Recurrent cellulitis and bacteremia in a patient with Noonan syndrome: A case report.

A 28-year old Japanese man with Noonan syndrome (NS) presented to our emergency department with painful erythema of the trunk and lower extremities since the previous day. He had been diagnosed with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) with intestinal lymphangiectasia at age 25 years, and undergone lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) twice. Three episodes of cellulitis of both lower extremities had occurred in the past 2 years. Extensive cellulitis with sepsis was diagnosed and piperacillin/tazobactam was started, which was de-escalated to ceftriaxone. He was discharged after 13 days of antibiotic therapy. After discharge, low-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SMZ-TMP) was started as the primary prophylaxis, but three episodes of cellulitis occurred in the next year and were treated with other antibiotics. NS, an autosomal dominant disease known as a RASopathy, is caused by germline mutations in RAS-MAPK pathway genes. Lymphedema resulting from lymphatic abnormalities is a concomitant manifestation in 20 % of patients with NS, and can be a risk factor for cellulitis. Hypoalbuminemia and hypoglobulinemia associated with PLE facilitate infections such as cellulitis. As a treatment for lymphedema in the extremities, LVA has shown objective and subjective improvements in most patients, and some studies have also reported its efficacy for lymphedema in patients with NS. Targeted molecular therapy with mitogen-activated protein kinase enzyme (MEK) inhibitor is used in treatment of cancers with activation of the RAS/MAPK pathway. MEK inhibitors have recently been tried in patients with RASopathies and severe lymphatic disorders, and can lead to rapid resolution of symptoms.

Improvement of coracoid process union rates: a comparative study of conventional open and arthroscopic-assisted Bristow procedures for treating anterior shoulder instability in rugby players.

BACKGROUND: The Bristow coracoid transfer procedure is a reliable technique for treating anterior shoulder instability in patients with large glenoid bone loss or those involved in collision sports. However, its success is marred by its inferior bone union rate of the coracoid process as compared to the Latarjet procedure. This study aimed to evaluate whether arthroscopic confirmation of the secured coracoid fixation during the Bristow procedure improves the bone union rate and clinical outcomes as compared to the open procedure. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 104 rugby players (n = 111 shoulders) who underwent an open (n = 66 shoulders) or arthroscopy (AS)-assisted (n = 45 shoulders) Bristow procedure at our center from 2007 to April 2019. In the AS-assisted group, the screw fixation and coracoid stability and contact were confirmed under arthroscopic visualization. Graft union was evaluated through computed tomography at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Patient-reported outcome measures were assessed based on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Rowe score, and satisfaction rate. Recurrence, the rate of return to play (RTP), and the frequency of pain after RTP were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 73.5 (range: 45-160) months for the open group and 32.3 (range: 24-56) months for the AS-assisted group. In the former, the rates of bone union were 50%, 72.7%, and 88.9% at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively. In contrast, the AS-assisted group had significantly greater bone union rates-88.9%, 93.3%, and 95.6% at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively. Both groups showed significant improvement in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Rowe scores compared to preoperative values as well as high satisfaction rates (open: 92%; AS-assisted: 95.7%). There were no statistically significant differences in the recurrence and RTP rates as well as the frequency of pain after RTP between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The AS-assisted procedure allows early and high bone healing without compromising the clinical outcomes.

[A Case of Reconstruction of the Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw Using the Patient-Specific Custom-Made Cutting Guide and Mandibular Reconstruction Plate].

Multidisciplinary treatment, combining ablative surgery and reconstruction, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, is used to treat advanced oral cancers. In this study, we report a case of extensive osteoradionecrosis of the mandible following multidisciplinary treatment for tongue cancer, in which a computer-assisted, patient-specific custom-made cutting guide and reconstruction plate(TruMatch® )were used to improve the patient's facial morphology and oral-maxillofacial functioning. A 70-year-old man received multidisciplinary treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the left side of the tongue (cT3N2bM0, cStage ⅣA)at a previous hospital. Seven years postoperatively, bilateral osteoradionecrosis of the mandible developed, and the patient was referred to our department for further treatment. Since the lesions were extensive, we planned reconstructive surgery using the TruMatch® system in collaboration with the plastic surgery department of our hospital. Surgery was performed precisely and accurately according to the preoperative simulation. Postoperatively, the patient's recovery was uneventful. The TruMatch® system enables us to achieve good morphological and comprehensive functional oral-maxillofacial reconstruction.

