Modified medial gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap with extended anterior, inferior and/or posterior boundaries: Anatomical observation and report of a clinical series of 33 flaps.

INTRODUCTION: Reports on medial gastrocnemius myocutaneous (MGM) flaps with extended inferior and posterior boundaries are rare, and information about the MGM flaps with extended anterior boundaries is unavailable. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the vascular anatomical basis and clinical reliability of the modified MGM flap with extended anterior, inferior and/or posterior boundaries. METHODS: Five fresh lower limb specimens from patients with recurrent tumours in the thigh were immediately irrigated and perfused. The stripped integuments were radiographed. The pretibial skin was equally divided into nine zones. The reconstruction outcomes of the modified MGM flaps were documented in 33 patients. RESULTS: True anastomotic connections existed among the branches of the saphenous artery, the perforator from the inferior medial genicular artery and 3-5 (mean, 4.5) perforators from the posterior tibial artery in the upper two-thirds of the leg. A total of 33 modified MGM flaps were applied. The anterior margins of 26 modified flaps with extended anterior boundaries exceeded the medial edge of the tibia by 1.0-4.5 cm (mean, 2.1 cm). Fourteen modified MGM flaps were used to repair the defects involving the lower third leg, whose distal edges were located in the seventh (n = 8) or eighth (n = 6) zone. A 1-169-month (median, 9 months) follow-up was conducted for 33 patients. Of the 33 flaps, 29 (87.9 %) survived completely, partial necrosis occurred in four flaps with extended anterior (n = 2) or inferior (n = 2) boundaries. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple source vessels are the vascular anatomical basis of the modified MGM flap with extended anterior, posterior and/or inferior boundaries. The modification of the MGM flap is feasible and reliable, broadening the applicable scope of the flap. The modified MGM flap can be applied to repair more distal, wider and larger-area defects with a simpler design and procedure.

Modified ulnar lengthening for correction of the Masada type 2 forearm deformity in hereditary multiple exostosis.

Few articles have reported on the treatment of Masada type 2 forearm deformities in hereditary multiple exostosis, possibly because of the high redislocation rate and other complications. This study precisely declares the use of modified ulnar lengthening by an Ilizarov external fixation with tumour excision for the treatment of Masada type 2 forearm deformities. 20 children with Masada type 2 forearm deformities were admitted for surgical treatment at our hospital from February 2014 to February 2021. There were 13 girls and 7 boys, ranging in age from 3.5 to 15 years (mean: 9 years) at the time of operation. We removed the prominent osteochondromas of the distal ulna and the proximal radius, positioned a classic Ilizarov external fixator on the forearm and then performed ulnar transverse one-third proximal diaphyseal subperiosteal osteotomy. We adopted modified ulnar lengthening postoperatively. The effects of surgical correction of deformity and functional improvement of the limb were assessed via regular follow-up and X-ray. The patients were followed up for 36 months, and the ulna was lengthened 26.99 mm on average; all radial heads remained relocated. The radiographic evaluations, including relative ulnar shortening, radial articular angle, and carpal slip, were improved. The functions of the elbow and forearm were all improved after surgery. Modified ulnar lengthening by an Ilizarov external fixation with tumour excision for the treatment of Masada type 2 forearm deformities in hereditary multiple exostoses has been proven to be an effective and reliable technique in the early stage.

[Diagnosis and treatment of finger flexion contracture caused by forearm flexor disease].

