Preliminary application of foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for repairing soft tissue defects in shoulder and back / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to repair soft tissue defects in the shoulder and back.@*METHODS@#Between August 2018 and January 2023, the foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were used to repair soft tissue defects in the shoulder and back of 8 patients. There were 5 males and 3 females with the age ranged from 21 to 56 years (mean, 35.4 years). Wounds were located in the shoulder in 2 cases and in the shoulder and back in 6 cases. The causes of injury were chronic infection of skin and bone exposure in 2 cases, secondary wound after extensive resection of skin and soft tissue tumor in 4 cases, and wound formation caused by traffic accident in 2 cases. Skin defect areas ranged from 14 cm×13 cm to 20 cm×16 cm. The disease duration ranged from 12 days to 1 year (median, 6.6 months). A pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was designed and harvested. The flap was divided into A/B flap and then were folded to repair the wound, with the donor area of the flap being pulled and sutured in one stage.@*RESULTS@#All 7 flaps survived, with primary wound healing. One patient suffered from distal flap necrosis and delayed healing was achieved after dressing change. The incisions of all donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6 months to 4 years (mean, 24.7 months). The skin flap has a good appearance with no swelling in the pedicle. At last follow-up, 6 patients had no significant difference in bilateral shoulder joint motion, and 2 patients had a slight decrease in abduction range of motion compared with the healthy side. The patients' daily life were not affected, and linear scar was left in the donor site.@*CONCLUSION@#The foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is an ideal method to repair the soft tissue defect of shoulder and back with simple operation, less damage to the donor site, and quick recovery after operation.

Clinical application of infrared ray thermal imagine combined with the method of "two longitudinal and five transverse lines" in locating the perforator of the anterolateral thigh perforator flap in children / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the value of clinical application of the infrared ray thermal imaging (IRTI) combined with the method of "two longitudinal and five transverse lines" in locating the perforators in the transfer of free anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF) in children.Methods:From November 2018 to November 2022, 13 children (8 boys and 5 girls) aged 2 to 12 years old (6.3 years old in average) who received free ALTPF transfers were included in this study. Causes of injury were 6 by car accidents, 2 by falls, 3 by crushing injuries and 2 by burning scars. Injury sites were 2 in head, 1 in trunk, 5 in hand and 5 in ankle. The size of soft tissue defect was 2.0 cm×4.2 cm-9.0 cm×16.0 cm, and the size of ALTPF was 2.3 cm×4.5 cm-6.0 cm×20.0 cm. The remaining wound was covered with medium thick skin grafts. IRTI combined with the method of "two longitudinal and five transverse lines" was applied to preoperatively locate the pedicle and design the ALTPF. Intraoperatively, the pedicles were explored within the region of anterolateral thigh. The rate of perforrator location and sensitivity of the infrared thermography were calculated. All donor sites were directly sutured. Standard postoperative management included anti-infection, anti-coagulation, anti-convulsion and blood volume expansion with adequate warming. Regular outpatient follow-ups were conducted through various means such as home visits, telephone calls, WeChat and text messages to observe flap survival and donor site healing.Results:All 13 patients completed the 3 to 35 (11.0±1.5) months of postoperative follow-up. All 13 flaps survived well, with good colour and texture, and without obvious bloating. Only one bloated flap had a local repair at the inner ankle with a flap thinning surgery in the stage Ⅱ surgery. Then all flaps achieved satisfaction appearance in all patients. All the donor sites healed at stage I. Two patients showed significant early scar hypertrophy in the donor site, which then gradually stabilised 12 months later. All patients had good functional recovery. Before surgery, a total of 38 perforators were discovered and 40 perforators were found intraoperatively. Of the 40 perforators, 3 were not explored before operation, which were located in the proximal part of Zone Ⅰ, Zone Ⅲ and Zone Ⅳ, respectively. The sensitivity of infrared thermography was found at 92.5% in preoperative detection and location of perforators, with a positive prediction at 97.3%.Conclusion:IRTI combined with the method of "two longitudinal and five transverse lines" in locating perforators is safe and reliable in the design of ALTPFs in children. It provides an additional and reliable option for location of perforator in the design and harvesting of ALTPFs in children.

