Concentrated growth factor intradermal injection assisted super-thin flap expansion for repairing skin defects: A randomized, single blinded, split-site study.

BACKGROUND: The super-thin skin flap formed by skin and soft tissue expansion has large area and good ductility, so it can be used to repair skin defects. However, because the flap is thin, the blood flow in the dermis of the super-thin expanded flap is weakened, and flap rupture and necrosis after secondary flap transfer may occur. OBJECTIVE: To compare the skin thickness difference between the expanded ultrathin flaps injected with concentrated growth factor (CGF) and the blank group or saline group. METHODS: From June 2021 to December 2023, 10 patients (44 sites) with large-area scars or skin tumors were treated, and a single center half randomized controlled trial was conducted. The test site of expander implantation was divided into three groups: intradermal injection of CGF group, normal saline group and blank group. The same amount of expansion was performed every 1-2 weeks, and CGF or normal saline was injected into the dermis every 4 weeks, a total of three times. After 2-3 months of expansion, color Doppler ultrasound was used to measure the skin thickness of each group. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the skin thickness of CGF group was 1.75 ± 0.08 mm, and that of BLA blank group was 1.42 ± 0.07 mm, with statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001); In the other group, compared with the saline group, the skin thickness of the CGF group was 1.54 ± 0.08 mm, and the average skin thickness of the saline group was 1.40 ± 0.08 mm, with significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.0067). CONCLUSION: CGF intradermal injection can increase the skin thickness of super-thin skin flap in the process of soft tissue expansion, which is a safe and effective auxiliary method of skin expansion.

Hair follicle stem cells promote epidermal regeneration under expanded condition.

Skin soft tissue expansion is the process of obtaining excess skin mixed with skin development, wound healing, and mechanical stretching. Previous studies have reported that tissue expansion significantly induces epidermal proliferation throughout the skin. However, the mechanisms underlying epidermal regeneration during skin soft tissue expansion are yet to be clarified. Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) have been recognized as a promising approach for epidermal regeneration. This study examines HFSC-related epidermal regeneration mechanisms under expanded condition and proposes a potential method for its cellular and molecular regulation.

Effect of intense pulsed light on hair removal in pediatric auricular reconstruction using tissue expander / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficiency of depilation with intense pulsed light (IPL) in congenital microtia patients during different phase of reconstruction treatment sessions.Methods:The hairy skin was treated with the M22TM system (Lumenis, German) using a filter of 695-1 200 mm. A three pluses mode of the radiant setting with a pulse width of 3.5 ms, a delay of 60 ms, and an energy density of 16-18 mJ/cm 2 was applied in the expanded patients. Depilation efficacy was evaluated as follows: excellent (hair density reduction >75%), good (50%-75%), fair (25%-50%), and poor (<25%). The depilation effect was compared between different phases. And the adverse effect was observed. Results:A total of 131 cases were included. There was no difference of the hair density reduction between patients with different expander volume after same IPL depilation treatments [15 (13-19) vs. 16 (15-19) root/cm 2, Wilcoxon rank analysis]. The hair density reduction in the expansion group was lower than the non-expansion group after two IPL depilation treatments [15 (13-19) vs. 17 (15-21) root/cm 2, P<0.05, Wilcoxon rank analysis]. The depilation efficacy was highly related with the numbers of IPL depilation treatments the patients received [Kendall′ stat b=0.74 (95% CI: 0.71-0.77), P<0.05]. There were 3 cases of folliculitis, 2 cases of blisters occurred in this study, and no expander exposure and cartilage absorption were observed. Conclusions:Hair removal with IPL is a safe and effective photo-epilation method during all stages of ear reconstruction using tissue expander. The volume of the expander does not significantly affect the hair removal efficiency. Depilation in the expansion phase is more efficient than that in the non-expansion phase, and the ideal result of " hair-free" or " less hairy" reconstructed ears can be achieved in 5 treatments, with suboptimal results in 3 treatments.

S100 calcium-binding protein A9 promotes skin regeneration through toll-like receptor 4 during tissue expansion.

