Pre-expanded thin DIEP free flap in pediatric upper extremity reconstruction for burn sequelae: A case report.

Deep burns sequelae involving the upper limb are challenging even for experienced surgeons, mainly because local reconstructive options and donor sites are often compromised. The use of free flaps for this type of reconstruction remains difficult due to the small recipient vessel diameter and tendency to vasospasm. Moreover, pediatric cases bring the challenge to another level. We present the case of a 13-year-old girl presenting major retractile sequelae of the upper left limb, including complete wrist immobilization combining wrist hyper-extension, ulnar deviation deformity, and a ulno-carpal dislocation. She was referred to our department where a two-stage reconstruction was performed using a pre-expanded free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap. The first surgery consisted of placing two kidney-shaped expanders in a subfascial plane in the hypogastric region. Four months later, after a bi-weekly expansion, an excision of the scar tissue, and the DIEP flap transfer were completed. At the 12-month follow-up evaluation, both aesthetic and functional results were satisfactory, with a good contour and regained mobility of the wrist.

Patterns of Upper Extremity Reconstruction for Patients With Tetraplegia Across the United States: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: The rates of upper extremity reconstruction for patients with tetraplegia remain low. We performed a retrospective study to assess recent reconstruction rates and delineate factors associated with the occurrence of reconstruction. METHODS: We examined the National Inpatient Sample database (2012-2017) for the rate of reconstruction for patients with tetraplegia. The details of provider distribution characteristics and neighborhood attributes were obtained from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile and based on the area deprivation index, respectively. We calculated the mean reconstruction rate per year and generated multivariable logistic regression models to examine the influence of patient factors, hospital characteristics, and provider distribution on the odds of undergoing functional reconstruction for tetraplegia patients. RESULTS: Among 404,660 encounters with patients with tetraplegia, only 1,430 (0.4%) patients underwent upper extremity reconstruction from 2012 to 2017, with a mean rate of 238 procedures per year. We identified 5,450 hand surgeons, 12,751 physiatrists, and 444 spinal cord injury specialists, with variation in their national distribution. A greater number of surgeons near SCIS was associated with increased probability of reconstruction (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.12). The odds of surgery were greater for patients receiving care at urban teaching (OR 5.00, 95% CI 3.35-7.47) or urban nonteaching (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.11-2.63) hospitals, whereas those at private nonprofit (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.58-0.78) or investor-owned (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.52-0.82) hospitals had lower odds. Although most patients had insurance coverage, patients with a higher income or those who received subsidized care had greater odds of undergoing reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction rates remain low and are correlated with the environment of care, financial factors, and provider availability. Policies that focus on reducing these factors in addition to increasing interspecialty collaboration could improve access to surgery for patients with tetraplegia. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic I.

Psychosocial reactions to upper extremity limb salvage: A cross-sectional study.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional survey study. INTRODUCTION: Limb salvage spares an extremity at risk for amputation after a major traumatic injury. Psychosocial recovery for individuals with lower extremity limb salvage has been discussed in the literature. However, to date, psychosocial reactions for individuals with upper extremity (UE) limb salvage have not been examined. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To determine which factors may influence psychosocial adaptation to UE limb salvage. METHODS: Participants (n = 30; 28 males) were adults (mean, 30.13; range, 18-61) who sustained an UE limb salvage from a traumatic event. Adaptation was measured using a modified version of the Reactions to Impairment and Disability Inventory. RESULTS: A linear mixed-effects regression found that worse psychosocial adaptation was associated with having less than a college degree, being less than 6 months post-injury, being older than 23 years, and having more pain. Dominant hand injuries were found to influence poor adaptation on the denial Reactions to Impairment and Disability Inventory subscale only. DISCUSSION: The results of this study indicate that there is potential for nonadaptive reactions and psychological distress with certain variables in UE limb salvage. Therapists may use these results to anticipate which clients may be at risk for poor psychosocial outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates the need for early consideration to factors that affect psychological prognosis for the UE limb salvage population. However, future research is indicated to better understand the unique psychosocial challenges and needs of these individuals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Modified Long Toe Extensor Tendon Harvest for Use as Intercalary Graft in Upper Extremity Reconstruction.