Effectiveness of tibial transverse transport combined with modified neurolysis in treatment of diabetic foot ulcers / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effectiveness of tibial transverse transport (TTT) combined with modified neurolysis in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) through a prospective randomized controlled study.@*METHODS@#The patients with DFU and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, who were admitted between February 2020 and February 2022, were selected as the research objects, of which 31 cases met the selection criteria and were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups by random number table method. The 15 patients in the trial group were treated with TTT combined with modified neurolysis, and the 16 patients in the control group received treatment with TTT alone. There was no significant difference in gender, age, duration of DFU, ulcer area, Wagner classification, as well as preoperative foot skin temperature, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, ankle-brachial index (ABI), motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) of the common peroneal nerve, MNCV of the tibial nerve, MNCV of the deep peroneal nerve, two-point discrimination (2-PD) of heel, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the common peroneal nerve between the two groups ( P>0.05). The time for ulcer healing, foot skin temperature, VAS scores, ABI, 2-PD of heel, and CSA of the common peroneal nerve before operation and at 6 and 12 months after operation were recorded and compared between groups. The differences in MNCV of the common peroneal nerve, MNCV of the tibial nerve, and MNCV of the deep peroneal nerve between pre-operation and 12 months after operation were calculated.@*RESULTS@#All patients in both groups were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 13.9 months). The surgical incisions in both groups healed by first intention and no needle tract infections occurred during the bone transport phase. Ulcer wounds in both groups healed successfully, and there was no significant difference in the healing time ( P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no ulcer recurrences. At 12 months after operation, the MNCV of the common peroneal nerve, the MNCV of the tibial nerve, and the MNCV of the deep peroneal nerve in both groups accelerated when compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05). Furthermore, the trial group exhibited a greater acceleration in MNCV compared to the control group, and the difference was significant ( P<0.05). The foot skin temperature, VAS score, ABI, 2-PD of heel, and CSA of the common peroneal nerve at 6 and 12 months after operation significantly improved when compared with those before operation in both groups ( P<0.05). The 2-PD gradually improved over time, showing significant difference ( P<0.05). The 2-PD of heel and VAS score of the trial group were superior to the control group, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in ABI, foot skin temperature, and CSA of the common peroneal nerve between groups after operation ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with TTT alone, the TTT combined with modified neurolysis for DFU can simultaneously solve both microcirculatory disorders and nerve compression, improve the quality of nerve function recovery, and enhance the patient's quality of life.

Anatomic study and clinical application of iliac crest chimeric tissue flap / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To conduct anatomical study on the iliac crest chimeric tissue flap and summarize its effectiveness of clinical application in repairing limb wounds.@*METHODS@#Latex perfusion and anatomical study were performed on 6 fresh adult cadaver specimens with 12 sides, to observe the initial location, distribution, quantity, and direction of the common circumflexa iliac artery, the deep circumflexa iliac artery, and the superficial circumflexa iliac artery, and to measure their initial external diameter. Between December 2020 and September 2022, the iliac crest chimeric tissue flap repair was performed on 5 patients with soft tissue of limbs and bone defects. There were 3 males and 2 females, with an average age of 46 years (range, 23-60 years). Among them, there were 3 cases of radii and skin soft tissue defects and 2 cases of tibia and skin soft tissue defects. The length of bone defects was 4-8 cm and the area of skin soft tissue defects ranged from 9 cm×5 cm to 15 cm×6 cm. The length of the iliac flap was 4-8 cm and the area of skin flap ranged from 12.0 cm×5.5 cm to 16.0 cm×8.0 cm. The donor sites were directly sutured.@*RESULTS@#Anatomical studies showed that there were 10 common circumflex iliac arteries in 5 specimens, which originated from the lateral or posterolateral side of the transition between the external iliac artery and the femoral artery, with a length of 1.2-1.6 cm and an initial external diameter of 0.8-1.4 mm. In 1 specimen without common circumflexa iliac artery, the superficial and deep circumflex iliac arteries originated from the external iliac artery and the femoral artery, respectively, while the rest originated from the common circumflex iliac artery. The length of superficial circumflex iliac artery was 4.6-6.7 cm, and the initial external diameter was 0.4-0.8 mm. There were 3-6 perforator vessels along the way. The length of deep circumflex iliac artery was 7.8-9.2 cm, and the initial external diameter was 0.5-0.7 mm. There were 3-5 muscular branches, 4-6 periosteal branches, and 2-3 musculocutaneous branches along the way. Based on the anatomical observation results, all iliac crest chimeric tissue flaps were successfully resected and survived after operation. The wounds at recipient and donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 8-24 months, with an average of 12 months. The tissue flap has good appearance and soft texture. X-ray film reexamination showed that all the osteotomy healed, and no obvious bone resorption was observed during follow-up.@*CONCLUSION@#The common circumflex iliac artery, deep circumflex iliac artery, and superficial circumflex iliac artery were anatomically constant, and it was safe and reliable to use iliac crest chimeric tissue flap in repairing the soft tissue and bone defects of limbs.