Background: In plastic surgery, tissue expansion is widely used for repairing skin defects. However, low expansion efficiency and skin rupture caused by thin, expanded skin remain significant challenges in promoting skin regeneration during expansion. S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) is essential in promoting wound healing; however, its effects on skin regeneration during tissue expansion remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of S100A9 in skin regeneration, particularly collagen production to investigate its importance in skin regeneration during tissue expansion. Methods: The expression and distribution of S100A9 and its receptors-toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and receptor for advanced glycation end products were studied in expanded skin. These characteristics were investigated in skin samples of rats and patients. Moreover, the expression of S100A9 was investigated in stretched keratinocytes in vitro. The effects of S100A9 on the proliferation and migration of skin fibroblasts were also observed. TAK-242 was used to inhibit the binding of S100A9 to TLR-4; the levels of collagen I (COL I), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), TLR-4 and phospho-extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in fibroblasts were determined. Furthermore, fibroblasts were co-cultured with stretched S100A9-knockout keratinocytes by siRNA transfection and the levels of COL I, TGF-ß, TLR-4 and p-ERK1/2 in fibroblasts were investigated. Additionally, the area of expanded skin, thickness of the dermis, and synthesis of COL I, TGF-ß, TLR-4 and p-ERK1/2 were analysed to determine the effects of S100A9 on expanded skin. Results: Increased expression of S100A9 and TLR-4 was associated with decreased extracellular matrix (ECM) in the expanded dermis. Furthermore, S100A9 facilitated the proliferation and migration of human skin fibroblasts as well as the expression of COL I and TGF-ß in fibroblasts via the TLR-4/ERK1/2 pathway. We found that mechanical stretch-induced S100A9 expression and secretion of keratinocytes stimulated COL I, TGF-ß, TLR-4 and p-ERK1/2 expression in skin fibroblasts. Recombined S100A9 protein aided expanded skin regeneration and rescued dermal thinning in rats in vivo as well as increasing ECM deposition during expansion. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that mechanical stretch promoted expanded skin regeneration by upregulating S100A9 expression. Our study laid the foundation for clinically improving tissue expansion using S100A9.

Noninvasive Soft Tissue Expansion Strips and Wound Complications After Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle arthroplasty through the anterior approach (TAR-AA) is an increasingly popular treatment for ankle arthritis, but it carries a known risk for wound complications. Several products have been investigated to mitigate this risk; however, most are either costly or invasive. Noninvasive skin expansion strips (NSESs) were designed to transfer tension away from the incision and induce new skin growth at the edges of the strips. We hypothesize that postoperative application of NSESs will decrease unplanned clinic visits and wound complications after TAR-AA. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of 41 patients at a single institution (3 surgeons) treated with NSESs after undergoing TAR-AA. An additional 41 consecutive historical patients treated without NSESs were retrospectively included as a control group. Patients received application of NSESs in the operating room after routine wound closure and again 2 weeks postoperatively. No other changes were made to the surgeons' wound closure technique, immobilization, follow-up timing, or rehabilitation protocols. Primary outcomes included (1) additional clinic visit required for wound assessment or suture removal, (2) superficial wound complication, and (3) deep infection. RESULTS: Baseline demographics did not differ significantly from our 41 consecutively treated historical controls. Additional clinic visits for suture removal or wound evaluation were significantly lower for patients treated with NSESs (15%, 6 of 41) compared to the control group (49%, 20 of 41) (P = .001). There was also a significant difference in the superficial wound complication rate in the treatment group vs control group, 2% and 12%, respectively (P = .04). There were no deep infections in either group. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive skin expansion strips placed after TAR-AA with an anterior approach have the potential to decrease wound complications and unplanned clinic visits. Further high-volume or randomized studies are needed to clarify their cost effectiveness and effect on long-term outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Mechanical Stretch Induced Skin Regeneration: Molecular and Cellular Mechanism in Skin Soft Tissue Expansion.

Skin soft tissue expansion is one of the most basic and commonly used techniques in plastic surgery to obtain excess skin for a variety of medical uses. However, skin soft tissue expansion is faced with many problems, such as long treatment process, poor skin quality, high retraction rate, and complications. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of skin soft tissue expansion is needed. The key to skin soft tissue expansion lies in the mechanical stretch applied to the skin by an inflatable expander. Mechanical stimulation activates multiple signaling pathways through cellular adhesion molecules and regulates gene expression profiles in cells. Meanwhile, various types of cells contribute to skin expansion, including keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells, which are also regulated by mechanical stretch. This article reviews the molecular and cellular mechanisms of skin regeneration induced by mechanical stretch during skin soft tissue expansion.

