Improving the outcome of distally based anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction: New classification and surgical guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The distally based anterolateral thigh (dALT) flap is associated with a high incidence of venous congestion. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with vascular compromise to improve the outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 41 dALT flap reconstructions performed between November 2010 and February 2023. The dALT flap was classified into type I, II, or III based on the origin (the descending, oblique, or transverse branch) of the chosen perforator. The distance from the pivot point to the superolateral patella, pedicle length, flap reach, complications, and loss rates were analyzed to identify different dALT flap characteristics. RESULTS: The type Ⅰ flap had a shorter pedicle length (type Ⅰ vs. type Ⅱ, p = 0.000; type Ⅰ vs. type Ⅲ, p = 0.000) that primarily reached closer regions (distal third of the thigh anterior/lateral knee). Pedicle lengths were similar between type Ⅱ and Ⅲ flaps (p = 1.000), most of which reached more distal regions (medial/posterior knee or proximal third of the leg). However, the type Ⅲ flaps had a higher complication rate and flap loss rate, although no significant differences were observed (complication rate, p = 0.094; flap loss rate, p = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS: To achieve more desirable outcomes using the dALT flap, preoperative assessment of flap pedicle length and proper intraoperative maneuvers that avoid compromising the reverse blood circulation are necessary.

A Comparison Between Robotic-Assisted Scaphoid Screw Fixation and a Freehand Technique for Acute Scaphoid Fracture: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: We compared robotic-assisted scaphoid screw fixation to conventional technique in terms of accuracy, surgical times, radiation exposure, and clinical outcomes, including range of motion, grip strength, functional score, and complications. METHODS: This study was a registered, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. From May 2019 to December 2019, 1 surgeon performed 18 robotic-assisted and 18 conventional scaphoid screw fixations and these patients were eligible for participation in this study. Surgical time, including the time of the overall procedure, set-up time, and time for ideal guidewire placement, was recorded. The number of guidewire attempts also was recorded. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at follow-up with respect to the severity of pain, wrist motion, grip strength, complications, and Mayo modified wrist score. RESULTS: The average set-up time and overall time of the procedure were longer in the robotic-assisted than in the conventional groups, while the mean guidewire insertion time and the mean guidewire attempts was less in the robotic-assisted group than that of the conventional group. The overall radiation exposure was lower in the robotic group. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted technique provided a useful tool to improve implantation accuracy and shorten radiation exposure. Additional cost and prolonged duration of surgery without evidence of improved clinical scores may limit widespread acceptance of this technique. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Treatment of Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis Using a Free Vascularized Fascia Lata Graft.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the modified mobilization surgery technique that uses a free vascularized fascia lata graft as the interposition graft, and to evaluate the outcome of this procedure in treating congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS). METHODS: Eleven patients (eight boys and three girls with an average age of 6.0 years) were treated using this procedure between 2012 and 2017 in our institution. Five bilateral cases (four left forearms and one right forearm were treated), and six unilateral cases (three left forearms and three right forearms) were included. All 11 cases were treated with mobilization procedure with free vascularized fascia lata as the interposition graft, and were followed-up for an average of 2.2 years (range, 2-4 years). The parental satisfaction, postoperative ankylosis at proximal radioulnar joint, and active range of forearm rotation motion (measured by physical examination) were evaluated at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The average preoperative fixed pronation angle was 67.3° (range, 20°-90°). Ipsilateral thumb hypoplasia was noted in one case, and cleft palate and bilateral thumb hypoplasia were noted in one case; none of the patients had a family history of congenital radioulnar synostosis. Pronation and supination splints were used 3 days after the operation and were worn every night for 4-6 months postoperatively. Active and passive rehabilitation for elbow flexion and forearm rotation was initiated 4 weeks postoperatively. All patients were followed up for at least 2 years (average, 26 months; range, 24-48 months). The average forearm pronation range was 39° (range, 20°-60°), and the average forearm supination range was 33.2° (range, 10°-60°) at the latest follow-up. Re-ankylosis occurred in one case. An osseous bridge developed between the radius and ulna at the osteotomy site in one case. Radial nerve paralysis developed in two cases and spontaneously resolved 2 months later. Plate breakage was noted in one case 9 weeks postoperatively; however, union was achieved 7 months later. CONCLUSION: Mobilization of proximal radioulnar synostosis using a free vascularized fascia lata graft as the interposition graft may prevent re-ankylosis and restore the forearm rotation function, making it a good option for the surgical treatment of CRUS.