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis, and treatment methods of finger flexion contracture caused by three kinds of forearm flexor diseases. Methods: Between December 2008 and August 2021, 17 patients with finger flexion contracture were treated, including 8 males and 9 females, aged 5-42 years, with a median of 16 years. The disease duration ranged from 1.5 months to 30 years, with a median of 13 years. The etiology included 6 cases of Volkmann's contracture, all of which were flexion deformity of the 2nd to 5th fingers, accompanied by limitation of thumb dorsiflexion in 3 cases and limitation of wrist dorsiflexion in 3 cases; 3 cases of pseudo-Volkmann's contracture, including 2 cases of flexion deformity of middle, ring, and little fingers, and 1 case of flexion deformity of ring and little fingers; 8 cases of ulnar finger flexion contracture caused by forearm flexor disease or anatomical variations, all of which were flexion deformity of middle, ring, and little fingers. Operations such as slide of flexor and pronator teres origin, excision of abnormal fibrous cord and bony prominence, and release of entrapped muscle (tendon) were performed. Hand function was evaluated according to WANG Haihua's hand function rating standard or modified Buck-Gramcko classification standard, and muscle strength was evaluated according to British Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength rating standard. Results: All patients were followed up 1-10 years (median, 1.5 years). At last follow-up, 8 patients with contracture caused by forearm flexor disease or anatomical variations and 3 patients with pseudo-Volkmann's contracture achieved excellent hand function, with muscle strength of grade M5 in 6 cases and grade M4 in 5 cases. One patient with mild Volkmann's contracture and 3 patients with moderate Volkmann's contracture without severe nerve damage had excellent hand function in 2 cases and good in 2 cases, with muscle strength of grade M5 in 1 case and grade M4 in 3 cases. Two patients with moderate or severe Volkmann's contracture had poor hand function, with 1 case of muscle strength of grade M3 and 1 case of grade M2, which improved when compared with those before operation. The overall excellent and good rate of hand function and the proportion of patients with muscle strength of grade M4 and above were 88.2% (15/17), respectively. Conclusion: The finger flexion contracture caused by different etiology can be differentiated by analyzing the history, physical examination, radiographs, and intraoperative findings. After different surgical treatments, such as resection of contracture band, release of compressed muscle (tendon), and downward movement of flexor origin, most patients have a good outcome.

Distally Based Sural Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Reconstructing Soft Tissue Defects Proximal and Distal to the Tarsometatarsal Joints: A Comparative Analysis.

Distally based sural fasciocutaneous (DBSF) flaps are widely used for reconstructing soft tissue defects of the foot. The purpose of this paper was to compare the clinical efficacy of the use of flaps to repair defects in areas proximal and distal to the level of the tarsometatarsal joints in a relatively large number of patients and to analyze the effects of factors on the risk of developing partial necrosis of the flaps. Between April 2001 and December 2019, a total of 355 DBSF flaps were utilized to cover soft tissue defects in the foot. According to the furthest location of the defects reconstructed with the flaps, the flaps were divided into the proximal foot group (n = 260) and the distal foot group (n = 95). The partial necrosis rates, their influencing factors, and the clinical outcomes of the procedure were compared between the two groups. In the proximal foot group, the partial necrosis rate (6.2%, 16 of 260) was significantly lower than that in the distal foot group (14.7%, 14 of 95) (P < .05). The proportion of successful coverage of the defects using the flaps alone or in combination with a simple salvage treatment was comparable between the groups (P > .05). The ratio of unfavorable conditions in the distal foot group was higher than that in the proximal foot group (P < .05). DBSF flaps can be effectively utilized to repair defects in the proximal and distal areas of the foot. The use of a DBSF flap to repair defects in the proximal areas of the foot is superior to the use of DBSF flaps for repairing defects in the distal areas of the foot in terms of reliable survival of the flap.

An Effective Technique for Managing the Calcaneus Osteomyelitis Combined with Soft-Tissue Defect.