Soft Tissue Expansion in Total Knee Arthroplasty Due to Extensive Scarring and Fibrosis in Multiple-Operated Knee.

Background: Inadequate wound closure is a feared complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A knee with a multiple operative history, excessive scarring, and fibrosed surrounding soft tissue presents a significant challenge. In cases with preoperative uncertainty for sufficient soft tissue coverage because of ischemia and tension on closure, soft tissue expansion (STE) has been reported to be an effective tool for optimizing successful closure. Case Report: For the case in this report, STE was performed on a knee with multiple scars, potential ischemia, fibrosis, and soft tissue contractures prior to TKA. Conclusions: In cases of uncertain soft tissue coverage in TKA, the use of STE can be a useful method in creating adequate wound closure.

Effects of Botulinum Toxin A on the Blood Flow in Expanded Rat Skin.

Background Poor blood supply can easily lead to expander extrusion and necrosis at the distal expanded flap. Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) has been previously found to improve pedicled flap blood flow perfusion, but its effects on the blood supply of expanded skin remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of BTX-A on blood flow perfusion during and after expansion.Methods Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a BTX-A group and a control group. BTX-A or normal saline was injected intradermally into the marked skin on the back immediately. Then expanders were implanted in the rats. One week later, inflation of the expander with normal saline was started and performed twice a week to reach an intracapsular pressure of 8 kPa. The skin blood flow was measured before each injection. After 4 weeks of expansion, the sample was harvested for histological staining to measure the diameter and density of blood vessels; meanwhile, a 2 cm× 8 cm expanded random flap was elevated and sutured in situ. Blood flow perfusion and flap survival were observed.Results Compared with the control group, the BTX-A group had more blood flow, a larger blood vessel diameter, and higher blood vessel density in the expanded skin. Additionally, the flap of the BTX-A group had good blood flow perfusion and a high proportion of flap survival area within 7 days after expanded flap transfer. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test.Conclusion Pre-surgical BTX-A treatment may increase angiogenesis and vasodilatation, with subsequent blood perfusion elevation during and after expansion, and obtain a greater proportion of survival area of the transferred expanded flap.

Tumescent anesthesia combined with skin and soft tissue expansion for the repair of 41 cases of congenital giant melanocytic nevi / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of tumescent anesthesia combined with skin and soft tissue expansion for the repair of congenital giant melanocytic nevi.Methods:From July 2015 to December 2019, 41 patients with congenital giant melanocytic nevi, including 24 males and 17 females aged 7 - 45 years, were collected from the Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University. Skin lesions ranged from 5 cm × 12 cm to 12 cm × 18 cm in size, and were located on the scalp in 13 cases, on the face in 18 cases, as well as on the trunk in 10 cases. Before surgery, the composition of tumescent solution was adjusted according to the body weight, operation duration, skin lesion area, etc., and the total dose and peak plasma concentration of lidocaine should be below 35 mg/kg and 4 mg/L respectively. All the patients received tissue expander placement and second-stage flap transfer under tumescent anesthesia.Results:During surgery, satisfactory effect of tumescent anesthesia was achieved in all the 41 patients, the pain score assessed by a numerical rating scale was 1.82 ± 0.54. In addition, the surgical field and dissection levels were clear with little bleeding and no related complications. Follow-up of 3 - 36 months showed that the skin flaps matched the surrounding skin tissues well, with relatively concealed incision lines and soft flat scars.Conclusion:For the treatment of congenital giant melanocytic nevi, tumescent anesthesia is effective and safe, which combined with skin and soft tissue expansion can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, and this strategy is worthy of clinical promotion.

A novel two-stage strategy combing tissue expansion and Nagata`s technique for total auricular reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to explore the clinical application of the Nagata's technique for combing tissue expansion in auricular reconstruction. METHODS: The auricular reconstruction was performed in two surgical stages. At the first stage, an 80 ml expander was inserted in the mastoid region after preoperative evaluation. After a gradual expansion period and nearly 2-month rest time, the flap achieved the appropriate area and thickness. At the second stage, the expander was removed and a three-layer cartilage framework was inserted into the pocket through a Y-shaped lobule incision, and the earlobe and tragus were rebuild simultaneously. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2016, 104 microtia patients underwent auricular reconstruction with this method in our hospital. Patients were followed up for between 6 months and 2 years. Ninety-six patients and their families were satisfied with the results, especially the clear outline, appropriate color, good projection, and the symmetry of bilateral ears. Complications of ischemic necrosis of the distal earlobe and skin of the concha cavity occurred in two cases, hematoma after the first stage occurred in two cases, and four patients needed further restorations. CONCLUSIONS: A novel two-stage strategy combing tissue expansion and Nagata's technique is an effective and efficient technique for auricular reconstruction with satisfying medium-term results.