Guided suturing technique for midface lift through minimal temporal incision.

BACKGROUND: The midface has been a difficult zone to manage in rejuvenating surgeries. The major challenge for midface lift is to achieve extensive dissection and elevate the composite tissues en bloc through minimal incisions. METHODS: In a total of 22 composite midface lift cases, a titanium cable wire was used. The wire was made into an elastic loop that guided three SMAS-suspending sutures out of the subcutaneous plane through a short incision at the temporal region. Then, each suture was fixated to the deep temporal fascia. Postoperative complications and the subjective assessment of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Surgeries were successfully commenced in all cases. Midface sagging, eye bags, and nasolabial folds all exhibited considerable improvements. Major complications such as nerve injury and alopecia were not observed. The patients were followed up for an average of 16.9 months. In general, 90% of the patients were satisfied with their outcome. CONCLUSION: This guided suspension suturing technique effectuates a more convenient and efficient way to conduct multi-points anchorage of the composite malar flap. When properly executed, this technique allows the anchorage sutures to bite into the deeper layer of the SMAS that ensures firm suspensions in midface rejuvenation surgery.

Robot-assisted double screw fixation of minimally displaced scaphoid waist fracture nonunions or delayed unions without bone graft.

We retrospectively reviewed 12 minimally displaced fractures of the scaphoid waist in 12 patients who developed delayed or nonunions with or without conservative treatment. Mean time between injury and surgery was 6 months (range 3-12). The fractures were stabilized with double screws, which were percutaneously inserted with robot assistance, and without bone grafting. All fractures united at a mean of 8 weeks (range 6-10) after surgery. The patients were followed-up at 6 months and 1 year. The patients recovered good wrist function. No major postoperative complications were reported, and the patients returned to their usual level of activity. Robot assistance gave a high degree of accuracy when placing the cannulated screws since only two attempts were needed for correct placement of the guide wires. We explain the high union incidence by patient selection, good stabilization and not disturbing the vascular supply.Level of evidence: IV.

Reversed vascularized second metatarsal flap for reconstruction of Manske type IIIB and IV thumb hypoplasia with reduced donor site morbidity.

BACKGROUND: The predominant method for Manske type IIIB and IV thumb hypoplasia is pollicization. However, for those who are not willing to sacrifice the index finger, a method that could reconstruct a functionally capable and aesthetically acceptable thumb remains desirable. This study aimed to investigate and assess the functional and radiographic outcomes of utilizing a reversed vascularized second metatarsal composite flap for thumb reconstruction as a new alternative. METHODS: From May 2014 to January 2017, 15 patients with Manske type IIIB or IV thumb hypoplasia who were admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were included in this study. An osteocutaneous flap containing a section of second metatarsal and its distal head was transferred in reversed position to reconstruct carpometacarpal joint. The donor site was reconstructed by a split half of the third metatarsal. Various functional reconstructions were commenced at second stage. The reconstructed thumbs were evaluated using the Kapandji score, pinch force, and the capacities of performing daily activities through a detailed questionnaire. RESULTS: Among these 15 patients (seven type IIIB and eight type IV), there were ten boys and five girls with median age of 4.2 years (range: 2.0-7.0 years). There were seven right, three left, and five bilateral thumbs for whom only the right thumb received surgery. There were 14 metatarsal flaps survived (14/15). With an average follow-up of 19.2 months, the reconstructed thumbs had acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes and the donor foot presented in decent appearance without signs of impaired function. All 15 children have improved the Kapandji score (from 0 to an average of 6.7), pinch force (from 0 to an average of 1.5 kg), with ability of grip and pen holding. X-ray indicated continuous bone growth. Patients and parents had good acceptance of the new thumb. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of an unstable hypoplastic thumb (Manske type IIIB and IV) with use of a vascularized metatarsal is an effective strategy. It offers an alternative solution for parents insisting on saving the thumb.

