Decellularized Human Dermis for Orthoplastic Extremity Reconstruction.

The reconstruction of patients who possess multi morbid medical histories remains a challenge. With the ever-increasing number of patients with diabetes, infections, and trauma, there is a consistent need for promotion of soft tissue healing and a reliable substrate to assist with every aspect of soft tissue reconstruction, as well as the loss of fascial domain. Several proprietary products filled some of these needs but have failed to fulfill the needs of the clinician when faced with reconstructing multiple soft tissue systems, such as the integument and the musculoskeletal system. In this paper we discuss the use of decellularized human dermis (DermaPure®, Tissue Regenix, Universal City, TX, USA) through which a unique human tissue processing technique (dCELL® technology, Tissue Regenix, Universal City, TX, USA) and the creation of multiple product forms have proven to exhibit versatility in a wide range of clinical needs for successful soft tissue reconstruction. The background of human tissue processing, basic science, and early clinical studies are detailed, which has translated to the rationale for the success of this unique soft tissue substrate in orthoplastic reconstruction, which is also provided here in detail.

Anatomical Variations of the Medial Plantar Artery Flap: A Cadaveric Study with Clinical Applications.

The medial plantar artery flap (MPAF) presents both unique value as well as significant challenges. As the plantar foot has specific anatomy, the use of the MPAF to recreate this highly specialized area may provide improvements in durability and rates of limb salvage. The purpose of this study is to establish the anatomic course of the branching patterns of the medial plantar artery (MPA) and provide a foundation for MPA flap nomenclature as it is related to design and elevation. Thirty-seven fresh frozen cadaver feet were used for dissection: 20 right and 17 left sided limbs. Anatomic measurements recorded included: branching pattern of the MPA, bifurcation distance of the superficial branch (SB) and deep branch (DB) from the origin of the MPA, distance from the MPA origin to the anterior colliculus of the medial malleolus, and the distance from the SB and the DB to the navicular tuberosity. The MPA was found to bifurcate into SB and DB in 30 (81%) specimens; 6 (16%) specimens had only a SB, whereas 1 (3%) specimen had only a DB, which had not been previously described. The distance from the anterior colliculus to the MPA was 3.0 cm, MPA to the distal bifurcation was 2.9 cm, and navicular tuberosity to the SB and DB was 2.2 cm and 1.3 cm, respectively. Minimizing the complexity of the dissection with the use of more reliable landmarks and a deeper understanding of the anatomy may reduce complications and allow for more reproducible outcomes when utilizing the MPAF.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Patients: A Systematic Review of Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become a common intervention for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients who have osteonecrosis of the femoral head. This paper provides a systematic review to assess survivorships, patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), infection rates, other complications, and immune competence for patients who had THAs who did and did not have HIV. METHODS: A comprehensive and systematic review of published studies investigating the outcomes of THA in HIV-positive patients (osteonecrosis and non-osteonecrosis patients) was performed adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A total of 10 studies with 9,534 HIV-positive patients fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Manuscript quality was assessed on 2 scales: the Coleman Methodology Score and the level of evidence derived from Center for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria. Data were extracted from studies in the 5 key areas of interest: survivorships, PROMs, infection rates, complications, and clusters of differentiation-4 (CD4+) counts and viral loads. RESULTS: Implant survivorship was between 95% and 100%. Postoperative Harris Hip Scores were significantly improved from preoperative values in HIV-positive patients. Postoperative PROMs and infections did not appear to be different between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. Many of the cohort studies demonstrate comparable complication rates to matched controls. Where described (7 reports), mean CD4+ counts ranged from 425 to 646 cells/mm3, with low viral loads (3 reports) and variations not found to influence outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: THA is an effective treatment for HIV-positive patients, many of whom suffer from osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The results demonstrate excellent implant survivorship, improved quality of life, and a low risk of infections and complications.

Distally-based (Reverse) Medial Hemi-flexor Hallucis Brevis Muscle Flap in a Series of High-risk Patients: Retrospective Case Series.