[Clinical effects of expanded super-thin perforator flaps in the shoulder, neck, and chest in reconstruction of extensive burn scars in the face].

Objective: To explore the clinical effects and key techniques of expanded super-thin perforator flaps in the shoulder, neck, and chest in reconstruction of extensive burn scars in the face. Methods: From January 2008 to November 2018, 22 patients with extensive burn scars in the face were admitted to the Department of Plastic Surgery of Dongguan Kanghua Hospital and the Department of Plastic Surgery of Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, with 3 males and 19 females, aged from 4 to 48 years. There were 16 cases of type Ⅱ and 6 cases of type Ⅲ in facial scars. Before the first stage of expansion surgery, Doppler blood flow survey meter or multi-slice CT was used to locate the perforator vessels. One to four expanders with rated capacity ranged from 100 to 600 mL were placed in the patients. We gave 20% to 30% of the rated capacity of expander intro-operation and common injection with 10% to 15% of the rated capacity of expander per week post-operation until the volume reached 1.5 to 2.5 times of the rated capacity of expander during the past 3 to 4 months. At the second stage of surgery, the perforators were located again before surgery with the same method. The size of defects after the excision of facial scars ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 18 cm×16 cm. With perforators used as nutrient vessels, narrow pedicle flaps or random flaps ranging from 6 cm×6 cm to 22 cm×18 cm were elevated as rotating or advancing to reconstruct the defects. The donor sites were sutured directly. Some of the flaps needed stage Ⅲ operation for cutting the pedicle. The survival of flaps, post-operation complications, and follow-up were assessed. Results: All flaps of 22 patients survived. All the donor sites were closed simultaneously. One patient underwent an additional surgery for 5 cm×4 cm necrosis on distal part of flap caused by subcutaneous hematoma. Two patients with epidermis blister on the flaps were healed by themselves after dressing change. Due to rapid expansion, blood capillary proliferation appeared on the central part of the flap in 3 cases, after slowing down the expansion speed properly, which had no impact on flap transfer. No ischemia or venous congestion phenomenon were observed in the other flaps. During follow-up of 5 to 48 months, the flaps of patients showed no significant bloated appearance, with good complexion and texture, and even could reproduce facial fine-grained expressions naturally. Conclusions: For the reconstruction of extensive burn scars in the face, expanded super-thin perforator flaps can not only acquire large and thin flaps with high matching degree surface skin defect, but also reproduce facial fine-grained expressions. It is a simple and safe method which conforms to the facial aesthetic standard.

Staged breast reconstruction with a subpectoral silicone implant and autologous fat grafting after tissue expansion / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical application of subpectoral silicone implant associated with autologous fat grafting after tissue expansion, for breast reconstructions.@*Methods@#From Jan 2013 to Dec 2016, a total of 15 female patients were admitted to the plastic surgery department of the First Affiliated hospital of Fujian Medical University. They were after or were prepared to unilateral modified radical mastectomy. Patients were aged 18-50 years old, with the average of 33.5 years. There were 8 cases of T1N0MO (T1micN0MO, n=1), 3 cases of T2N0MO, 1 case of T2N1MO, 1 case of T1N2MO, 1 case of T2N2MO and 1 case of T3N3MO. A tissue expander was inserted beneath the posterior pectoralis major in first surgery. The cavity stripped range is greater than the expander around 1cm. The lowest position of the expander was determined according to the IMF of the other breast. The tissue expander was gradually filled intraoperatively and postoperatively periodically, until the expander exceeds 30%-50% of the volume of the other breast. Three months later, as the soft tissue over the breast area has stretched enough, the expander was removed in a second operation and a permanent implant was inserted. Meanwhile, the autologous fat particles, harvested from thigh or abdomen, was centrifuged at 800×g for 3 minutes. Then it was injected into the subcutaneous and posterior pectoralis major space. And the other breast may be adjusted if necessary for symmetry.@*Results@#Fifteen patients was included in this study (immediately tissue expander implanted, n=8; delayed tissue expander implanted, n=7). All the expanders are round in shape. The interval between the two operations was 6-12 months, with an average of 7.4 months. The total salt-water solution injected was 310-450 ml per patient, with an average of 365 ml. The volume of breast implants was 180-280 ml. The injection volume of autologous fat was 65-230 ml, 122.7 ml on average. All incisions healed well. The follow-up period was 1-3 years, with an average of 2 years. The reconstructed breasts were in a natural shape, with a slight drop and bilateral symmetry. According to Harris breast shape evaluation criteria, all reconstructed breasts were graded as excellent.@*Conclusions@#The permanent implant associated with autologous fat grafting after tissue expansion is alternative for breast reconstruction.