Free groin flap for aesthetic and functional donor-site closure of the anterolateral thigh flap.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Better methods for anterolateral thigh flap donor-site reconstruction are desirable in cases when direct closure is impossible. Multiple surgical strategies have been attempted, and each has its shortcomings. The use of a contralateral free groin flap to repair the anterolateral thigh flap donor site is investigated in this report. METHODS: From October 2015 to February 2016, free groin flaps were harvested on six patients for aesthetic and functional donor-site closure of the anterolateral thigh flap, which could not be directly closed. In these cases, the reverse-flow distal portion of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and vein were used as recipient vessels and anastomosed to the superficial circumflex iliac artery and vein, respectively. RESULTS: One flap had presented a few blisters on the distal margin; the other five flaps fully survived without any complications. Patients were highly satisfied with the aesthetic outcomes of both the anterolateral thigh area and the groin site. CONCLUSION: Although with theoretical risks of compromised venous blood flow, free groin flaps are an effective strategy for closure of massive anterolateral donor-site defects and can be safely performed with thoughtful planning and meticulous microsurgical techniques.

A multiphase transitioning peptide hydrogel for suturing ultrasmall vessels.

Many surgeries are complicated by the need to anastomose, or reconnect, micrometre-scale vessels. Although suturing remains the gold standard for anastomosing vessels, it is difficult to place sutures correctly through collapsed lumen, making the procedure prone to failure. Here, we report a multiphase transitioning peptide hydrogel that can be injected into the lumen of vessels to facilitate suturing. The peptide, which contains a photocaged glutamic acid, forms a solid-like gel in a syringe and can be shear-thin delivered to the lumen of collapsed vessels (where it distends the vessel) and the space between two vessels (where it is used to approximate the vessel ends). Suturing is performed directly through the gel. Light is used to initiate the final gel-sol phase transition that disrupts the hydrogel network, allowing the gel to be removed and blood flow to resume. This gel adds a new tool to the armamentarium for micro- and supermicrosurgical procedures.

Evaluation of microvascular anastomosis using real-time, ultra-high-resolution, Fourier domain Doppler optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Evolution in microsurgical techniques and tools has paved the way for supermicrosurgical anastomoses, with vessel diameters often approaching below 0.8 mm in the clinical realm and even smaller (0.2 to 0.3 mm) in murine models. Several imaging and monitoring devices have been introduced for postoperative monitoring, but intraoperative guidance, assessment, and predictability have remained limited to binocular optical microscopy and the surgeon's experience. The authors present a high-resolution, real-time, three-dimensional imaging modality for intraoperative evaluation of luminal narrowing, thrombus formation, and flow alterations. METHODS: An imaging modality that provides immediate, in-depth, high-resolution, three-dimensional structure view and flow information of the anastomosed site, called phase-resolved Doppler optical coherence tomography, was developed. Twenty-two mouse femoral artery anastomoses and 17 mouse venous anastomoses were performed and evaluated. Flow status, vessel inner lumen three-dimensional structure, and early thrombus detection were analyzed based on imaging results. Predictions formed correlated with actual long-term surgical outcomes. Eventually, four cases of mouse orthotopic limb transplantation were carried out, and predicted long-term patency based on imaging results was confirmed by actual results. RESULTS: The assessments based on high-resolution three-dimensional visualization of the vessel flow status and inner lumen provided by phase-resolved Doppler optical coherence tomography show 92 percent sensitivity and 90 percent specificity for arterial anastomoses and 90 percent sensitivity and 86 percent specificity for venous anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: Phase-resolved Doppler optical coherence tomography is an effective evaluation tool for microvascular anastomosis. It can predict the long-term vessel patency with high sensitivity and specificity.