Autograft tendon harvested from the long toe extensors are of great utility as intercalary grafts in upper extremity reconstruction. However, standard full-length harvest is complicated by the presence of extensor retinacula and multiple juncturae between adjacent extensors, which often necessitate extensive dissection, increasing the potential for morbidity. We describe a modified technique for partial harvest of the long toe extensors, which is performed entirely proximal to the superior extensor retinaculum. This technique requires a single incision and provides adequate length of graft for the majority of forearm to fingertip reconstructions. The technique is described in the context of our preliminary cadaver findings, with a case example provided to further illustrate the utility of this technique.

Oncologic reconstruction of the hand and upper extremity: Maximizing functional outcomes.

Upper extremity malignancies have the potential to create significant functional impairment, and as such represent an opportunity for collaborative reconstruction to minimize potential morbidity. Given the increased complexity and array of potential reconstruction solutions, functional limb preservation is overwhelmingly and increasingly successful in appropriately selected patients. The purpose of this review is to familiarize the reader with the general functional considerations of the upper extremity, review major reconstructive options, and present a general algorithm for reconstruction and maintenance of function. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:946-954. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Thin and Thinned Anterolateral Thigh Flaps for Upper Extremity Reconstruction.

Upper extremity reconstruction remains challenging due to the high functional and esthetic demands of this location. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a workhorse flap for microsurgical reconstruction of the upper extremity and can be elevated in various planes depending on desired thickness of the flap. Microsurgical reconstruction of the upper extremity often benefits from a thin flap that can resurface the extremity, which can provide improved functional and esthetic outcomes. This article reviews the anatomy, preoperative planning, and operative technique, as well as presents 4 cases to illustrate the outcomes and benefits of thin and thinned ALT flaps.

Recent Advances in Upper Extremity Microsurgery: From Traditional to Perforator Flaps.

The upper extremity has unique functional and aesthetic requirements. Reconstruction of upper extremity soft tissue defects should ideally provide coverage for vital structures, facilitate early mobilization, be thin and pliable to match its slim contour, and reestablish sensation. Perforator flaps can be raised on the superficial fascia, which creates a thin and pliable yet durable and supple flap option to match the contour and functional needs of the upper extremity. Comparisons to traditional reconstructive methods should be performed to assess whether these innovations in microsurgical reconstruction of upper extremity defects provide an improved functional and aesthetic benefit over traditional methods.

Comparing surgeries to restore upper extremity function in tetraplegia: Impact on function during the perioperative period.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: To assess short-term changes in health outcomes in people with cervical-level spinal cord injury (SCI) who underwent upper extremity (UE) reconstruction via either novel nerve transfer (NT) or traditional tendon transfer (TT) surgery with individuals who did not undergo UE surgical reconstruction. DESIGN: Prospective, comparative cohort pilot study. PARTICIPANTS: 34 participants with cervical SCI met the following inclusion criteria: age 18 or older, greater than 6 months post-injury, and mid-cervical level SCI American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A, B or C. SETTING: Two tertiary academic hospitals and their affiliated veterans' hospitals. METHODS: Health outcomes were assessed using two previously validated measures, the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Demographic, surgical, and survey data were collected at the initial evaluation and one month postoperatively/post-baseline. RESULTS: 34 participants with cervical SCI were recruited across three cohorts: no surgery (n = 16), NT (n = 10), and TT (n = 8). The TT group had a decline in SCIM and SF-36 scores whereas the NT and no surgery groups experienced little change in independence or health status in the immediate perioperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons and rehabilitation providers must recognize differences in the perioperative needs of people with cervical SCI who chose to have restorative UE surgery. Future work should focus on further investigation of health outcomes, change in function, and improving preoperative counseling and cross-disciplinary management.

Repair of a "long and narrow" skin defect of the upper extremity with a modified design of a compound SCIP flap: a series of 12 cases.