The first ray provides an important biomechanical function in ambulation. Loss of this region due to ulceration and pursuant amputation poses significant morbidity to patients. Utilizing the distally based (reverse) medial hemi-flexor hallucis brevis (rmFHB) muscle flap to cover defects of this region may decrease patient morbidity, as it may provide needed bulk and durability for rapid coverage and preservation of the first ray. Methods: In this case series, an uncontrolled, retrospective review of the medical records was performed, identifying patients with diabetes who underwent an rmFHB muscle flap performed by a single surgeon. Outcomes measured included the need for secondary soft-tissue procedures at the index surgery; complications; percentage and time to wound healing, defined as epithelialization of wound site; and short-term survival rate (12 months). Results: Healing was demonstrated at a mean of 12 weeks, and the preservation of the distal first ray was achieved in 94% of those patients (12/13). One patient went on to first ray amputation and two were deceased before healing. All patients ambulated in shoes with custom molded inserts without complication postoperatively. No recurrence of ulceration was encountered at 12 months follow-up. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the rmFHB muscle flap may serve as an option for distal first ray soft-tissue defects when local flap coverage is needed due to exposed deep or avascular structures not amenable to skin grafting or conservative wound care techniques. No cases of recurrence of ulceration occurred during this study.

Increased Arthrodesis Rates in Charcot Neuroarthropathy Utilizing Distal Tibial Distraction Osteogenesis Principles.

Charcot neuroarthropathy of the hindfoot and ankle poses substantial challenges due to deformity, segmental bone loss, chronic infection, and difficulty with bracing. Hindfoot or ankle arthrodesis is often employed at high rates of complications and nonunion. This study reports 15 consecutive patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy who underwent tibiotalocalcaneal or tibiocalcaneal fusion with simultaneous distal tibial distraction osteogenesis with a mean follow-up period of 20.2 ± 5.66 months. Arthrodesis rate was 93.3% (14 patients) with mean time to fusion of 4.75 ± 3.4 months. One hypertrophic nonunion occurred at the arthrodesis site. Complete consolidation of 4 cortices was achieved at the distraction site in 93.3% of patients (14 patients) with a mean duration to consolidation of 9.8 ± 3.3 months. One patient experienced hypertrophic nonunion at the regeneration site. The authors report a technique to enhance arthrodesis rates in Charcot neuroarthropathy by combining distal tibial distraction osteogenesis with simultaneous tibiotalocalcaneal or tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis for hindfoot fusion and salvage. Distraction osteogenesis supports enhanced vascularity to the arthrodesis site.Level of Clinical Evidence: Level 4.

Reconstruction of COVID-19-Related Compartment Syndrome With Massive Soft Tissue Necrosis.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 virus is caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 has drastically changed the medical landscape. Although predominantly impacting the respiratory system, COVID-19 has several non-respiratory symptoms associated with its presentation and course. Among these are gastrointestinal symptoms and thromboembolic events with stroke. Increasingly recognized, but often overlooked, are the coagulopathy phenomena occurring with COVID-19. The severe respiratory symptoms are the primary focus of clinical management. However, close inspection of patients demonstrates that patients often exhibit both thromboembolic and bleeding events, ranging from simple skin lesions to overt emergencies. CASE REPORT: The author presents a case of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy resulting in compartment syndrome of the arm with volar forearm necrosis, requiring flap reconstruction and tendon transfer to salvage the upper extremity. CONCLUSIONS: Massive rhabdomyolysis resulted in acute tubular necrosis with renal failure requiring hemodialysis. The timing of reconstruction of the sequelae of compartment syndrome in an acutely ill patient is challenging, but optimal timing can result in a successful outcome.

The Free Fibula Flap for Lower Extremity Reconstruction.

Reconstruction of critical size bone defects in the lower extremity poses a significant risk to not only limb malfunction but also amputation. The reconstructive goal of free bone flaps is to provide vascularized bone that restores length and stability. This applies to the native limb and also in amputations when a vascularized length of bone is required to maintain level of amputation. Multiple anatomic regions of the lower extremity may be successfully reconstructed with the fibula free flap.

Reconstructive Amputations of the Foot.

In the diabetic and peripheral vascular disease population there is a high risk of further amputation following a primary amputation. Amputation surgery is often approached negating the biomechanics of the lower extremity leading to complications or additional surgery. Implementing appropriate tendon balancing of stump and applying orthoplastic techniques will improve outcomes. This article introduces the basic techniques to a wider audience of foot and ankle surgeons. Specifically, this article is intended to be a descriptive guide for the use of tendon balancing and intrinsic muscle advancements in the various levels of foot amputations.

A Novel Limb Salvage Technique of External Fixation Protection of Lower Extremity Plastic Reconstructions with Immediate Postoperative Ambulation (Bibbo Flap and Frame Technique).