Natural sideburn reconstruction with retroauricular expanded flap with original hairline / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To introduce a reconstruction procedure of natural sideburn, with combined expanded retroauricular flap and scalp flap.@*Methods@#A retrospective study was produced in Plastic Surgery Hospital, PUMC, from January 2014 to December 2017. Twenty patients (21 sides) underwent sideburn reconstruction with combined expanded retroauricular flap and scalp flap (double pedicled flap, n=3; single pedicled flap, n=17) were included in this study. There were 12 male (12 sides) and 8 female (9 sides), with the mean age of (23.8±3.2) years. The sideburn defect was caused by burn in 19 patients, and it was resulted from hemangioma in 1 patient.@*Results@#The size of flaps ranges from 8 cm×12 cm to 10 cm×16 cm. Venous congestion at the distal end of the flap occurred in 1 patient, which was cured after dressing change, and the sideburn was not affected. The reconstructed sideburns are natural, symmetric, and without obvious scar. The follow-up time was 3-40 months. Fourteen patients were very satisfied with the reconstructed sideburn, and 6 patients were satisfied. No severe complication was observed during follow-up time.@*Conclusions@#The combined retroauricular flap and scalp flap is an alternative method for sideburn reconstruction, which provide natural hair distribution, inconspicuous scars and less complications.

Repair face-neck scar contracture deformity with expanded frontotemporal flap / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical outcome of expanded frontotemporal flap pedicled with bilateral superficial temporal vessels, in repairing facial and cervical scar contracture deformity.@*Methods@#From January 2012 to December 2017, 12 male patients with severe facial and cervical scar hyperplasia and contracture deformity, ranging from preauricular region, cheek, chin to neck, were treated in the Burn Department of the First People′s Hospital in Zhengzhou. The patients were aged at 15-58 years, with the mean age of 29.3 years. The frontotemporal scalp flaps were simultaneously expanded to prefabricate a flap pedicled with bilateral superficial temporal arteries and veins. The operations were carried out in 3 stages. Stage Ⅰ: A 400-600 ml cylindrical expander was placed in the frontal region, underneath of galea aponeurosis and frontal muscle, meanwhile, a 50-100 ml cylindrical expander was placed in the temporal region on each side, between the deep temporal fascia and temporal muscle. Stage Ⅱ: The expanded flap pedicled with bilateral superficial temporal vessels were received, to repair the secondary wound after scar resection and contracture release. The neck curve was reshaped. The donor area was directly sutured. Stage Ⅲ: The flap pedicle was repaired, and residual scar was removed. Laser hair removal was performed on the skin flaps about 3 weeks after operation.@*Results@#Seven patients underwent simultaneously cervical and thoracic tissue expansion. The expansion time was 5-6 months (average 5.2 months). The expanded flap was 40 cm×9 cm to 45 cm×15 cm in size. All flaps survived. The venous reflux disorder after the second stage operation occurred in 1 patient. The affected area was purple and swollen. It was recovered after acupuncture and compression bandage for 1 week. Laser hair removal was performed in 8 flaps. Flap thinning was performed in 5 flaps. All 12 patients were followed up for 4 to 24 months. The flaps have good appearance, without bloating. The transferred flaps have similar color and texture with adjacent the facial skin. The cervical mobility was significantly improved. The hairline of the head was normal, and the suture scar was slight and concealed.@*Conclusions@#The expanded frontal and temporal flaps provide considerable amount of tissue with thin skin and reliable blood supply. It is an alternative method to repair facial and cervical scar contracture.