Consecutive flap transfer for repairing massive soft tissue defects in the opisthenar with improved donor site closure.

OBJECTIVE: To explore a surgical model of utilizing consecutive free scapular flap and adjacent pedicled flap transfer for repairing massive soft tissue defects on the dorsum of the hand while minimizing the donor site morbidity. METHODS: Six patients with massive soft tissue injuries on the opisthenar and forearm were treated with free scapular flaps. Afterwards, a pedicled flap adjacent to the donor site was transferred to cover the donor site defect by direct closure. RESULTS: All six free scapular flaps survived without signs of infection. Three adjacent pedicled flaps presented minor signs of insufficient blood flow on the distal apex, which resolved after six weeks with only conservative therapy. All the incisions healed without other complications. At six-month follow-up, the patients regained full shoulder function. CONCLUSION: With the assistance of an adjacent pedicled flap, the scapular flap is a highly applicable approach in repairing massive soft tissue defects in the opisthenar. It can achieve positive outcomes in both reconstructive and aesthetic aspects.

Microvascular anastomosis guidance and evaluation using real-time three-dimensional Fourier-domain Doppler optical coherence tomography.

Vascular and microvascular anastomoses are critical components of reconstructive microsurgery, vascular surgery, and transplant surgery. Intraoperative surgical guidance using a surgical imaging modality that provides an in-depth view and three-dimensional (3-D) imaging can potentially improve outcome following both conventional and innovative anastomosis techniques. Objective postoperative imaging of the anastomosed vessel can potentially improve the salvage rate when combined with other clinical assessment tools, such as capillary refill, temperature, blanching, and skin turgor. Compared to other contemporary postoperative monitoring modalities--computed tomography angiograms, magnetic resonance (MR) angiograms, and ultrasound Doppler--optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive high-resolution (micron-level), high-speed, 3-D imaging modality that has been adopted widely in biomedical and clinical applications. For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the feasibility of real-time 3-D phase-resolved Doppler OCT (PRDOCT) as an assisted intra- and postoperative imaging modality for microvascular anastomosis of rodent femoral vessels is demonstrated, which will provide new insights and a potential breakthrough to microvascular and supermicrovascular surgery.

[Effects of immunosuppressants on cytokine expressions after repair for nerve injury in a rat model].

OBJECTIVE: To explore effects of several immunosuppressants on cytokine expressions after repair for a sciatic nerve injury in a rat model. METHODS: The sciatic nerves of 42 rats were cut and sutured end-to-end. After operation, the rats were divided into 6 groups. Group A (n = 9) was served as a control with no medicines given. Group B (n= 9) was given methylprednisolone 20 mg/(kg x d) for 2 days. Groups C(n= 9) and D(n = 3) were given FK506 1 mg/(kg - d) for 2 weeks and 4 weeks respectively, and were given the same doses of methylprednisolone as Group B. Groups E and F were given CsA 2 mg/(kg - d) for 2 weeks and 4 weeks respectively, and were given the same doses of methylprednisolone as Group B. The sciatic nerves were sampled at 1, 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. And immunohistochemistry stainings of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon gamma(IFN-gamma) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF) were performed. The staining results were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The expression peaks of IL-1beta and IFN-gamma were found at the 1st week postoperatively in Group A. Then, the expression decreased rapidly at the 2nd week and disappeared at the 4th week. As for TNF-a and MIF, they were only found to have a low expression until the 1st week in Group A. In groups C-F, the expression peaks of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma were found at the 2nd week, while the expression peak of MIF was still at the 1st week, and the expression of all the cytokines extended to the 4th week. The expressions of these cytokines in Group B were just between the expression levels of Group A and Groups C-F. CONCLUSION: Immunosuppressants can delay the expression peaks and significantly extend the expression time of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and MIF after repair for a sciatic nerve injury in a rat model.