The treatment of the Cierny-Mader (C-M) type III-IV calcaneus osteomyelitis combining with the soft-tissue defect is sophisticated and difficult. The aim of this study is to introduce the application and availability of the modified distally based sural flap with an adipofascial extension to reconstruct these defects. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 37 patients with C-M type III-IV calcaneus osteomyelitis accompanied with soft-tissue defect between December 2004 and December 2019. A modified distally based sural flap with an adipofascial extension was conducted to reconstruct the defect. The patient's demographics, duration of the diseases, etiology, reconstruction outcomes, infection control rate, recurrence rate, amputation rate, and follow-up data were collected to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the modification. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot scale was applied to assess the function of the ankle and hindfoot. Thirty-four flaps survived uneventfully, 1 flap displayed marginal necrosis and 2 flaps (5.41%) developed partial necrosis. Using this modified flap alone or combining with some simple salvage methods reconstructed all of the defects successfully. The calcaneus osteomyelitis was cured successfully, and no recurrences were observed during the follow-up period. The AOFAS ankle and hindfoot scores were excellent in 27 patients and good in 8 patients. The distally based sural flap with an adipofacial extension is a simple and effective technique to reconstruct the calcaneus osteomyelitis combined with soft-tissue defect in 1 stage. Applications of the adipofacial extension to obliterate the dead space and the well-vascularized skin island to cover the defect are the guarantee of achieving good ankle and foot functions. However, this technique is not appropriate for the patients with calcaneum less than half weight-bearing area.

Missed Monteggia fractures in children treated by open reduction of the radial head and corrective osteotomy of the ulna.

Missed Monteggia fractures in children may cause pain, deformity, decreased range of motion, neurological symptoms, and late arthritis of the elbow. Numerous surgical techniques have been advocated to reconstruct missed Monteggia lesions. The purpose of the present study were first to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes after open reduction of the radial head and corrective osteotomy of the ulna, second to identify the factors associated with the preoperative radial notch/head appearance and the postoperative radiographic results. This study investigated the preoperative MRI presentation and the treatment of 29 patients who were diagnosed missed Monteggia fracture. Radiologic and clinical results of these patients were evaluated retrospectively, and the patient's and surgical factors related to preoperative radial notch/head appearance and the postoperative radiographic results were analyzed. Of the 29 patients, the average Kim elbow performance score at the last follow-up was 93.6, with 25 excellent, three good, one fair, and no poor results. 19 children had reduced radial heads, 8 had a subluxated radial head and 2 had dislocated radial heads at the last follow-up. The patient's gender and age had no significant influence on the appearance of radial notch/head and final radiographic results. However, the appearance of radial notch/head can significantly affect the final radiographic result (P < 0.001). The interval time was an important factor which related with the appearance of radial notch/head and final radiographic results (P < 0.001). Treating a missed Monteggia fracture by open reduction of the radial head and corrective osteotomy of the ulna is generally successful and preoperative MRI is meaningful for evaluation of the condition of the radial head and the radial notch which is related with the final radiographic result. The interval time from injury to operation exceeds 6 months, the risk of radial notch/head abnormality and radial head subluxation/re-dislocation after operation significantly increase.

Outcome comparison of sural neurofasciocutaneous flap for reconstructing soft tissue defects in forefoot and around ankle. / è “è‚ ç¥žç»è¥å »è¡€ç®¡çš®ç“£ä¿®å¤å‰è¶³å’Œè¸å‘¨åˆ›é¢çš„ç–—æ•ˆæ¯”è¾ƒ.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize our experience with the sural neurofasciocutaneous flap for reconstructing the soft tissue defects over the forefoot distal to the connecting line of midpoints in the metatarsal bones, and to compare the outcomes between the flap for resurfacing the defects distal and proximal to the connecting line. METHODS: The clinical data of 425 sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps for repairing the soft tissue defects in the middle and lower leg, ankle, and foot between Apr. 2002 and Apr. 2020 were reviewed. Based on the connecting line of midpoints of the metatarsals, the sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps were divided into a forefoot group (flaps with furthest edges distal to the connecting line) and a peri-ankle group (flaps with the furthest edges proximal to the connecting line). RESULTS: The partial necrosis rate in the forefoot group (14.5%, 10/69) was significantly higher than that in the peri-ankle group (7.0%, 25/356), with significant difference (P<0.05). Using the flap alone or in combination with a simple salvage treatment, the ratio of successful coverages of the defects was 98.6% (68/69) in the forefoot group, and 97.8% (348/356) in the peri-ankle group, respectively, with no statistical difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The sural neurofasciocutaneous flap is a better choice for covering the soft tissue defects over the forefoot distal to the connecting line of midpoints of the metatarsal bones. The survival reliability of the sural neurofasciocutaneous flap reconstructing the soft tissue defect proximal to the connecting line is superior to that of the flap reconstructing the defect distal to the connecting line.