[Two Cases of Advanced Lower Gingival Carcinoma Treated Surgically Using a Novel Patient-Specific Full Custom- Made Mandibular Reconstruction Plate System].

The treatment of advanced lower gingival carcinoma requires postoperative chemoradiotherapy; therefore, simultaneous hard-tissue reconstruction may not be indicated. In these cases, mandibular reconstruction is performed using a temporal reconstruction plate and various skin flaps. Herein, we reported 2 cases of advanced lower gingival carcinoma treated with a novel computer-assisted patient-specific, fully custom-made mandibular reconstruction plate system(Cosmofix®)in combination with a pedicle/free flap. In case 1, an 80-year-old female patient was diagnosed with right lower gingival carcinoma( cT4aN3bM0, Stage ⅣB). Under general anesthesia, she underwent tracheostomy, bilateral neck dissection, segmental mandibulectomy, and mandibular reconstruction using Cosmofix® in combination with an ulnar forearm free flap. In case 2, an 81-year-old male patient was diagnosed with right lower gingival carcinoma(cT4aN2bM0, Stage ⅣA). The patient underwent maintenance dialysis and required minimally invasive surgery using a pedicle flap. Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent tracheostomy, right modified radical neck dissection, segmental mandibulectomy, and mandibular reconstruction using Cosmofix® in combination with a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Postoperative facial morphology, occlusion, eating, swallowing, articulation, and other dysfunctions were minimal in both the cases. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was recommended. In conclusion, the utilization of the Cosmofix® system enabled both esthetic and functional reconstruction following segmental mandibulectomy for advanced lower gingival carcinoma.

[A Case of Recurrent Tongue Cancer in a Patient of AYA Generation Who Underwent Salvage Surgery and Oral-Maxillofacial Reconstruction after Super-Selective Intra-Arterial Chemoradiotherapy].

Radical tumor resection for oral cancer can cause morphological and esthetic disorders and oral and maxillofacial dysfunction and maintaining a social life could become challenging, especially in the adolescents and young adults(AYA)generation. Conversely, chemoradiotherapy for young patients may cause adverse reactions such as impaired fertility and late side effects of radiation. Therefore, treatment should be performed cautiously. We report a case of AYA generation patient who underwent salvage surgery and maxillofacial reconstruction for recurrent tongue cancer after super-selective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy. The patient was a 30-year-old woman who was 20 weeks pregnant. She was diagnosed with Stage Ⅲ squamous cell carcinoma of the right tongue, cT3N0M0. After abortion, the patient underwent super-selective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy and achieved a complete response. However, 13 years later, a recurrence of Stage ⅣA tongue cancer, r- cT4aN2bM0, was reported. Additionally, the patient had osteoradionecrosis. We performed radical tumor resection(bilateral neck dissection plus subtotal glossectomy plus segmental mandibulectomy)and maxillofacial reconstruction with a fibula flap. Subsequently, we performed occlusal reconstruction treatment using dental implants. Three years postoperatively, no tumor recurrence was observed, and the patient was satisfied with the restored morpho-aesthetic and maxillo-oral functions.

Emerging Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacotherapy and Cell-Based Therapy for Lymphedema.

Secondary lymphedema is a common complication of lymph node dissection or radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Conventional therapies such as compression sleeve therapy, complete decongestive physiotherapy, and surgical therapies decrease edema; however, they are not curative because they cannot modulate the pathophysiology of lymphedema. Recent advances reveal that the activation and accumulation of CD4+ T cells are key in the development of lymphedema. Based on this pathophysiology, the efficacy of pharmacotherapy (tacrolimus, anti-IL-4/IL-13 antibody, or fingolimod) and cell-based therapy for lymphedema has been demonstrated in animal models and pilot studies. In addition, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have attracted attention as candidates for cell-based lymphedema therapy because they improve symptoms and decrease edema volume in the long term with no serious adverse effects in pilot studies. Furthermore, MSC transplantation promotes functional lymphatic regeneration and improves the microenvironment in animal models. In this review, we focus on inflammatory cells involved in the pathogenesis of lymphedema and discuss the efficacy and challenges of pharmacotherapy and cell-based therapies for lymphedema.