The application of skin and soft tissue dilatation in the repair of neck scar / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical outcomes of skin and soft tissue expansion in the repairment of neck scar.@*Methods@#From March 2009 to May 2018, 15 patients with postburn scar contractures on neck, were admitted to the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Karamay Central Hospital of Xinjiang. The patients include 12 males and 3 females, aged 12 to 48 years, with the mean age of 31 years. The scars were at 9 cm×6 cm-14 cm×11 cm in size. The tissue expander of 100-300 ml was placed subcutaneously, in the normal skin area on neck, on one or each side at the first stage operation. The first expander infusion was performed 10-14 days after surgery. The tissue expansion remains for 3-9 months, with an interval of 10 days of each infusion. After the tissue fully expanded, the expander was maintained for 1 month. At the second stage, the expander was removed, and the expanded flap was transferred to repair the wound.@*Results@#The expander exposure due to friction occurred in 2 patients. The final therapeutic effect was not affected, because of iodine gauze bandage. Blood supply of expanded flaps was good in other patients. The size of the expanded flaps was 12 cm×8 cm-16 cm×15 cm. All flaps survived after the second stage surgery. Patients were followed up for 0.5-5 years after surgery. The color and texture of flaps was similar to adjacent normal skin.@*Conclusions@#Skin and soft tissue expansion is a safe and effective method in repairing neck scar.

A novel method for costal cartilage framework fabrication in full expansion ear reconstruction technique without skin grafts / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#This study aimed to present our clinical experience using a novel method for autologus costal cartilage framework fabricationin fully expansion technique ear reconstruction without skin graft.@*Methods@#During Steptember 2016 to Steptember 2017, autologus costal cartilage framework with expansion technique were performed for 63 patients with microtia. Autologous costal cartilage was stacked up to form the structure and height, the natural appearance of auriculocephalic angle was achieved at the same stage, so the second-stage elevation of ear and postauricular skin graft was unnecessary. The delicate structure of the reconstructed ear and ideal bilateral symmetry were achieved by the optimized cartilage stack-up.@*Results@#Three patients out of total 63 patients had cartilage frame work exposure, and were treated with superficial temporal fascia transfer combined with skin graft. The rest 60 patients had satisfied results. Follow-up ranged from 8 months to 18 months and 12 months follow-up was on average. The novel frame work fabrication method was based on the sufficient full pre-expansion procedure. The ideal structure, bilateral symmetry, and excellent definition of the framework, as well as the natural dorsal appearance of the reconstructed auricular were achieved.@*Conclusions@#The cartilage " stack-up" method is essential for the full expansion without skin grafts ear reconstruction technique. The combination of the cartilage " stack-up" framework fabrication and full pre-expansion provide a well-defined, well-projected and bilateral symmetrical ear.

Progress and outlook of skin soft tissue expansion / 中华整形外科杂志

As a revolutionary plastic treatment, skin soft tissue expansion has become one of the three conventional techniques of plastic surgery after skin grafting and flap transplantation. At present, expansion is widely used in the treatment of various lesions in multiple parts of the body. It plays an irreplaceable role in many areas such as scar repair, alopecia treatment, ear, nose, breast, penis and other organ reconstruction and surface tumor management. In recent years, the application of expansion has been constantly evolving, and it has renewed its vitality by combining with new technologies. However, the prevention and treatment of complications of expansion should be paid more attention, the expansion efficiency needs to be improved, the basic research on the skin regeneration mechanism and micro-environment changes of expansion is still lacking, and further exploration is needed. Based on this, the clinical application principles, new progress and experimental exploration of skin soft tissue expansion were reviewed and summarized, and the possible development directions were analyzed.