Application of plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue to repair skin defects in hands and feet / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue to repair skin defects in hands and feet.@*METHODS@#Between July 2017 and January 2023, 35 cases of hand and foot defects were repaired with plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue (13 pedicled flaps and 22 free flaps). There were 18 males and 17 females, with an average age of 38.8 years (range, 8-56 years). Thirty cases of defects were caused by trauma, and the interval between injury and admission ranged from 2 to 6 hours (mean, 3.3 hours). Three cases were ulcer wounds with a course of 3.0, 3.8, and 7.0 months, respectively. Two cases were malignant melanoma. Eight cases of wounds located in the fingers, 13 cases in the palm, 12 cases in the heel, and 2 cases in the distal foot. The size of skin defects ranged from 4.0 cm×3.5 cm to 12.0 cm×10.0 cm, and the size of flap ranged from 5.0 cm×4.5 cm to 13.0 cm×11.0 cm. The donor sites were repaired with skin grafts.@*RESULTS@#All flaps were survived and the wounds healed by first intention after operation. The partial necrosis at the edge of the skin graft occurred in 1 case, which healed after dressing change; the other skin grafts survived successfully. All patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 18 months). The flaps exhibited similar color and thickness to the surrounding hand and foot skin. Two-point discrimination ranged from 7 to 10 mm in the flaps with an average of 8 mm. The donor sites had no painful scars or sensory abnormalities. Foot and ankle functions were good and gaits were normal.@*CONCLUSION@#Application of plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue to repair skin defects in hands and feet had good flap shape, high survival rate of skin graft at the donor site, and no obvious complications.

Effect on scar in donor area of small-and medium-sized anterolateral thigh perforator flap harvested from superficial and deep layer of the superficial fascia / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To compare the effect on scar in donor area of small-and medium-sized anterolateral thigh perforator flap(ALTPF) harvested from superficial and deep layer of the superficial fascia.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 31 patients who had small-and medium-sized soft tissue defects in the extremities and admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from January 2020 to February 2021. All the patients were repaired with ALTPFs. The sizes of defect ranged from 5.0 cm×3.5 cm to 17.0 cm×6.0 cm, and the flaps sized from 6.0 cm×4.0 cm to 20.0 cm×6.0 cm. Fifteen ALTPFs were harvested from superficial layer of superficial fascia (modified group), and 16 harvested from deep layer of superficial fascia (traditional group). The flap donor sites were sutured directly using the "Zunyi suture method". Appearance of scars was assessed within the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and in addition the width of scars was been recorded. The data of the 2 groups were statistically analyzed. There was statistically significant difference when P<0.05. Results:All flaps were successfully viable. All wounds healed in Ⅰ stage and donor incisions healed in Ⅰ stage at 2-3 weeks after the surgery. All patients entered postoperative follow-up for 6 to 26 months, with a mean of 10.7 months. There was no ischaemic necrosis at the donor margin. There was no significant difference between circumference of thighs between the modified group and traditional group [ (0.10±0.40) cm and (0.03±0.39) cm, respectively]( P>0.05). VSS were found lower in the modified group (2.00±1.46) than that in the traditional group (3.06±1.61)( t=2.132, P=0.039), as well as the scars were found smaller at the widest point[(6.67±3.85) cm and(16.06±6.63) cm, respectively. t=2.807, P=0.005]. The differences were statistically significant( P<0.05). Conclusion:Small-and medium-sized ALTPFs, harvested in the superficial layer of superficial fascia, can reduce the width of the donor scar, improve the surgical outcome and increase patient satisfaction.

Repair of diabetic foot ulcer wound by anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of the anterolateral thigh perforator chimeric flap in the treatment of the wound of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) .Methods:From January, 2018 to December, 2019, 14 cases wound of DFU of type II diabetic were treated by anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap. The patients were 10 males and 4 females, at 49 to 58 years old. Of the 14 patients, 10 with simple peripheral neuropathy, 4 with peripheral neuropathy complicated with vascular disease, and none with single vascular disease. With strict control of patients' blood glucose, antibiotics blended bone cement was applied or filled onto grade 2 or higher grade Wagner's DFU after debridement. In addition, the anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap was transferred 2 to 3 weeks later. The size of flap was 8 cm×3 cm-27 cm×7 cm. Regular followed-up were made after surgery.Results:Thirteen flaps survived in one stage after surgery. The other 1 flap had venous vascular crisis, and survived completely after active exploration. The patients were followed-up for 6-12 months. All the flaps survived well in good shape and texture. The donor and recipient areas healed well. The functional recoveries of the DF were satisfactory.Conclusion:Application of anterolateral thigh perforator chimeric flap in repair of the refractory wound of DF achieves a good clinical outcome and effectively improves the life quality of patients.

Efficacy of ramified flap of lateral circumflex femoral artery for repairing complex wounds of lower extremity / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of ramified flap of the lateral circumflex femoral artery for repairing complex wounds of lower extremity.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on 25 patients with complex wounds of lower extremity treated in Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from September 2018 to September 2020. There were 18 males and 7 females at age of 18-69 years［（42.2 ± 3.7）years］. The wounds were located at the calf in 7 patients，at the ankle in 7 and at the dorsum of foot in 11. Single wide irregular wound was noted in 15 patients for an area of 10 cm × 9 cm to 18 cm × 12 cm，and 2 to 3 sites of wounds occurred in 10 patients with each wound ranging from 4 cm × 3 cm to 12 cm × 5 cm. All wounds were covered using ramified flap of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. All donor sites were closed directly. At the latest follow-up，appearance and texture of the flap，formation of scar on the donor sites and walking function of the affected limb were observed. One month after operation and at the latest follow-up，British Medical Research Association（BMRC）grade and Vancouver Scar Scale（VSS）score were used to evaluate the recovery of sensory function of the flap and scar formation of the donor sites，respectively.Results:All patients were followed up for 7-30 months［（12.1 ± 1.8）months］. At the latest follow-up，good appearance and soft texture of the flap were observed，leaving only linear scar at the donor sites and normal function of the affected limb. At the latest follow-up，there were 23 patients with BMRC at grade of S3 and S4 compared to none at 1 postoperative month（ P < 0.01），and the VSS score was 4-8 points［（6.0 ± 1.3）points］compared to 7-13 points［（9.9 ± 1.6）points］at postoperative 1 month（ P < 0.01）. Conclusion:For complex wounds of lower extremity，ramified flap of the lateral circumflex femoral artery has advantages of good recovery of the appearance，texture and sensory function of the recipient sites and only linear scar in the donor sites.