Comparison between freehand technique and computed tomography-based navigation in acetabular cup placement through direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: In total hip arthroplasty (THA), improper cup orientation can result in dislocation, early excessive polyethylene wear, and pain following THA. The supine position during THA provides a more reproducible functional pelvic position than the lateral decubitus position and may allow freehand cup placement as reliable as that obtained by computer navigation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of freehand cup placement through a supine direct anterior approach (DAA) compared with computed tomography (CT)-based navigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The same surgeon performed primary cementless THA through the DAA in 144 supine patients. Seventy-two patients underwent freehand cup placement with standard mechanical guidance-oriented radiographic target cup positioning, and 72 underwent placement with CT-based navigation guidance. Using three-dimensional templating software, the study group calculated cup inclination and anteversion on postoperative CT scans. RESULTS: The navigation method resulted in a significantly smaller deviation of inclination from the target (p < 0.05); the difference in anteversion was not significant. In addition, the navigation method resulted in significantly fewer cups placed ± 10° outside the target position (0% for inclination, 0% for anteversion) than did the freehand procedure (26% for inclination, 25% for anteversion) (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Freehand cup placement is less reliable even in the supine position. Use of a CT-based navigation system can significantly improve cup positioning in THA through the DAA by reducing the incidence of outliers.

[Oral Function Restoration via Two-Stage Reconstructive Treatment of an Extensive Maxillary Defect Following Maxillectomy].

Recently, the number of survivors that had oral cancer has increased, but deterioration in the quality of life of patients concerning oral function and cosmetic appearance has become problematic. Prosthodontic dentures usefully treat jaw defects after maxillary resection for cancer, but advances in microsurgery have rendered the possibility to reconstruct maxillary defect and oral cavity using a microvascular flap. Here, we describe 2-stage treatment after 35 years postoperatively. We restored the maxillofacial function using microvascular flaps and partial denture. The patient was a 59-year-old woman who underwent left lateral maxillectomy 35 years previously to treat an advanced left maxilla gingival carcinoma. A maxillary prosthesis was applied, requiring repeated adjustments and refabrications. The patient visited to obtain improvements for oral and maxillofacial functions and long-term quality of life. The left maxillary bone defect was 45×50 mm in area. Collaborating with the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the patient underwent reconstructive treatment using a microvascular forearm flap and partial denture. The patient's progress was excellent; eating, swallowing, and articulation improved. For 1 year postoperatively, the patient was satisfied with the results.

[A Case of Tongue Carcinoma with Malignant Transformation Caused by the Pandemic].

In April 2020, a state of emergency was declared because of the pandemic, and the public was instructed to refrain from leaving their homes. Consequently, this stirred up anxiety about visiting medical institutions. Here, we describe a case of tongue carcinoma that developed from an oral precancerous lesion into a malignant transformation owing to the effects of refraining from medical examinations caused by the pandemic. The patient was a 62-year-old woman. In March 2020, the patient became aware of a mass at the tongue's margin and was referred to our department. An excisional biopsy was performed, and a diagnosis of inflammatory change was made. The following month, a white ulcerative lesion was found, and another excisional biopsy was performed; therefore, a diagnosis of left tongue leukoplakia without epithelial dysplasia was made. The patient was scheduled for surgery; however, refused treatment and consultation because of the pandemic. In September 2021, the patient revisited our department on her own volition because an ulcerative lesion with indistinct borders and induration was found at the left lingual margin. Upon close examination, a diagnosis of left tongue squamous cell carcinoma(cT2N2bM0, Stage ⅣA)was made. In October 2021, radical tumor resection and reconstruction were performed. After 8 months postoperatively, the patient is currently well.

Triple-Row Technique Confers a Lower Retear Rate Than Standard Suture Bridge Technique in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repairs.

PURPOSE: To compare the structural and clinical results between the knotless suture bridge (SB) and triple-row (TR) techniques. METHODS: This study is a retrospective study and included 212 shoulders with repairable rotator cuff tears treated with the SB technique and 206 shoulders treated with the TR technique. In the TR technique, medial and lateral anchors were placed as they would be for the SB technique, with a middle row anchor added on the edge of footprint to reduce the torn tendons. All patients underwent primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and had magnetic resonance imaging 6 months postoperatively to evaluate for retear. Sugaya's classification was used to classify the retear pattern. The function of all patients preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively were assessed by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder index and the University of California at Los Angeles rating scale. RESULTS: According to Sugaya's classification, 24 (11.3%), 6 (2.8%), and 20 (9.4%) in SB-treated shoulders and 16 (7.8%), 12 (5.8%), and 8 (3.9%) in TR-treated shoulders, respectively had types 3, 4, and 5. There was a statistically significant greater type 5 retear in SB-treated shoulders (P = .038) than in TR-treated shoulders. The average clinical outcome scores at the final follow-up improved significantly relative to those before the surgeries in both groups. There were no statistical differences in the clinical outcome scores at the final follow-up between SB and TR groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the TR technique in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair resulted in a lower large-size retear rate when compared with the use of the SB technique. No clinical differences were noted in the outcomes between the 2 groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic, retrospective cohort study.

