Forecast of the number of nursing beds per 1000 older people from 2023 to 2025: Empirical quantitative research.

AIM: This research aims to offer a reference point for relevant departments to enhance the allocation of ageing resources and formulate policies accordingly. DESIGN: This study is designed as empirical quantitative research. METHODS: Data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Civil Affairs regarding older adults (aged≥60) from 2000 to 2022 and nursing beds from 1978 to 2022 were analysed. The differential autoregressive integrated moving averages model and Monte Carlo simulation were used to predict the growth of nursing beds per 1000 older people in China for the Years 2023-2025. RESULTS: It is projected that from 2023 to 2025, China will experience a further increase in its ageing population, with an average annual growth rate of 3.1%. By 2025, the number of older people in China is expected to surpass 300 million. Additionally, there will be a rise in the number of nursing beds, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%, leading to a total of 8.79 million nursing beds by 2025. However, due to the rapid growth of the older population, there will be a slight decline in the number of nursing beds per 1000 older people in China, with an average annual growth rate of -1.00%.

Successful replantation of amputated facial tissues by supermicrosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Although replantation of amputated facial segments remains challenging in reconstructive surgery, it offers excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes. METHODS: From May 2004 to October 2019, 12 patients underwent replantation of amputated facial tissues by supermicrosurgery. The case details, such as the rationale for replantation, the operation method, and postoperative therapy, are described. Four cases are discussed to demonstrate the replantation of different facial parts. RESULTS: Facial tissue replantation was successful in all 12 patients without secondary surgery. The cases included the nose (1 patient), ears (8 patients), lips (2 patients), and one of the soft tissue segments surrounding the lower jaw. Venous congestion occurred in three patients who received a solitary arterial repair and were treated with bloodletting. All patients expressed satisfaction with the cosmetic and functional results at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Supermicrosurgical facial tissue replantation is a promising and effective procedure for providing patients with the best aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Vascular anatomy and clinical application of anterolateral leg perforator flaps.

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of detailed published work on anterolateral leg perforators. The authors fully documented the vascular basis of the anterolateral leg perforator flap and report its use in reconstruction of distal extremities. METHODS: Anterolateral leg perforators were investigated in 25 fresh cadavers and 10 casts of arteries. Fresh cadavers were injected with a standardized injection of lead oxide for three-dimensional visualization reconstruction using multidetector-row computed tomography and professional software. The origin, course, and distribution of the perforators in the anterolateral leg region were observed. Between March of 2008 and March of 2012, 15 free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps were used for reconstruction of distal limbs. Flap size varied from 3.5 × 4.0 cm to 11 × 5 cm, with a uniform thickness of 3 mm. RESULTS: There were 7 ± 3.0 perforators in the anterolateral leg. The average external diameter was 0.7 ± 0.2 mm. Each perforator supplied an average area of 33 ± 8.0 cm. Extensive anastomoses were found between the superficial peroneal artery perforators and multiple adjacent source arteries. All cases were repaired successfully without any complications. The clinical results were satisfactory after 3 to 12 months of follow-up. The flaps were considered cosmetically acceptable by both patients and doctors. CONCLUSIONS: The anterolateral leg perforator flaps have a consistent, reliable blood supply and good texture. The donor site not only supplies a thin skin flap but also provides the option of harvesting cross-boundary proximally or distally based perforator flaps that could be useful for repairing widespread traumatic soft-tissue defects.

[Clinical application of the free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the applied anatomy of the superficial peroneal artery perforator flap and report the clinical results of repairing the soft tissue defects with free perforator flaps. METHODS: 15 fresh cadavers were injected with a modified lead oxide-gelatin mixture for three-dimensional visualization reconstruction using a 16-slice spiral computed tomography scanner and specialized software (Materiaise's interactive medical image control system, MIMICS). The origin, course and distribution of the superficial peroneal artery perforator in the anterolateral leg region were observed. Clinically 6 cases with hand defects and 6 cases with feet defects were treated with free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap transplantation. The defect size ranged from 3.0 cm x 4.5 cm to 5.0 cm x 11.0 cm. RESULTS: The diameter of the superficial peroneal artery is (1.2 +/- 0.3) mm at its origin from the anterior tibial artery 5 cm below the fibula head. It is (5.6 +/- 1.8) cm in length. This artery is truly anastomosed with other perforators to form the chain of superficial peroneal nerve accessory artery. The superficial peroneal artery perforators [outer diameter (0.7 +/- 0.2) mm] with a vein are in the anterolateral leg region, supplying the skin in proximal-middle region. All the 12 cases were treated successfully. The clinical results were satisfactory after 3-12 months of following-up. CONCLUSIONS: The superficial peroneal artery perforator flap has constantly, reliable blood supply, and good texture. It is a good option for repairing soft-tissue defect with free transfer.