Nasolabial propeller perforator flap: Anatomical study and case series.

PURPOSE: The previous cadaveric studies of facial artery perforators have frequently reported high variability, and those results remain to be validated in the Colombian population. Thus, we aimed to describe the vascular anatomy of the lateral nasal artery cutaneous branches and their clinical applications using Colombian cadavers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine hemifaces from six fresh cadavers were included in the study. Terminal branches of the facial artery and cutaneous perforators of the lateral nasal artery were dissected. The quality, number, and distribution of the perforators were assessed. In addition, we present results of seven clinical cases for nasal alar reconstruction. RESULTS: Cutaneous perforators were found in all hemifaces, and zone 2 was the most common location. In our clinical case series, all flaps used to reconstruct the nasal alar defects survived. There were two cases of venous congestion but no additional procedures were needed. CONCLUSIONS: Although nasal alar reconstruction continues to be a challenging plastic surgery procedure, the nasolabial propeller perforator flap is an excellent choice for such because it allows a precise skin island design, is less bulky, has a wide arc of rotation, and facilitates one-staged reconstruction without increasing the rate of complications.

Colgajos en hélice de las arterias perforantes para la reconstrucción de los defectos de cubrimiento en la extremidad inferior: experiencia de la IPS Universitaria, Medellín, Colombia / Propeller flap of perforating arteries in reconstruction of resection defects in the lower extremity: experience at the University IPS, Medellín, Colombia

Introducción. Los colgajos en hélice de las arterias perforantes son una opción reconstructiva regional y versátil para los defectos del miembro inferior. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo de cohorte, de 37 colgajos en 31 pacientes, hechos de agosto del 2012 a julio del 2015. Se recolectó la información demográfica, y de los factores perioperatorios, las complicaciones y los resultados. Resultados. La mediana de la edad de los pacientes fue de 44,3 años (rango: 18 a 82). La causa más común de los defectos fue el trauma (32 %), aunque las úlceras por presión y la osteomielitis también se presentaron con frecuencia. En cuanto a las comorbilidades, el 29 % de los pacientes presentaba hipertensión arterial sistémica, el 19 %, diabetes mellitus, y el 6 %, enfermedad arterial oclusiva crónica. Se presentaron dos casos de necrosis total (5 %) y 9 casos de necrosis parcial (24 %). La tasa de necrosis fue mayor en los pacientes con hipertensión arterial sistémica, con enfermedad arterial oclusiva crónica o con un puntaje de 3 en el sistema de clasificación de la American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), con una relación estadísticamente significativa. En conclusión, los colgajos en hélice de las arterias perforantes son un método de cubrimiento de gran versatilidad y confiable para tratar defectos de tejidos blandos del miembro inferior, con tasas de complicaciones similares a las de otros métodos tradicionales de cobertura

Introduction: Pedicled propeller perforator flaps are a versatile local reconstructive option for defects of the lower leg, ankle and foot. Material and methods: A retrospective review of 37 cases undergoing this procedure in the period 2012 to 2015 was performed. The analysis includes demographic and perioperative factors, complications and outcomes. Thirty-seven flaps were performed on a single perforator from any of the major vascular axes of the lower extremity Results: The mean age was 44.3 years (range 18 -82 years). Etiology of soft tissue defects was trauma in 32% of the cases, but osteomyelitis, pressure sores and vascular ulcers were also present. Pedicle rotation arch ranged between 90 to 180 degrees. There was 5% percent complete necrosis and 24% partial flap failure rate, both associated with arteriopathy and ASA 3 score. Conclusion: Propeller perforator flaps provide reliable coverage for lower limb defects, with a comparable rate of complications to traditional regional flaps

Second-toe transfer for traumatic thumb amputation in children under 5 years: bone and soft-tissue growth.