Modified cross-leg free skin flap for the construction of soft tissue defects of the lower leg / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To analyze the therapeutic effect of modified cross-leg free skin flaps in repairing soft tissue defects of the lower leg.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze clinical data of 8 patients with soft tissue defects of the lower leg admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from June 2018 to June 2020. There were 6 males and 2 females with the age range of 23-60 years［（39.6±5.7）years］. Area of defect was from 10.0 cm×4.5 cm to 21.0 cm×9.0 cm，with the size of flap from 12 cm×5 cm to 25 cm×10 cm. The free flaps were harvested to repair the wound of the affected leg and the blood vessels were anastomosed by cross-leg with the contralateral posterior tibial artery and vein at the first stage，including lateral circumflex femoral artery flap for 6 patients，superficial circumflex iliac artery flap for 1 and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for 1. At the same time，the pedicled posterior tibial artery perforator flap or random flap was cut to wrap the vascular pedicle. After operation，both legs were placed in a parallel and straight position. After pedicle cleavage at the second stage，the posterior tibial artery and distal artery were re-anastomosed，and the flap was sutured to its original position. Incidences of pressure sores and deep venous thrombosis of the lower leg and patients' acceptance of the position were documented during leg crossing at the first stage. The survival of the flap was observed after pedicle amputation at the second stage. The appearance，texture，function of the affected limb and influence on the healthy leg were observed at the last follow-up. Simultaneously，the lower extremity functional score（LEFS）was used to evaluate the overall function of the affected leg and the Kofoed score to evaluate ankle function.Results:All patients were followed up for 6-18 months［（8.3±1.8）months］. There reported none of pressure ulcer or deep venous thrombosis of the lower leg，without resistance to body position at stage I. All flaps survived after pedicle amputation at stage II. The shape，texture and function of the injured leg were good，with no impact on function of the healthy leg at the last follow-up. The LEFS score of the affected leg and the Kofoed score of the ankle were increased from（31.5±6.9）points and（51.0±10.5）points preoperatively to（51.7±9.8）points and（84.8±8.1）points at the last follow-up（ P<0.01）. Conclusion:For patients with soft tissue defects of the lower leg，the treatment with modified cross free flap has advantages of relatively comfortable position，no impact on function of the healthy leg，good appearance and texture of the flap and satisfactory recovery of the affected leg.

Application of venous superdrainage technique based anterolateral thigh flap based on oblique branch for the soft tissue defect of proximal shank / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the application of venous superdrainage technique based anterolateral thigh flap based on oblique branch for the soft tissue defect of proximal shank.Methods Between October,2012 and March,2017,11 cases of the soft tissue defect in proximal shank were treated.There were 8 males and 3 females with a mean age of 43 (range,26-59) years.Causes of injury:7 cases of traffic injury,3 cases of bruise,1 case of machine wound;The defect sizes ranged from 10 cm×5 cm to 13 cm×10 cm,with fracture or plate exposure.Accord ing to the size of the defect,the distally based anterolateral thigh flap was designed to repair the defect.The flap sizes ranged from 14 cm×6 cm to 16 cm×8 cm.The oblique branch and their accompanying vein with great saphenous vein was anastomosed to construct the venous superdrainage,and the donor site suture directly.Three cases followed-up by WeChat,and 8 cases by return visit.Results Distally based anterolateral thigh flaps were derived from oblique branches,and no arteriovenous crisis occurred postoperatively.Eleven flaps healed well after operation.There were no distal end blood supply disorder.Followed-up for 6-12 months,the flaps survived well.The texture was closed to the surrounding skin,and no ulcer exposed.There were no serious complications in donor site.And the thighs were linear scars.Conclusion The distally based anterolateral thigh flap based on oblique branch have a long vascular pedicle.The venous superdrainage technique can effectively avoid venous crisis,and improve the survival quality of the flap and the survival rate.