BACKGROUND: Large skin lesions of the upper extremity tend to be ''long and narrow'' in shape, and the currently used repair and reconstruction protocols still have some drawbacks, including difficulty in closure of the donor area, poor cosmetic appearance of the donor and recipient areas, and low flap survival rates. The ilioinguinal flap has been more widely used for repair and reconstruction of various complex conditions. In order to improve the versatility of the flap design and to achieve better aesthetic results, we report a study on the improved design of Compound SCIP flap for repairing "long and narrow" large skin defects of the upper extremity by using a modified design of the ilioinguinal flap for the procurement of perforating blood vessels and flap excision. METHODS: From April 2005 to August 2015, a total of 12 patients underwent this modified design procedure, in which the anterior branch of the fourth lumbar artery or the posterior intercostal artery was selected to provide blood supply for the perforator flap together with the superficial branch of the superficial iliac artery to meet the blood supply needs of the flap for the one-time repair of a large "long and narrow" skin defect in the upper limb. Patient demographics, flap characteristics, and associated complications were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: 3 females and 9 males were included in this study, the mean age of the patients was 31.7 years (range, 22-44 years), the mean follow-up period was 15.3 ± 5.6 months (range, 7-24 months), and all patients had complete closure of the defect site and donor area, and all flaps survived. CONCLUSIONS: The Compound SCIP flap presents some advantages in repairing 'long and narrow' skin defects in the upper limb. While ensuring the survival rate of the elongated ilioinguinal flap, it amplifies the benefits of the ilioinguinal flap and enhances skin utilization. This can serve as a beneficial choice for repairing 'long and narrow' skin defects in the upper limb.

Repair of an Isolated Sternal Head Tear of the Myotendinous Junction of the Pectoralis Major Using Knotless Suture Anchors: Case Report and Literature Review.

Although considered a relatively uncommon sports injury, publications on pectoralis major (PM) injuries have increased in the last couple of decades. Knowledge of the complex anatomy of the PM muscle is important in diagnosing, understanding the complexity of the injury, and determining the suitable modality of management of these injuries. Despite the increase in publications, there is no consensus on the superiority of any proposed surgical management. We present a case of a recreational body builder who presented to our clinics with a rare pattern of isolated musculotendinous junction of the lower fibers of the PM muscle and proposed a new technique of surgical management of such injuries using knotless suture anchors and running locked suture pattern in different directions. We then conducted a comprehensive review of literature of these injuries and presented a review on the pathophysiology, the various patterns of these injuries, and the available described modalities of surgical management. Understanding the complex anatomy of the PM, the various pattens of injury, and the aid of an MRI read by an expert musculoskeletal radiologist is crucial before managing these injuries. We believe that acute surgical repair of musculotendinous junction injuries using running Krackow/Brunnell locked configuration and the use of knotless suture and anchors will provide adequate and practicable surgical repair of these injuries.

Ewing's Sarcoma of the Hand: An Unusual Presentation in a Young Hispanic Male.

Ewing's sarcoma is a neuroectodermal malignancy classically associated with innocuous and chronic symptomatology. Although tumors typically involve the axial skeleton, some malignancies may be confined to extraosseous tissue only. This report presents the case of a 15-year-old Hispanic male with a tender, slow-growing mass of seven months in the subcutaneous tissue of the right hand. Core needle biopsy and fine needle aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of high-grade extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma and the patient was treated via surgical resection and chemotherapy. Nonspecific findings of Ewing's sarcoma may mimic infection or trauma and contribute to a delay in diagnosis. However, social and economic influences including limited English proficiency and insurance status also critically affect the timing of presentation.

Current indications for abdominal-based flaps in hand and forearm reconstruction.

Extensive soft tissue loss or injury of the hand and upper extremity is a challenging reconstructive problem traditionally treated with abdominal-based pedicled flaps. Options for coverage included the groin flap based on the superficial circumflex iliac artery, the Scarpa's fascia flap based on the superficial inferior epigastric artery, and the paraumbilical perforator flap from the deep inferior epigastric artery perforators. Despite the ability to provide consistent and pliable soft tissue coverage with ease of elevation, these flaps have several disadvantages including restriction of mobility, requirement for multiple procedures, bulkiness and patient discomfort. With the advent of microsurgery, pedicled regional flaps, and off-the-shelf skin substitutes, the applications for these flaps have narrowed. However several indications still remain. These include: patient and facility factors which deter microsurgery, the absence of recipient vessels after injury, prior surgical use of recipient vessels, the need to preserve major vessels for future reconstruction, and large multi-surface wounds requiring coverage. In this review we detail these indications and provide case examples for each.

The medial femoral condyle free flap: An excellent option for difficult cases: case series.

The use of the medial femoral condyle free flap is a versatile option for the treatment of upper extremity non unions and reconstructive procedures associated with bone loss or osteonecrosis. The benefit of this type of flap is the viability of the bone which favors primary ossification and increases bone density. Vascularized free bone flaps are especially useful for the treatment of recalcitrant nonunions, or nonunions that have failed three or more treatments to obtain consolidation. We present a case series of three patients treated with medial femoral condyle free flap for reconstruction of the upper extremity of different etiologies at the level of the distal humerus, distal radius and distal phalanx of the thumb.