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic thumb amputations in children under 5 years are uncommon. The final clinical long-term results have been reported shortly in literature. We report our clinical experience in children under 5 years with traumatic amputation of the thumb that were reconstructed using a second-toe transfer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 7 boys and 2 girls between the ages of 1 and 5 years. The follow-up was between 6 and 14 years. The average age at the time of transfer was 2.8 years, and the average follow-up was 10.7 years (range, between 6 and 14 y). The most frequent cause of amputation was avulsion (33.3%). RESULTS: All the transferred toes survived and achieved bone union and static 2-point discrimination was averaged at 5 mm. They acquired good prehensile pinch and grasp. All of the structures of the transferred toes showed substantial growth. CONCLUSIONS: Second-toe transfer for traumatic amputation of the thumb continues to be one of the best choices. Children require secondary procedures less often and in some cases late functional recovery can be expected. It is a safe procedure and there are fewer complications and a better success rate.

Question mark ear deformity: a combined method for correction.

Question mark ear deformity or Cosman ear is a very uncommon congenital alteration. The deformity includes a cleft between the posterior helix and the lobule, an increase in anterior projection, an abnormal superior third that modifies the superior crura and the scaphoid fossa, partial or complete absence of the antihelix, transposition of the lobule and antihelix (severe cases), and postauricular tags. The authors present a case of moderate question mark ear deformity treated using Mustarde sutures and two cartilage grafts to correct the support and the contour defect. Adequate correction of the deformity and symmetry was achieved for both ears. The technique described in this report is suitable for minimal to moderate defects.

Reconstruction of volar digital defects: clinical experience with the hipothenar flap.

Soft tissue defects of the little finger especially for flexor injuries located on area ll, secondary to traumatic loss or contracture of soft tissue, infection or tumor, are challenging procedures for any hand surgeon. The reconstructive goal is to provide stable coverage to all noble structures exposed. Reconstructive options for this particular area include local, regional and free flaps, but all of them offer an important donor site morbidity. We present tree clinical cases of soft tissue defects of the little finger using the hipothenar fasciocutaneous reversed island flap, designed from the skin located over the abductor digiti minimi, which is on the basis of ulnar palmar digital artery. The donor site was closed primary. Clinical results were satisfactory and donor site wound healing was adequate.

One case of big-toe re-plantation: a 13-year follow-up and a literature review.

In this case of a 3-year-old patient who had a left big-toe amputation through the proximal phalange, re-plantation was performed successfully. Big-toe amputations are not frequent entities, but it should always be re-planted to avoid unsatisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. There are just a few reports in literature and their follow-up is very brief compared with our report.

Evaluación de la superficie corporal quemada en pacientes del Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl, Medellín, 2004 / Valoration of burned body surface area in patients of San Vicente de Paúl University Hospital, Medellín 2004

INTRODUCCIÓN: la evaluación de la superficie corporal quemada tiene gran importancia para el tratamiento inicial y el pronóstico del paciente quemado. Se revisan los diferentes métodos para evaluar la superficie corporal quemada y algunos conceptos básicos de reanimación.MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal a partir de las historias clínicas de los pacientes quemados hospitalizadosen el Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl (HUSVP) de Medellín durante el año 2004. Se compararon los diagnósticos de extensión quemada emitidos porel médico remitente, el médico del servicio de urgencias pediátricas o de adultos del HUSVP en el momento del ingreso del paciente a esta institución, y el cirujanoplástico de la unidad de quemados. Los datos obtenidos fueron procesados con el paquete EpiInfo 6,04 y se consideró como estadísticamente significativo un valor de p<0,05. Las variables se presentan como valores absolutos y sus respectivos porcentajes.RESULTADOS: fueron atendidos 329 pacientes. El 60 por ciento de los diagnósticos de remisión eran incompletos o errados, comparado con 39,2 por ciento de incompletos o incorrectos en el momento del ingreso a los servicios de urgencias del HUSVP; fueron más frecuentes los errores por exceso en la evaluación de la extensión de la superficie quemada, que por defecto. En la mayoría de los casos la magnitud del error fue suficiente para modificar la categoría de la quemadura (leve, moderada o severa). CONCLUSIONES: es necesario reforzar el conocimiento básico sobre la evaluación y tratamiento de las quemaduras en los médicos generales o especialistas que atienden servicios de urgencias.