Progress in the treatment of chronic wound and discussion on the integrated surgical wound treatment mode / 中华烧伤杂志

With the change of disease spectrum and the progress in the aging of society, chronic wound has gradually become one of the major diseases that threaten human health, and also one of the major economic burdens of family and society. According to the different etiology, the pathogenesis of chronic wound is different, including both systemic factors and local factors. The treatment of chronic wound is a multi-disciplinary integrated treatment process, including internal medicine treatment, surgical treatment, vascular interventional therapy, platelet-rich plasma treatment, and biological therapy, etc. Each treatment regimen has its own indications and pros and cons. To make a treatment regimen, a combination of a variety of options should be chosen according to the patient′s wound conditions. The traditional chronic wound treatment mode is multi-disciplinary team (MDT) treatment mode, which requires the participation of surgeons from multiple departments such as intervention department, plastic surgery department, orthopedics department, etc., and it is also the mainstream mode for treating chronic wound in western countries. According to the domestic medical situation and the experience of our department, we put forward the integrated surgical wound treatment (ISWT) mode, that is to integrate multiple surgical techniques of wound treatment. Compared with the traditional MDT treatment mode, to apply the ISWT mode can make a more reasonable treatment plan, improve the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment, shorten the hospitalization period, and improve the diagnosis and treatment ability of the team. With the increasing incidence of chronic wound, the ISWT mode needs to be further explored and improved, and the team needs more specialized experts to join in.

Reconstruction of infraorbital soft tissue defects with modified rotary-propulsion facial artery perforator flaps / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the outcome of modified rotary-propulsion facial artery perforator flaps for infraorbital defects repair, after facial tumorresection.@*Methods@#Between January 2014 and June 2017, 21 patients with midface tumor were treated, including basal cell carcinoma (n=17) and squamous cell carcinoma (n=4). The size of the tumor ranged from 0.8 cm × 2.0 cm to 2.0 cm× 3.5 cm. The extended resection of the tumor tissue was performed, based on the tumor type. Intraoperative frozen specimen was used to make sure no tumor residual at margin or wound base. According to the location and size, anarterial perforator flap was designed to cover the defect.The donor site was closeddirectly. The flap size ranged from 1.5 cm × 3.0 cm to 3.0 cm × 5.0 cm. The length of flap pedicle was 1.0 cm to 2.5 cm.@*Results@#All flaps completely survived, with satisfying blood flow.The incisions healed well. After 12 to 36 months follow-up, most scars in the donor site were hidden in nasal buccal sulcus and nasolabial folds. There was no lower eyelid ectropion, eyelid and eyeball separation, oral commissural and nasal distortion. The texture and color of the flap was similar to surrounding skin.The overall appearance is satisfactory.@*Conclusions@#The modified rotary-propulsion facial artery perforator flaps, to repair soft tissue defects in infraorbital area, is reasonable and useful. It is characterized by limited tissue damage indonor site, flexible rotation of flaps, and hidden incision scars. More importantly, it can reduce the occurrence of lower eyelid ectropion

The experience of free perforators flap in the treatment of patients with Ⅳ degree ischia-sacral ulcer / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the design of free perforator flap, and the efficacy of utilizing perforator flaps for Ⅳ degree Ischia-sacral ulcer treatment.@*Methods@#From January 2010 to October 2016, 18 patients with Ⅳ degree ischia-sacral ulcer were treated. The surface area of the sacral tail ranged from 4 cm×5 cm to 8 cm ×12 cm.Doppler sonography was used to detect potential perforator.All defects were repaired with free perforator flaps, designed based on the size and shape of the wound. The flap size ranged from 6 cm×11 cm to 9 cm×15 cm.@*Results@#One perforator flap went dehiscence after surgery, repaired by V-Y flap. All the rest of perforator flaps survived well, after 3-24 months follow-up. Flap texture and appearance was good, no ulcer reoccurred.@*Conclusions@#The free perforator flap is a simple technique.It does not need to tracethe trunk of vessels, and it does not cause major morbidities to the buttocks. Therefore, it is one of the ideal ways to repair Ⅳ degree Ischia-sacral ulcer.

Effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells from type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on wound healing of pressure ulcers in mice / 中华烧伤杂志