Modified lateral gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap with extended anterior and/or inferior boundary.

There is little information regarding the boundaries of the lateral gastrocnemius myocutaneous (LGM) flap. The aim of this study was to introduce the modified technique of the LGM flap with extended anterior and/or inferior boundaries and its anatomical basis. Five fresh lower limb specimens were perfused and radiographed. Between December 2003 and August 2018, 27 modified LGM flaps with extended anterior and/or inferior boundaries were raised in 27 patients to reconstruct the soft tissue defects over the middle and upper leg, knee, and lower thigh. Both the lateral popliteal cutaneous artery and musculocutaneous perforators from the lateral sural artery had rich linked arteries communicating with the chain-linked arterial network around both the posterolateral intermuscular septum and the sural nerve, and they also had rich transverse communicating arteries connecting with the perifascial arterial network overlying the anterior compartment in the upper and middle calf. Continuous fascial arterial networks were extended up to the level at the intermalleolar line. Twenty-three flaps survived uneventfully, 2 flaps displayed distal de-epithelialization, and 2 flaps (7.41%) developed partial necrosis. Osteomyelitis was cured successfully in all patients, and no relapse of infection was encountered during the follow-up period. Multiple feeder arteries are the arterial anatomic basis of the modified LGM flap. The modified LGM flap with extended anterior and/or inferior boundaries is feasible, and the modified flap with extended anterior boundaries is safe and reliable.

Distally Based Peroneal Artery Perforator-Plus Fasciocutaneous Flap to Reconstruct Soft Tissue Defect Combined With Chronic Osteomyelitis in the Lateral Malleolus.

Distally based peroneal artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (DPAPF) flaps are widely used to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the lower extremity. Treatment for soft tissue defect combined with chronic osteomyelitis in the lateral malleolus has rarely been reported. The aim of this study was to elaborate the superiority of the DPAPF flap and provide referential experience for using the DPAPF flap in this situation. Between June 2010 and December 2017, soft tissue defects in the setting of chronic osteomyelitis in the lateral malleolus were reconstructed with DPAPF flaps in 17 patients. After thorough debridement, the defect was repaired with the DPAPF flap, and patients subsequently followed an antibiotic regimen for 6 weeks. Follow-up periods for all patients were at least 24 months. The reconstruction outcomes and the satisfaction of the 17 patients were evaluated. Of the 17 flaps, 16 survived uneventfully, except one occurrence of partial necrosis. No infection occurred in the follow-up period. In the study, 17 patients except one were satisfied with flap appearance. All the patients were satisfied with the reconstruction outcomes. In a one-stage procedure, the use of DPAPF flaps is ideal for reconstructing soft tissue defects in the setting of chronic osteomyelitis in the lateral malleolus.

Risk factors related to the partial necrosis of the posterior tibial artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous flap.

PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND: The posterior tibial artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (PTAPF) flap is commonly used for defects over the distal lower extremity. However, the causes of partial necrosis of the PTAPF flap are unknown. This paper aimed to explore the factors related to the partial necrosis of the PTAPF flap. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 59 patients who received the PTAPF flap for soft-tissue defects between September 2007 and September 2017. The clinical outcomes of the flap were evaluated, and the patient and surgical factors related to flap survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 59 patients, 9 (15.25%) flaps exhibited partial necrosis. No significant differences were found between the survival and partial necrosis groups regarding gender, age, soft tissue defect site, length and width of the fascia pedicle, length of the skin island, length-width ratio (LWR), and pivot point (P > 0.05). However, the survival group showed significantly less width of the skin island and total length of the flap than the partial necrosis group (P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the width of the skin island was an independent risk factor affecting partial flap necrosis (OR = 4.028; P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: The PTAPF flap can be effectively used to repair small and medium wounds of the lower and middle leg, ankle and foot. As the width of the skin island exceeds 6 cm, the risk of partial flap necrosis significantly increases.