Non-weight bearing is mandatory after soft tissue reconstructions of the weight-bearing and the high-pressure areas in the lower extremity. The most common method of patient mobilization after surgical reconstruction of chronic foot and ankle wounds has been to place patients non-weight bearing with crutches, walkers, or a wheelchair. Often patients are older, have more complex medical comorbidities, are deconditioned, and simply cannot comply with the prescribed weight-bearing status with these methods, which leads to deconditioning, depression, or noncompliance. Noncompliance quickly leads to failure of the reconstructive effort and the serious threat of limb loss.

A Functional Chopart's Amputation With Tendon Transfers.

Generally, forefoot osteomyelitis is treated with a reliable level of amputation such as at the transmetatarsal level. However, when osteomyelitis extends proximal to the midfoot and presents with significant peripheral arterial disease, it is generally thought that the next best functional level of amputation is a transtibial amputation. This is mostly in part due to the high failure rate of Chopart's amputations which can be attributed to poor biomechanical and tendon balancing. We present a new technique of tendon balancing with a Chopart's amputation that results in optimized ambulatory function, durable soft tissue envelope of amputation, and successful limb salvage.

Propeller Flaps of the Lower Extremity.

Wounds of the lower extremity involving the distal third of the leg remain a significant challenge due to anatomic location and often poor host physiology. Perforator-based propeller flaps may provide rapid coverage of these wounds with a relatively low rate of major complications and often readily managed minor complications. A thorough vascular evaluation must be performed prior to the procedure to ensure adequate flap design and selection of the correct perforator is performed. They have the added advantage over their soft tissue free flap counterparts in that they have significantly less host morbidity with similar rates of total necrosis.

Medial Plantar Artery Flap for Wound Coverage of the Weight-Bearing Surface of the Heel.

Covering soft tissue defects of the heel is particularly challenging because of the highly specialized functional units unique to the plantar fat pad and the shear and compressive forces experienced in this area. The medial plantar artery fasciocutaneous flap provides the unique ability to restore both sensation and the functional units to the plantar heel by taking tissue similar to that which was lost and relocating it from a non-weight-bearing portion of the foot, while maintaining minimal host morbidity. This provides a lasting solution and may prevent future ulcerations from occurring.

The Gastrocnemius Flap for Lower Extremity Reconstruction.

The gastrocnemius flap is a versatile flap when muscle, or, muscle and skin is desired for coverage of bone of the proximal one-third of the leg, and about the knee. Both the medial and lateral heads, or both combined, may be used as flaps. Typically, the reach of only the muscle will restrict reach to just below the knee. Release off the medial femoral condyle permits increased reach, and a bit more is obtained by scoring the deep fascia and gently slow expansion of the muscle.

Foot and Ankle Surgery for Chronic Nonhealing Wounds.

Chronic wounds often are the result of bone deformities, compounded by musculotendinous and ligamentous imbalance. Sensory neuropathy places patients at greater risk for acute wounds to develop into chronic wounds. Etiologies of these deforming forces include Charcot neuroarthropathy, trauma, and congenital and acquired neuromuscular disorders. Management of these deformities ranges from simple relief of pressure with soft inserts to bracing for mechanical instability. Correction of more complex deformities requires resection of bone, osteotomies, fusions, and external fixation. Tendon and ligament imbalance must be addressed at all levels of deformity. Postoperatively, patients must be re-evaluated for continuation of orthoses and bracing.

Reconstruction of Traumatic Defects of the Tibia With Free Fibula Flap and External Fixation.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic intercalary defects of the tibia may be effectively managed with the free fibula flap. However, any alteration of limb alignment with residual bony angular deformity of the tibia must be also addressed. We describe the use of the free fibula flap in conjunction with external fixation to allow residual deformity correction and patient mobilization ambulation during healing of the free flap. METHODS: Retrospective medical record review was conducted of patients with segmental tibial defects greater than 7 cm who underwent reconstruction with fibula free flap and simple pin-bar external fixation, followed by conversion to 6-axis computer-assisted multiplanar circular ring external fixation to correct residual bony deformity. Outcomes analyses included free flap complications, return to the operating room, complications associated with the external fixation, bony union, correction of residual deformity, amputation rate, visual analog pain scales, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Eight patients (8 tibiae) underwent reconstruction. Mean tibial bone defect was 10.2 cm; all limbs had soft-tissue defects (mean size, 138 cm). Free fibula grafts were harvested as osteocutaneous or osteomyocutaneous flaps (average length, 12 cm). Complications included 1 delayed union and 3 (37.5%) patients readmitted for graft fracture. Ultimately, 100% of patients achieved graft union with satisfactory correction of residual limb deformity. Limb salvage rate was 100%. DISCUSSION: Management of segmental tibial bone loss utilizing initial simple external fixation and microsurgical reconstruction followed by application of computer-assisted circular external fixator may provide a reliable reconstructive protocol for posttraumatic tibial defects with residual bone malalignment.