To investigate the effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) from type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on wound healing of pressure ulcers in mice.Methods@#(1) In September 2016, the subcutaneous adipose tissue of a 60-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus was harvested, and then AMSCs were extracted by collagenase digestion and cultured. The third passage of cells were used for subsequent experiments. The morphology of cells was observed, and their osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation abilities were identified. The expressions of cell surface markers CD90, CD105, CD73, and CD34 were detected by flow cytometer (n=3). (2) Sixteen female C57BL/6 wild-type mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected, and one pressure ulcer wound was created on each side of the spine of each mouse by pressing the skin with two magnets. The two wounds of each mouse were paired and divided into diabetic AMSCs group and negative control group, injected with 100 μL phosphate buffer solution (PBS) containing green fluorescent protein-labeled AMSCs (1×106 cells) and 100 μL PBS, respectively. The wound healing status of the two groups within post injection day (PID) 21 was observed, and their wound healing rates on PID 5, 13, and 17 were calculated. Three mice were sacrificed on PID 11 and 21, respectively, and tissue of three wounds was harvested from each group. The skin structure was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, the collagen deposition was evaluated by Masson staining, and the positive expression of CD31, i. e., the number of new blood vessels was counted by immunohistochemistry. Wound tissue samples of two groups prepared on PID 21 as above-mentioned were harvested, and the positive cell rate of S100, representing the regeneration of Schwann cells, was detected by immunohistochemistry. Wound tissue samples of diabetic AMSCs group prepared on PID 11 as above-mentioned were harvested, and the colonization of AMSCs was observed by fluorescence tracer method. Data were processed with paired t test and Bonferroni correction.@*Results@#(1) The third passage of cells isolated and cultured from the subcutaneous adipose tissue of a type 2 diabetes mellitus patient grew adherently to the wall in a long spindle and vortex-like manner. After induction, the cells showed osteogenic, chondrogenic, and lipogenic differentiation abilities. The positive expression rates of CD90, CD105, and CD73 on the cell surface were higher than 90.00%, and the expression rate of CD34 was 0.46%. The cells were identified as AMSCs. (2) The mice wounds of diabetic AMSCs group healed quickly, and all the wounds healed completely on PID 17, while the mice wounds in negative control group were not completely closed at this time, and there was still scab on the surface. On PID 5, 13, and 17, the healing rates of mice wounds of diabetic AMSCs group were (35.6±6.5)%, (87.1±2.5)%, and 100.0%, respectively, significantly higher than (19.8±7.2)%, (66.2±5.2)%, and (86.9±5.3)% of negative control group (t=6.49, 14.31, 9.73, P<0.05). Compared with that of negative control group, the inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced in mice wounds tissue of diabetic AMSCs group on PID 11, and thicker epidermis and dermis as well as regenerated skin appendages were observed on PID 21. On PID 11 and 21, the collagen percentages of mice wounds tissue in diabetic AMSCs group was (48.3±1.3)% and (54.1±1.7)%, respectively, significantly higher than (41.4±1.7)% and (50.3±1.2)% of negative control group (t=6.98, 3.99, P<0.01). On PID 11 and 21, the numbers of new blood vessels in mice wounds tissue of diabetic AMSCs group were 17.2±1.3 and 18.0±2.1, respectively, significantly more than 8.0±1.4 and 14.0±1.5 of negative control group (t=10.69, 3.38, P<0.01). On PID 21, the S100 positive cell percentage in mice wounds tissue of diabetic AMSCs group was (1.76±0.12)%, significantly higher than (0.55±0.03)% of negative control group (t=21.68, P<0.001). On PID 11, the colonization of AMSCs in mice wounds tissue of diabetic AMSCs group was observed.@*Conclusions@#Transplantation of AMSCs from type 2 diabetic mellitus patients can accelerate wound healing of pressure ulcers in mice by promoting angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and Schwann cell regeneration.