Revisit of flap factors relating to partial necrosis of distally based sural flaps: an analysis of 435 cases in a single center.

BACKGROUND: Partial necrosis is an ongoing topic in regard to flap complications of the distally based sural (DBS) flap However, the factors influencing partial necrosis of the flap remain in debate. The aim of the present study is to further illuminate the flap-related risk factors and the effects of several technical improvements. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 429 patients who underwent 435 DBS flaps between April 2001 and December 2019. The reconstruction outcomes, flap viability-related complications, and potential risk factors were compared between the survival group and partial necrosis group, as well as between group A (the procedures performed from April 2001 to March 2010) and group B (those from April 2010 to December 2019). RESULTS: Among the 435 flaps, 39 flaps (8.97%) exhibited partial necrosis. With the increase of the top edge of the flap, the partial necrosis rate increased significantly (P < 0.05). When the length-to-width ratio [LWR] of the flap was more than 5:1 or the total length of the flap (the length of the skin island plus the length of the adipofascial pedicle) was more than 20 cm, the partial necrosis rate increased significantly (P < 0.05). The partial necrosis rate in group B (5.86%, 15/256) was significantly lower than that in group A (13.41%, 24/179) (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The top edge of the flap is an essential indicator for predicting the prognosis of the DBS flap. When the total length of the flap is more than 20 cm or the LWR of the flap more than 5:1, the partial necrosis rate will increase significantly. Various technical modifications can lower the top edge of the flap and reduce the LWR of the flap and width of the skin island, and thus improve the flap survival effectively.

[Clinical study of modified technique to reduce partial necrosis rate of distally pedicled sural flap].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the technical modifications regarding the risk factors related to the partial necrosis of the distally pedicled sural flap could reduce the partial necrosis rate of the flap. METHODS: A clinical data of 254 patients (256 sites) (modified group), who used modified technique to design and cut distally pedicled sural flaps to repair the distal soft tissue defects of the lower limbs between April 2010 and December 2019, was retrospectively analyzed. Between April 2001 and March 2010, 175 patients (179 sites) (control group) who used the traditional method to design and cut the skin flap to repair the distal soft tissue defects of the lower limbs were compared. Various technical modifications were used to lower the top-edge of the flap, reduce the length-width ratio (LWR) of the flap and width of the skin island. There was no significant difference in gender, age, etiology, duration from injury to operation, site and area of the soft tissue defect between groups ( P>0.05). The length and width of the skin island and adipofascial pedicle, the total length of the flap and LWR, and the pivot point position were measured and recorded. The top-edge of the flap was determined according to the division of 9 zones in the posterior aspect of the lower limb. The occurrence of partial necrosis of the flap and the success rate of defect reconstruction were observed postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the length and width of the skin island, the length of the adipofascial pedicle, total length and LWR of the flap, and pivot point position of the flap between groups ( P>0.05). The width of the adipofasical pedicle in modified group was significant higher than that in control group ( t=-2.019, P=0.044). The top-edge of 32 flaps (17.88%) in control group and 31 flaps (12.11%) in modified group were located at the 9th zone; the constituent ratio of the LWR more than 5∶1 in modified group (42.58%, 109/256) was higher than that in control group (42.46%, 76/179); and the constituent ratio of width of skin island more than 8 cm in control group (59.78%, 107/179) was higher than that in modified group (57.42%, 147/256). There was no significant difference in the above indicators between groups ( P>0.05). In control group, 155 flaps (86.59%) survived completely, 24 flaps (13.41%) exhibited partial necrosis. Among them, 21 wounds healed after symptomatic treatments, 3 cases were amputated. The success rate of defects reconstruction was 98.32% (176/179). In modified group, 241 flaps (94.14%) survived completely, 15 flaps (5.86%) exhibited partial necrosis. Among them, 14 wounds healed after symptomatic treatments, 1 case was amputated. The success rate of defect reconstruction was 99.61% (255/256). The partial necrosis rate in modified group was significantly lower than that in control group ( χ 2=7.354, P=0.007). There was no significant difference in the success rate between the two groups ( P=0.310). All patients in both groups were followed up 1 to 131 months (median, 9.5 months). All wounds in the donor and recipient sites healed well. CONCLUSION: The partial necrosis rate of the distally based sural flap can be decreased effectively by applying personalized modified technical for specific patients.

