[Flaps in lower limb reconstruction: a 10-year retrospective review of 157 pedicled flaps]. / Cent cinquante-sept lambeaux pédiculés utilisés dans la reconstruction des membres inférieurs : étude rétrospective sur dix ans.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to review and present our experience with pedicled flap reconstruction of lower limb defects with particular reference to choice of flap, complications and pre-existing health disorders. METHODS: A retrospective review of lower limb reconstructions by pedicled flaps was carried out by the plastic and reconstructive surgery unit at Marseille's hospitals from January 1st, 1997 to December 31st, 2007. This study evaluated patients satisfaction and complications rate. RESULTS: During 10 years, 152 patients had 157 local flap reconstructions of lower limb defects. General patients satisfaction was 94% with 80% good or very good results and 20% of medium results. There were 16 immediate complications with three total necrosis, four partial necrosis, six hematoma, and three infections. There were nine late complications including wound dehiscence and graft instability. There were 11 functional sequels and 40 aesthetic sequels secondary to flaps. CONCLUSIONS: The current study presented our experience with locoregional flap reconstruction of lower limb defects. Lower limb reconstruction used a lot of locoregional flaps which had their own advantages and disadvantages. Their indication depended on the fiability and quality of the donor site.

[Iatrogenic palatine necrosis by embolization of sphenopalatine arteries during management of a rebel epistaxis]. / Nécrose palatine iatrogène par embolisation des artères sphéno-palatines au décours du traitement d'une épistaxis rebelle.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of epistaxis sometime requires an embolization. This may result in ischemic palate necrosis, oronasal communication and dental losses. The repair of these lesions is complex. OBSERVATION: A 53-year-old patient, suffering from high blood pressure and hypercholesterolemia, benefited from bilateral embolization of the sphenopalatine arteries in order to treat a persistent epistaxis. He developed a middle cerebral artery stroke in the aftermath. During the treatment of the neurological sequelae, a necrosis of the 2/3 of the posterior aspect of the hard palate was discovered. The angio-MRI showed an obstruction of both sphenopalatine arteries and of their vascular supplies resulting in a bilateral involvement of the alveolar bone. The diagnosis of iatrogenic palate necrosis was made. Tissue repair was successfully achieved by two loco-regional flaps. The dental rehabilitation was made by mean of a removable prosthesis. DISCUSSION: Palatine necrosis following embolization of the sphenopalatine arteries is uncommon. Ischemia resulted in a loss of substance in form of a punch, similar to noma's lesions. It could also be a consequence of the vascular background. The management of these lesions is complex and calls for forensic reflection about the iatrogenic origin.