Effects of combined transplantation of rat Schwann cells and fibroblasts on nerve regeneration of denervated perforator flaps in rats and the mechanism / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To explore the effects of combined transplantation of the rat Schwann cells and fibroblasts (Fbs) on the nerve regeneration of denervated perforator flaps in rats and the mechanism.@*Methods@#(1) Fbs were isolated from the trunk of 2 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats embryos of 14-16 days′ pregnancy and cultured, and the morphology of the cells was observed. The third passage of cells were used for subsequent experiments. The protein expressions of fibronectin and Ephrin-B2 were observed by immunohistochemical method. The mRNA expression of Ephrin-B2 was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (n=3). (2) Schwann cells were isolated from the bilateral sciatic nerves and brachial plexus nerves of 45 SD rats born for 1-3 days and cultured, and the morphology of the cells was observed. The third passage of cells were used for subsequent experiments. The rate of S100 positive cells was detected by immunofluorescence method and flow cytometer, with sample numbers of 9 and 3 respectively. (3) In Dulbecco′s modified Eagle medium (DMEM) high glucose medium, 1 mL Fbs and 1 mL Schwann cells both in the concentration of 1×105 cells/mL were co-cultured as Schwann cells+ Fbs co-culture group, and 2 mL Schwann cells in the concentration of 1×105 cells/mL were cultured alone as Schwann cells alone culture group, with 5 wells in each group. The clusters of Schwann cells in the two groups were observed and counted under inverted phase contrast microscope at post culture hour (PCH) 6 and 24 respectively. The clusters of Schwann cells in Schwann cells+ Fbs co-culture group were observed by immunofluorescence method at PCH 24 too. The protein expressions of EphB2, Sox2, and N-cadherin in Schwann cells of two groups at PCH 24 were detected by Western blotting (n=20). (4) Totally 100 8-week-old male SD rats were selected, and an in situ replanted peritoneal denervated perforator flap was made in each rat. According to the random number table, the rats were divided into simple flap group, Fbs alone transplantation group, Schwann cells alone transplantation group, Schwann cells+ Fbs co-transplantation group, with 25 rats in each group. Flaps of rats in Fbs alone transplantation group and Schwann cells alone transplantation group were injected with 0.4 mL Fb and 0.4 mL Schwann cells respectively (2×106 cells each). Flaps of rats in Schwann cells+ Fbs co-transplantation group were injected with 0.4 mL Fbs and Schwann cells mixed cells (totally 2×106 cells, cell number ratio: 1∶1), and flaps of rats of simple flap group were injected with the same volume of DMEM high glucose medium. On post injection day (PID) 2, 5, 7, 9, and 14, 5 rats in each group were selected respectively according to the random number table. The flap tissue was collected, and the number, diameter, and arrangement of regenerated nerves were observed by immunofluorescence method. Data were processed with completely random designed t test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, t test, and Bonferroni correction.@*Results@#(1) The third passage of cells isolated and cultured from the rat embryo trunks were uniform in size and shape, long spindle-shaped, with a large proportion of nuclei. Strong positive expressions of fibronectin and Ephrin-B2 protein in cells were observed, and the mRNA expression of Ephrin-B2 was 0.004 1±0.000 8. The cells were identified as Fbs. (2) After 5 days of culture, the primary cells isolated from the sciatic nerves and brachial plexus nerves of neonatal rats were elongated in cell bodies and grew in nest, fence, or vortex-like shape. The third passage of cells were detected by immunofluorescence method and flow cytometer, and the corresponding S100 positive cell rates were (95.9±1.0)% and (95.8±1.1)% respectively. The cells were identified as Schwann cells. (3) At PCH 6 and 24, the cluster numbers of Schwann cells in Schwann cells+ Fbs co-culture group were significantly higher than those of Schwann cells alone culture group (t=6.500, 10.614, P<0.01). At PCH 24, the Schwann cells in Schwann cells+ Fbs co-culture group aggregated into clusters, Fbs dispersed around the Schwann cell clusters, and the protein expressions of EphB2, N-cadherin, and Sox2 in Schwann cells were significantly higher than those in Schwann cells alone culture group (t=2.975, 19.717, 11.159, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (4) On PID 2, a small number of scattered, disordered, short, and thin nerve fibers were observed in the flap tissue of rats in the four groups. From PID 5 to 14, the number of nerve fibers in the flap tissue of rats of Schwann cells+ Fbs co-transplantation group increased gradually, and the nerve fibers were with long diameter and arranged orderly. The number of nerve fibers in the flap tissue of rats of Schwann cells alone transplantation group increased, but the nerve fibers were with short diameter and arranged disorderly, and the number was smaller than that of Schwann cells+ Fbs co-transplantation group. In simple flap group and Fbs alone transplantation group, the nerve fibers in the flap tissue of rats gradually degenerated with gradually decreased number or even disappeared.@*Conclusions@#The combined transplantation of Fbs and Schwann cells in rats can regulate Schwann cells migration and clustering by activating Ephrin/Eph-Sox2-N-cadherin signaling pathway, thus promoting the orderly nerve regeneration of denervated perforator flaps in rats.

Progress in application of wound negative pressure therapy in flap repair / 中华整形外科杂志

Flap is a main way to repair complex wound defects, however its related complications cannot be ignored. The wound negative pressure therapy (NPWT) can help to promote angiogenesis and granulation, absorb tissue exudate, inhibit bacterial proliferation. It also help with flap survival, saving crisis flaps, and accelerating wound healing of donor site. Therefore, the NPWT is widely used in tissue repairment and reconstruction. This article reviewed and summarized the mechanism of NPWT, as well as its application in the donor and recipient site of flap.

Effects of free mini-flap on tibial side of third toe on repairing skin and soft tissue defect of finger pulp at the end of finger / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effects of free mini-flap on tibial side of third toe on repairing skin and soft tissue defect of finger pulp at the end of finger.@*Methods@#From August 2013 to May 2017, 18 patients with skin and soft tissue defect of finger pulp at the end of finger were admitted to our unit, with 12 men and 6 women aged 16 to 54 years. As the skin and soft tissue defect sites, there were 3 cases of thumb, 8 cases of index finger, 4 cases of middle finger, and 3 cases of ring finger. The area of defects ranged from 2.0 cm×1.4 cm to 3.5 cm×2.4 cm. Free mini-flaps on tibial side of third toes were designed according to area and shape of defects, and the length and width of flaps were 0.1 to 0.2 cm longer than the length and width of the defects, respectively. The area of flaps ranged from 2.1 cm×1.5 cm to 3.7 cm×2.6 cm. The end-to-end anastomosis of subcutaneous veins of flaps and superficial veins of the finger-palm side or superficial dorsal digital vein, the end-to-end tension-free anastomosis of the base metatarsal arteries on tibial side of third toe and proper digital arteries of recipient finger were performed. Besides, anastomosis of base metatarsal nerve on tibial side of third toe and proper digital nerve of recipient finger was performed. The donor sites on feet were sutured directly or repaired with full-thickness skin grafts on medial upper leg of the same side. The survival of flaps after operation and the follow-up of patients were observed.@*Results@#All flaps survived well, with good blood supply. Among the 18 patients, 2 patients lost to follow-up, and 16 patients were followed up for 4 to 36 months. The shape and texture of flaps were good. After reconstruction, finger pulps at the end of finger were plump, with fingerprint. Function of the finger restored well, and the two-point discriminatory distances of flaps were 5 to 10 mm. The donor sites on feet of 14 patients healed after the operation, the other 2 patients had necrosis on edge and central area of skin grafts, and the necrotic area healed after dressing change. The skin graft areas on feet were wear-resistant, with slight damage to donor sites and did not influence shoes wearing and walking. Besides, patients did not feel uncomfortable.@*Conclusions@#Skin and soft tissue defects of finger pulp at the end of finger repaired by free mini-flaps on tibial side of third toe are with good shape and slight damage to donor sites, and the operation is simple. It is worthy of popularization and application in clinic.