Reliability of distally based sural flap in elderly patients: comparison between elderly and young patients in a single center.

BACKGROUND: Reconstructions the soft-tissue defects of the distal lower extremities in the elderly patients (≥ 60 years old) are full of challenges because of many comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical application of the distally based sural flap in the elderly patients, and to verify the reliability of this flap in the elderly patients. METHODS: Between March of 2005 and December of 2019, 53 patients aged over 60-year-old and 55 patients aged 18 to 30-year-old who underwent the procedure have been included in this study. The reconstruction outcomes, medical-related complications, flap viability-related complications and potential risk factors are compared between the group A (≥ 60 years old) and group B (ranging from 18 to 30 years old). RESULTS: The partial necrosis rate in group A (9.43%) is higher than group B (9.09%), but the difference is not significant (P > 0.05). The constitute ratio of the defects that were successfully covered using the sural flap alone or combining with simple salvage method (i.e., skin grafting) is 96.22% and 98.18% in group A and B, respectively (P > 0.05). The differences of the risk flaps factors that affected the survival of distally based sural flap were not significant between group A and B (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The distally based sural flap can be effectively used to repair the soft-tissue defect of the lower extremity in the elderly patients. It is safe and reliable to harvest and transfer the flap in one stage, and the delay surgery is not necessary.

Distally Based Perforator-Plus Sural Neurocutaneous Flap with High or Low Pivot Point: Anatomical Considerations and a Retrospective Study of a Clinical Series of 378 Flaps.

BACKGROUND: This study is to describe the distribution of natural true anastomoses associated with the distally based perforator-plus sural neurocutaneous flap (sural flap), summarize our experience in the flap with high pivot point, and compare the outcomes between the flaps with high and low pivot points. METHODS: Five amputated lower limbs were perfused, and the integuments were radiographed. We retrospectively analyzed 378 flaps, which were divided into two groups: pivot points located ≤8.0 cm (low pivot point group) and >8.0 cm (high pivot point group) proximal to the tip of the lateral malleolus. Partial necrosis rates were compared between two groups. RESULTS: The arterial chain surrounding the sural nerve was linked by true anastomoses from the intermalleolar line to popliteal crease. True anastomoses existed among peroneal perforators and between these perforators and the arterial chain. There were 93 flaps with high pivot point and 285 flaps with low pivot point. Partial necrosis rates were 16 and 9.1% in the high and low pivot point group (p = 0.059), respectively. CONCLUSION: True anastomosis connections among peroneal perforators and the whole arterial chain around sural nerve enable the sural flap to survive with a greater length. The sural flap with high pivot point is a good option for reconstructing soft-tissue defects in the middle and distal leg, ankle, and foot, particularly when the lowest peroneal perforator presents damage, greater distance to the defects, discontinuity with the donor site, or anatomical variation.

