyle free flaps in the pediatric population along with a novel technique to avoid injury to the physis in skeletally immature patients. This technique is effective for a variety of skeletal defects or nonunions and is safe for growing patients without causing physeal arrest or growth disturbance. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

The Split Pectoralis Flap: Combining the Benefits of Pectoralis Major Advancement and Turnover Techniques in One Flap.

BACKGROUND: The pectoralis major is a versatile flap used as an advancement or turnover flap for sternal wound treatment. The advancement flap provides suboptimal inferior sternal coverage and poorly fills mediastinal dead space. The turnover flap covers the inferior sternum and fills dead space but requires disinsertion of the muscle from the humerus, resulting in functional loss and cosmetic deformity. METHODS: The authors describe a new technique of splitting the pectoralis muscle along its fibers, using the superior portion as an advancement flap and the inferior portion as a turnover flap. RESULTS: Eleven patients underwent the described technique. Nine patients healed without complications or repeated operations. One patient had a recurrent aortic graft infection requiring reoperation. One patient had a postoperative seroma requiring incision and drainage. CONCLUSION: Using the pectoralis as an advancement and turnover flap allows inferior sternum and mediastinum coverage using one donor site and maintaining the function of the muscle and preventing cosmetic deformity.

Salvage of Infected Prosthetic Breast Reconstructions.

Periprosthetic infection is a major complication in breast reconstruction, leading to implant loss and delayed and sometimes abandoned reconstruction. Traditional management of persistent infections requires explantation followed by secondary reconstruction after 6 months of delay. Although effective in treating the infection, this approach often leads to distortion and/or loss of tissue envelope, making secondary reconstruction very difficult. As a result, there is significant interest in salvaging infected prosthetic breast reconstructions. Recent studies reported variable success through systemic antibiotic therapy and surgical interventions. The aim of this article is to review the management of periprosthetic infection and to provide a potential salvage algorithm.