Clinical effects of heel lateral flap in repair of skin and soft tissue defects at posterior heel region / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical effects of heel lateral flap in repair of skin and soft tissue defects at posterior heel region.@*Methods@#From September 2007 to April 2016, 24 patients (17 males and 7 females, aged 16-70 years) with skin and soft tissue defects at posterior heel region were admitted to our department. The size of skin and soft tissue defects after debridement ranged from 3.0 cm×2.0 cm to 5.0 cm×4.0 cm. The defects were repaired with heel lateral flaps, with size ranging from 3.5 cm×2.5 cm to 6.0 cm×5.0 cm. The flaps were transferred to the donor sites through the loose subcutaneous tunnel. The donor site was repaired by full-thickness skin graft collected from inguinal region. The survival of flaps and the follow-up of patients were observed.@*Results@#All flaps of 24 patients survived successfully. The recipient sites and donor sites were all healed. The patients all had follow-up of 6 to 24 months. At the last follow-up, the flaps were in good shape, with nearly normal color and soft texture. There were 6 cases of grade S3 sensation and 16 cases of grade S3+ sensation. The distance of two-point discrimination of flaps ranged from 6 to 11 mm. The lateral foot skin grafts healed well, and the skin of the lateral foot was numb in the range of 4.0 cm×2.0 cm to 9.0 cm×3.0 cm.@*Conclusions@#Heel lateral flap can not only repair the skin and soft tissue defects in the posterior region, but also reconstruct the sensory function of the posterior region. It is an ideal method to repair the skin and soft tissue defects in the posterior region.

MSCs in wound repair ——extracellular vesicles exosome microenvironment hypothesis / 中华整形外科杂志

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) are currently the research hotspot on promoting wound healing and preventing organ fibrosis. The application of MSCs has reached the clinical trial stage, however, its nomenclature and biological mechanism are still controversial. Early researchers believed that MSCs play the biological role by its multi-directional differentiation, to repair damaged tissues. In recent years, researchers have found that the conditioned medium of MSCs has the same effect as MSCs in promoting wound healing and preventing fibrosis organ. This suggested that the biological effects of MSCs may be mainly caused by its paracrine mechanism. In this paper, the nomenclature evolution, biological mechanism of MSCs, and the existing problems are briefly reviewed. The hypothesis of " MSCs microenvironment extracellular vesicles" is proposed and discussed.

Repair of the defect on midface using perforator flap of facial artery / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical application of facial artery perforator flap in repairing medium-size midfacial defects.@*Methods@#Sixteen patients with facial tumors or trauma were admitted in the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, from October 2017 to March 2018. The patients were 41—74 years of age, including 8 males and 8 females. The tissue defects were caused by basal cell carcinoma(BCC, n=10), trauma (n=4), and squamous cell carcinoma (SqCa, n=2). The size of tumor and trauma ranged from 0.3 cm×2 cm to 2 cm×4 cm. Patients with skin tumors undergone extended radical resection, according to the nature of the tumor. Debridement was performed routinely in patients with trauma. Facial artery perforator flap was designed based on the size and shape of defect area. The scar of donor site was as parallel or hidden in the nasolabial groove. The perforator branch of the lateral nasal artery was used as the pivot point, to cover the wound surface without tension. The ipsilateral secondary relay flap pedicled with the perforator of the nasal artery was designed, which was in triangular shape and slightly larger in size than the primary flap. The pedicle was located in the middle of the flap, then the flap was pushed to cover the donor site of primary flap. The postoperative results were evaluated by patients.@*Results@#All primary and secondary relay skin flaps survived. The follow-up period of the first stage was 3—12 months, with an average of 7.5 months. There was no obvious scar, no eyelid eversion or angular deviation, and no recurrence of tumor was observed. The primary and secondary flaps have similar appearance and matched color with normal skin. Ten patients were very satisfied with the surgical outcome, and 6 were satisfied, at the latest follow-up.@*Conclusions@#The facial artery perforator relay skin flap is an alternative method to repair medium facial defect.