Evaluation of the postoperative effect of pre-expanded pedicled deltopectoral flap on repairing facial-cervical scars / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the functional recovery and cosmetic effects of pre-expanded pedicled deltopectoral flap.@*Methods@#From January 2008 to December 2018, 42 patients with 56 pre-expanded pedicled deltopectoral flaps from Xijing Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University were followed up at least 6 months. 18 of them were male, the remaining were female. And the average age was (24.7±7.3) years. Then the indicators were tested and evaluated. Tubes with different temperatures were used for temperature sensation test. The flaps were stabbed using a 27 G blunt needle to test algesthesia. Tactile threshold was measured by Semmes-Weinstein monofilament. Two-point discrimination was measured by Disk-Criminator. Elasticity of skin flaps was measured by CK-MC®960. Colors of skin flaps were analyzed by ANTERA®3D system, including L*a*b*, melanin and hemoglobin content. And the postoperative scars were evaluated by the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The flap retraction rate [(flap area immediately after operation-flap area at the follow-up time)/flap area immediately after operation]was calculated. The satisfaction of patients, doctors and third parties was investigated as well. Statistical analysis of data was performed with SPSS 23.0, satisfaction rate was expressed as percentages. Scar scores were compared by Wilcoxon rank sum test. The values of elasticity, color L*a*b*, melanin and hemoglobin between skin flaps and normal skin were analyzed by paired t test. The difference was statistically significant at P<0.05.@*Results@#The scores of pain, heat and cold sensation were (4.61±0.78), (3.48±0.90) and (4.39±0.81), the tactile threshold was (0.26±0.23) g/mm2, and the distance of two-point discrimination was (10.09±4.79) mm. There was no significant difference in elasticity, color b*and melanin content between skin flap and normal skin of face and neck (P>0.05). The color of flap L*, a*and hemoglobin content of flaps were significantly different from those of normal skin from face and neck (P<0.05). The result of self-assessment of patients (POSAS) showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in pain, itch and stiffness between facial and chest donor scar. The result of observer evaluation (POSAS) showed that the scar score for all items around facial flap was better than that of chest donor area, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), and the retraction rate of flaps was (10.44 ±3.36)%. The satisfaction rates of doctors, patients and the third party were 92.86% (39/42), 71.43% (30/42) and 61.90% (26/42), respectively.@*Conclusions@#Excellent functional recovery and reliable cosmetic effect were observed in the facial-cervical scar repair with pre-expanded pedicled deltopectoral flap. Transfer of pre-expanded pedicled deltopectoral flap is an effective method for the treatment of facial-cervical scars.

Risk factors of infection after skin soft tissue expansion / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#The incidence of complications after skin soft tissue expansion is relatively high. Occurrence of infection often means the expander has to be taken out ahead of schedule. In this retrospective study, we wanted to identify independent risk factors of infection after skin soft tissue expansion, which could be helpful to guide clinical work.@*Methods@#Demographic information of patients who underwent the skin soft tissue expansion at the department of plastic surgery of Xijing Hospital from January 2003 to December 2012 was collected. Univariate associations with infection were measured by logistic regression and represented as odds ratios. The p-value less than 0.1 was identified the potential risk factor. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for risk factors of infection. Independent risk factors were identified if the p-value was less than 0.05.@*Results@#A total of 3382 implants were included in the study. The overall infection rate of tissue expansion was 5.2% in 177 implants. The result of multivariate logistic regression showed that preoperative white blood cell count, age, numbers of expander implanted and volume of expander were independent risk factors of infection.@*Conclusions@#Independent risk factors of infection were preoperative white blood cell count, age, numbers of expander implanted and volume of expander. The lower preoperative white blood cell count, age more than 18 years old, more numbers of expander implanted and the bigger volume of the expander, the higher possibility of complications occurred. The result was helpful to guide clinical work and reduce the incidence of infection.

The oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery: alternative vascular pedicle for pedicled anterolateral thigh flaps / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the feasibility and technical points of soft tissue defect reconstruction using the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap based on perforating vessels from the lateral circumflex femoral artery oblique branch.@*Methods@#Between November 2009 and April 2019, 27 pedicled anterolateral thigh flaps were performed to repair the wound of trunk and lower extremity, based on perforating vessels from the lateral circumflex femoral artery oblique branch. 16 flaps were proximally based and 11 were distally based.@*Results@#The proximally based flap ranged from 15 cm×8 cm to 32 cm×12 cm. The mean length of the pedicle was 8.2 cm. The distally based flap ranged from 9 cm×7 cm to 24 cm×8 cm. The mean length of the pedicle was 18.6 cm. All flaps survived after surgery. Venous congestion occurred in one flap and relieved in five days.@*Conclusions@#With oblique branch as the pedicle, the vascular dissection was easy and donor site morbidity was minimized while harvesting the proximally based anterolateral thigh flaps; long pedicle could be obtained, and the reconstructive sphere was extended when using the distally based anterolateral thigh flaps.