Utilisation of distally based sural fasciocutaneous flaps in lower extremity reconstruction: a single-centre experience with 88 paediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: No large series have analysed distally based sural fasciocutaneous (DBSF) flaps in paediatric patients. The aims of this study were to assess the reliability and analyse the potential risk factors for these flaps and to describe complications in the donor site and the functional follow-up results. METHODS: Between June 2002 and November 2017, 88 DBSF flaps were used to reconstruct soft tissue defects in paediatric patients. Potential risk factors, reconstruction outcomes, and complications in the donor site of the flaps were analysed. RESULTS: Among the 88 flaps, partial necrosis developed in 8 flaps (9.1%). The partial necrosis rate was significantly higher in flaps with the top edge located in the 9th zone (26.1%), with a length-width ratio (LWR) ≥ 5:1 (28.6%), and with a dimension of the skin island ≥ 100 cm2 (22.7%). Partial necrosis did not occur in flaps with a dimension of the skin island < 80.0 cm2 or with a skin-island width < 7.0 cm. The reconstruction outcomes in most paediatric patients were evaluated as "excellent" or "good". The incidence of obvious scarring was higher in the donor site. CONCLUSIONS: Partial necrosis of DBSF flaps will significantly increase when the top edge of the flap is located in the 9th zone, when the LWR of the flap is ≥ 5:1, or when the dimension of the skin island is ≥ 100.0 cm2. Flaps with a skin-island width < 7.0 cm or with a dimension of the skin island < 80 cm2 are relatively safe and reliable.

Composite sural neurocutaneous flap with gastrocnemius tendon for repairing defects of Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue.

PURPOSE: Defect of Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue remains a surgical challenge due to its insufficient blood supply and high requirement of function. This study aims to report the clinical efficacy of the composite sural neurocutaneous composite flap with gastrocnemius tendon on the complicated defect of Achilles region. METHODS: Seven cases of defects of Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue were reconstructed by the composite sural neurocutaneous composite flaps with gastrocnemius tendons. It is important to keep the connection between gastrocnemius tendon and deep fascia of the composite flap during operation. The smallest and the largest areas of transferred skin flaps were 7.5 cm × 4.5 cm and 11 cm × 10 cm respectively. The size of gastrocnemius tendon ranged from 5 cm × 3 cm to 9 cm × 4 cm. Patients was evaluated by using the Arner-Lindholm scale at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Six flaps survived completely with no complication. One flap developed wound dehiscence and went on to heal by daily dressing. With 12-60 months follow-up, all patients gained satisfactory appearance and function of ankle, without tendon re-rupture or recurrent infection. Based on Arner-Lindholm scale, six cases were noted to be excellent and one was good. CONCLUSION: The composite sural neurocutaneous flap with gastrocnemius tendon is a viable and practical method to salvage Achilles tendon defect and overlying soft tissue coverage, with minimal adhesion and satisfactory function.

Graphene Oxide/Copper Nanoderivatives-Modified Chitosan/Hyaluronic Acid Dressings for Facilitating Wound Healing in Infected Full-Thickness Skin Defects.

PURPOSE: Wound healing, especially of infected wounds, remains a clinical challenge in plastic surgery. This study aimed to manufacture a novel and multifunctional wound dressing by combining graphene oxide/copper nanocomposites (GO/Cu) with chitosan/hyaluronic acid, providing significant opportunities for the therapy of wound repair in wounds with a high risk of bacterial infection. METHODS: In this study, GO/Cu-decorated chitosan/hyaluronic acid dressings (C/H/GO/Cu) were prepared using sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) crosslinking and the vacuum freeze-drying method, and chitosan/hyaluronic acid dressings (C/H) and GO-incorporated chitosan/hyaluronic acid dressings (C/H/GO) served as controls. The surface characterization, in vitro degradation under various pH values, antimicrobial potential, cytocompatibility and in vivo therapeutic efficacy in a bacteria-infected full-thickness skin defect model were systematically evaluated. RESULTS: Our experimental results indicated that the acidic environment facilitated the release of copper (CuNPs and Cu2+) from the dressings, and prepared C/H/GO/Cu dressings exhibited significant in vitro antimicrobial activities against the two tested bacterial strains (ATCC35984 and ATCC25923). All three dressings showed satisfactory cytocompatibility with mouse fibroblasts (NIH/3T3-L1). Moreover, remarkably accelerated wound healing was found in the C/H/GO/Cu group, with controlled inflammatory infiltration and improved angiogenesis in granulation tissues. In addition, no pathological damage was noted in the tissue structures of the tested organs (heart, lung, liver and kidney) in any of the four groups. CONCLUSION: Collectively, GO/Cu-incorporated chitosan/hyaluronic acid dressings suggested a synergistic antimicrobial efficacy and acceptable biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo, as well as a significantly accelerated healing process of bacteria-infected wounds. Thus, the multifunctional C/H/GO/Cu composite is expected to be a potential alternative for wound dressings, especially for the management of intractable wounds caused by bacterial infection.