Wound Coverage Options for Soft Tissue Defects Following Calcaneal Fracture Management (Operative/Surgical).

Soft tissue defects and wound healing complications related to calcaneus fractures may result in significant morbidity. The management of these soft tissue complications requires following reconstructive principles that provide the requisites for preservation of the injured limb and the maximization of function. Soft tissue complications are addressed with methods that commensurate with the degree of injury, ranging from local wound care to free flap reconstruction. With the orthoplastic approach to both bone and soft tissue plastic reconstruction, outcomes for limb salvage are greatly enhanced. This article discusses in detail the reconstructive ladder for soft tissue injuries associated with calcaneus fractures.

Superficial Peroneal Nerve to Deep Peroneal Nerve Transfer With Allograft Conduit for Neuroma in Continuity.

The anterior approach to the ankle for surgery can result in injury to the superficial peroneal nerve, resulting in a painful neuroma and significant patient morbidity. A paucity of data is available evaluating the role of the superficial peroneal nerve to deep peroneal nerve transfer as a method of treatment of neuromas in continuity after ankle arthrodesis. We describe 11 patients who underwent nerve transfer with nerve allograft and conduit repair to treat recalcitrant painful neuromas after ankle arthrodesis. At a mean follow-up period of 31 months, the mean visual analog pain scale score had improved from 7.9 preoperatively to 2.45 postoperatively (p < .0001). These data suggest that nerve transfer with a nerve allograft can provide significant clinical improvement for painful neuromas of the peripheral nerves at the ankle.

The Lisfranc Amputation: A More Reliable Level of Amputation With Proper Intraoperative Tendon Balancing.

Traditional transmetatarsal amputations are a reliable level of amputation. However, amputations at the Lisfranc level have met with limited success owing to improper biomechanics resulting from tendon imbalance, ultimately leading to foot deformity positions and an unstable soft tissue envelope with ensuing skin breakdown, infection, and below-the-knee amputation. We describe proper tendon rebalancing that results in improved biomechanics and a more reliable and stable amputation at the more proximal Lisfranc level.

A Practical Guide to the Use of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap.

INTRODUCTION: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap allows for healthy, reliable, vascularized, soft-tissue coverage of extremity or axial defects of traumatic or acquired deformities. STEP 1 POSITIONING AND MARKINGS: Place the patient in the supine position, which allows for flap harvest and typically does not require any position changes (Fig. 1), and then mark the septum between the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris, which facilitates harvest of this flap (Video 1). STEP 2 PERFORATOR DISSECTION: Dissect this flap, which is relatively straightforward and rapid after identifying the perforating vessels (Video 2, Fig. 4). STEP 3 PEDICLE DISSECTION: Trace the course of the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex proximally and determine the maximum pedicle length and vessel diameter for microvascular anastomoses (Figs. 5 and 6). STEP 4 FLAP HARVEST AND RECIPIENT VESSELS: Confirm the dimensions of the flap prior to final harvest of the flap, and pay special attention to the recipient arterial inflow and venous outflow to ensure success. STEP 5 MICROVASCULAR ANASTOMOSES: When performing this flap as a microvascular free flap, identify and prepare suitable vessels for tissue transfer (Fig. 13). STEP 6 FLAP INSET: Pay special attention to the flap inset to ensure that there is no mechanical obstruction to the pedicle and that the inset allows for the anticipated postoperative edema (Figs. 14 and 15). STEP 7 DONOR SITE CLOSURE: Close the donor site for this flap, which is well tolerated and easily concealed (Fig. 16). STEP 8 FLAP MONITORING AND POSTOPERATIVE CARE: Postoperative monitoring is critical to identify any potential vascular compromise early and maximize successful outcomes4. RESULTS: The ALT is a highly successful and reliable flap that has become a workhorse of reconstructive microsurgery5.