Radial Recurrent Artery: Autologous Patch Graft for Acute Brachial Artery Laceration.

Brachial artery injury is the most common vascular disruption in upper extremity penetrating trauma, usually treated by primary repair or saphenous vein interposition graft. We report the case of a young male who presented after assault with stab wound to the right antecubital fossa, an asymmetric vascular exam, and unknown depth contaminated wound that warranted operative exploration. We performed open exploration through a triangular flap extension of his oblique linear laceration for both exposure and flexor surface scar contracture prophylaxis. Exploration revealed brachial artery laceration with loss of approximately 30% of vessel circumference proximal to the radial and ulnar artery bifurcation. A near-complete transection of the recurrent radial artery was also present, leading to the decision to sacrifice this vessel for use as an autologous patch graft of the injured brachial artery. Distal vascular flow was re-established, and the vessel was slightly ectatic with no evidence of stenosis. Patient suffered no complications and was discharged at post-operative day four after perioperative heparin drip on anti-platelet therapy. Autologous patch grafting in the acute setting is a less-often considered surgical option that is effective for arterial bifurcation reconstruction, which may be employed through the sacrifice of injured and redundant local branch vessels. Patch grafts are commonly utilized in planned vascular surgery, such as carotid endarterectomy, but this is the first report of autologous patch graft to an acute brachial artery injury. By combining knowledge of the lateral arm flap with the plastic surgery principles of "like replaces like", this technique avoids the stenosis associated with primary repair, the multiple anastomoses necessary for interposition grafting, the need for a secondary donor site, and provides a theoretical blood-flow advantage.

Free Tissue Transfer for Upper Extremity Reconstruction.

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, traumatic injuries of the upper extremity increased exponentially. As a result, surgeons began to reevaluate amputation as the standard of care. Following the Second World War, local and regional pedicled flaps became common forms of traumatic upper extremity reconstruction. Today, microsurgery offers an alternative when options lower on the reconstructive ladder have been exhausted or will not produce a desirable result. In this article, the authors review the use of free tissue transfer for upper extremity reconstruction. Flaps are categorized as fasciocutaneous, muscle, and functional tissue transfers. The thin pliable nature of fasciocutaneous flaps makes them ideal for aesthetically sensitive areas, such as the hand. The radial forearm, lateral arm, scapula, parascapular, anterolateral thigh, and temporoparietal fascia flaps are highlighted in this article. Muscle flaps are utilized for their bulk and size; the latissimus dorsi flap serves as a "workhorse" free muscle flap for upper extremity reconstruction. Other muscle flaps include the rectus abdominis and serratus anterior. Lastly, functional tissue transfers are used to restore active range of motion or bony integrity to the upper extremity. The innervated gracilis can be utilized in the forearm to restore finger flexion or extension. Transfer of vascularized bone such as the fibula may be used to correct large defects of the radius or ulna. Finally, replacement of "like with like" is embodied in toe-to-thumb transfers for reconstruction of digital amputations.

Pre-expanded Paraumbilical Perforator Flap.

The paraumbilical perforator flap is the first and the most famous perforator flap. Pre-expansion increases the flap dimension and reduces the flap thickness and donor site morbidities, making the paraumbilical perforator flap a more effective option for upper extremity reconstruction. Pre-expanded pedicled paraumbilical perforator flaps can achieve excellent function and aesthetic outcomes in patients with extensive scar contracture and giant melanocytic nevi in the upper extremity. Although this technique requires multiple procures, each operation is relatively simple and has a low complication rate, when properly planned and performed.