Distally based peroneal artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects over the distal forefoot: a retrospectively analyzed clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Distally based peroneal artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (DPAPF) flaps are widely used for reconstructing soft-tissue defects of the lower extremity. However, reports on the reconstruction of the defects over the distal forefoot using the DPAPF flaps are scarce. Herein, we describe our experience on the reconstruction of these defects using DPAPF flaps in a considerable sample size. METHODS: Between February 2005 and August 2019, a total of 56 DPAPF flaps in 56 patients were used to reconstruct soft-tissue defects in the forefoot. In order to reduce the length of fascial pedicle and the total length of the DPAPF flaps, the ankles were fixed in dorsiflexion using a Kirschner wire before designing the flaps. The flaps were elevated by the anterograde-retrograde approach. Patient factors and flap factors were compared between the "survival" and "partial necrosis" groups. RESULTS: Overall, 47 flaps had survived completely in one stage. Partial necrosis developed in nine flaps, with only one remnant defect covered using a local flap. By fixing the ankles in dorsiflexion, the length of the fascial pedicle was reduced approximately 2.35 ± 0.58 cm, the total length of the flap was simultaneously shortened by the same amount as the length of the fascial pedicle. The width of the fascia pedicle varied from 3.0 cm to 6.0 cm. The fascial pedicle width > 4 cm was found in 21 flaps. The partial necrosis rate of the DPAPF flaps with the top edge located in the 8th zone was significantly lower than that in the 9th zone (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The DPAPF flaps can be effectively used to reconstruct the defects over the distal forefoot because of convenient harvest and reliability. By fixing the ankle in dorsiflexion with Kirschner wire and widening the fascial pedicle appropriately, the top edge and LWR of the flaps will be decreased, and thus the procedures are helpful for the flaps survival.

Comparison between distally based peroneal and posterior tibial artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous flap for reconstruction of the lower extremity.

BACKGROUND: Distally based peroneal artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (DPAPF) flaps and distally based posterior tibial artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (DPTAPF) flaps are widely used to reconstruct soft-tissue defects of the distal lower leg, ankle, and foot. However, a comparative study of both flaps in a considerable sample size is lacking. This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of the flaps and provide referential evidence for selection of flaps. METHODS: Between April 2001 and October 2016, 227 patients underwent reconstruction with DPAPF flaps (peroneal group; n = 150) or DPTAPF flaps (posterior tibial group; n = 82). The distal lower leg, ankle, and foot were divided into Zones I and II. Flap viability-related complications and their risk factors, reconstruction outcomes, and donor-site morbidities were compared. RESULTS: In Zone I, the partial necrosis rate was lower in the peroneal group than in the posterior tibial group (p > 0.05). In Zone II, the partial necrosis rate was significantly lower in the peroneal group (p < 0.05). Significantly lower incidences of donor-site morbidities in terms of hypertrophic scarring, itching, and pigmentation were observed in the peroneal group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The DPAPF flap was superior to the DPTAPF flap with respect to reliability and decreased donor-site morbidities. The former is the recommended preferential choice between the two.