Functional Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Upper-Extremity Reconstruction: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Objective: The latissimus dorsi flap is a workhorse for plastic surgeons, being used for many years for soft-tissue coverage of the upper extremity as well as for functional reconstruction to restore motion to the elbow and shoulder. The authors present a case of functional latissimus dorsi transfer for restoration of elbow flexion and review the literature on technique and outcomes. Methods: A literature review was performed using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Collaboration Library for primary research articles on functional latissimus dorsi flap transfer. Data related to surgical techniques and outcomes were extracted. Results: The literature search yielded 13 relevant studies, with a total of 52 patients who received pedicled, functional latissimus dorsi flaps for upper-extremity reconstruction. The most common etiology requiring reconstruction was closed brachial plexus injury (n = 13). After flap transfer, 98% of patients were able to flex the elbow against gravity and 82.3% were able to flex against resistance. In the presented case, a 77-year-old man underwent resection of myxofibrosarcoma of the upper arm with elbow prosthesis placement and functional latissimus dorsi transfer. The patient was able to actively flex against gravity at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: A review of the literature shows that nearly all patients undergoing functional latissimus dorsi transfer for upper-extremity reconstruction regain at least motion against gravity whereas a large proportion regain motion against resistance. Considerations when planning for functional latissimus dorsi transfer include patient positioning, appropriate tensioning of the muscle, safe inset, polarity, management of other affected upper-extremity joints, and educating patients on the expected outcomes.

Versatility of Free Cutaneous Flaps for Upper Extremity Soft Tissue Reconstruction.

The goals of upper extremity soft tissue reconstruction should go well beyond providing coverage and restoring function. As the field of reconstructive microsurgery has evolved, free cutaneous flaps (FCFs) are gaining wider application. The advantages of FCF include minimizing donor-site morbidity by preserving the muscle and fascia, improving versatility of flap design, and superior aesthetic results. This review highlights the application of anterolateral thigh, superficial circumflex iliac artery, deep inferior epigastric perforator, superficial inferior epigastric artery, and flow-through flaps for reconstruction of upper extremity defects. These flaps share several qualities in common: well-concealed donor sites, preservation of major arteries responsible of providing inflow to distal extremity, and potential for a two-team approach (donor and recipient sites). While the choice of flaps should be decided based on individual patient and defect characteristics, FCF should be considered as excellent options to achieve the goals of upper extremity reconstruction.

Colgajo libre de primera arteria metatarsiana dorsal para déficit de cobertura en dígito de la mano: reporte de caso clínico / First dorsal metatarsal artery free flap for finger coverage defect: a case report

Las lesiones graves de los dedos con pérdida de sustancia y exposición de estructuras nobles constituyen un desafío para evitar la amputación. Estas situaciones han impulsado el desarrollo de un gran número de colgajos axiales, locales, con el fin de salvar el dígito. Los colgajos libres, tomados a medida, también han sido descritos para dar coberturas adecuadas y de buena calidad. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con lesión grave de dedo anular con exposición ósea y daño tendíneo, con una pérdida de cobertura de 4 4 cm. El paciente fue sometido a una reconstrucción con un colgajo libre del pie, tomando como eje vascular la primera arteria intermetatarsiana. El paciente conservó su dedo con una movilidad a expensas de la articulación interfalángica proximal (IFP), con una piel de buena calidad, pinza firme y sin dolor. La zona dadora no presentó complicaciones. En manos de un equipo entrenado, con indicación adecuada, estos colgajos logran un buen resultado estético y funcional.

Severe finger injuries with loss of substance and exposure of noble structures are a challenge to avoid amputation. These situations have prompted the development of many local axial flaps to save the digit. Customized free flaps have also been described to provide adequate and good-quality coverage. We present the case of a patient with a severe injury to the ring finger with bone exposure and tendinous damage, with a coverage defect of 4 4 cm. The patient underwent reconstruction with a free flap from the foot, taking the first intermetatarsal artery as the donor vascular axis. The patient kept his finger with mobility at the expense of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, with good-quality skin, firm clamp, and no pain. The donor area did not present complications. In the hands of a trained team, with adequate indication, these flaps achieve a good esthetic and functional result

Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Arm - Oncosurgical and Reconstructive Principles within a Multimodal, Interdisciplinary Setting.

Soft tissue sarcomas of the upper extremity represent a severe threat for the patient and a difficult task for the treatment team. Due to the complex anatomy of the arm, most sarcomas involve valuable functional structures. Nonetheless, a large portion of the patients can be treated in a limb-sparing manner, and surgery is the mainstay of local tumor control. This review gives an overview of the disease entities and their epidemiology, on necessary patient work-up, staging, and imaging modalities, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary decision-making. The surgical therapies and principles of tumor excision are outlined, as well as reconstructive options. Furthermore, adjuvant treatments are discussed with a special focus on the various application techniques for radiation therapy. In spite of established treatment algorithms, each case is an individual challenge and individually tailored therapy is required. This aspect is illustrated by presenting three comprehensive cases demonstrating useful strategies. A summary of the relevant literature is given.