Safety and efficacy of secondary mandibular reconstruction using a free osteo-cutaneous fibula flap after segmental mandibular resection: a retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Free osteocutaneous fibula flap (FFF) is currently considered the best option for segmental mandibular reconstruction; however, there are only a few reports comparing secondary with primary reconstructions using FFF. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of secondary mandibular reconstruction using FFF when compared with primary mandibular reconstruction. METHODS: From October 2018 to February 2020, patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction using FFF after segmental mandibulectomy were retrospectively reviewed. The size and location of the mandibular defect, the segment length and number of osteotomies in the fibula, types of the mandibular plating system, kinds and laterality of the recipient vessels were recorded from the surgical notes. Flap survival, duration of nasogastric tube use, and implant installation after reconstruction were recorded as postoperative evaluation indices. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent mandibular reconstruction using FFF during the study period. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics other than body mass index between the primary (n = 8) and secondary (n = 4) reconstruction groups. No significant differences were observed in the size and location of defects, the segment length and number of osteotomies in the fibula, and the types of mandibular plating system. There was no significant difference in the kinds of recipient vessels; however, the laterality of recipient vessels was ipsilateral in all cases of primary reconstructions and contralateral in all cases of secondary reconstructions. Three out of eight patients with primary FFF reconstruction developed partial flap necrosis. Four patients in the secondary FFF reconstruction group achieved complete flap survival. The duration of use of the nasogastric tube and implant installation after reconstruction was comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Safe and effective secondary mandibular reconstruction can be performed in this clinical case study using FFF.

Progression of Erosive Changes of Glenoid Rim After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes of the glenoid after arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) in patients with different preoperative glenoid structures. METHODS: Patients who underwent ABR for traumatic anterior shoulder instability were retrospectively investigated. They were divided into 3 groups on the basis of preoperative glenoid structure by computed tomography (CT): normal glenoid (group N), glenoid erosion (group E), or glenoid defect associated with a bony Bankart lesion (group B). Shoulders in group B were also stratified according to the postoperative status of the bone fragment (union, nonunion, or resorbed). Postoperative changes of glenoid width (Δ) (increase: Δ ≥5%, stable: Δ >-5% to <5%, decrease: Δ ≤-5%) and the extent of glenoid bone loss were investigated by 3-dimensional CT. RESULTS: A total of 186 shoulders were divided into 3 groups: group N (n = 61), group E (n = 46), and group B (n = 79). At initial postoperative CT, the glenoid width was decreased in 41 shoulders, stable in 20 shoulders, and increased in no shoulders from group N. The respective numbers were 27, 18, and 1 in group E, and 50, 22, and 7 in group B. The glenoid width was reduced in all groups (mean percent change: -8.8%, -5.9%, and -6.1%, respectively). In group B, glenoid width decreased in most of the shoulders without bone union. The glenoid bone loss on the preoperative and postoperative final CT was, respectively, 0% and 8.6% in group N (P < .0001), 9.9% and 12.4% in group E (P = .03), and 10.4% and 7.2% in group B (P = .01). Final glenoid bone loss >13.5% was recognized in 18.2% of group N, 35.7% of group E, and 21.8% of group B. CONCLUSIONS: Glenoid width often decreased after ABR because of anterior glenoid rim erosion, and this change was frequent in patients with preoperative normal glenoid, glenoid erosion, or without postoperative union of a bony Bankart lesion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3, Case-control study.

Shoulder and elbow evaluation of pitchers in National High School Baseball Invitational Tournaments and National High School Baseball Championships from 1993 to 2016 in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder and elbow examinations for pitchers have been performed in Japan's National High School Baseball Invitational Tournaments (NHSBITs) and National High School Baseball Championships (NHSBCs) since 1993. However, for years the results have not been analyzed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the condition of shoulders and/or elbows of pitchers from 1993 to 2016. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pitchers in NHSBITs and NHSBCs, 1994-2016, were examined together with those who received a trial examination (Trial) in the NHSBC 1993. Shoulder and elbow symptoms were comprehensively graded into five categories; none, mild, moderate, severe and dysfunction. Standard plain radiographs of the shoulder and elbow were obtained. Average Annual Percent Changes (AAPCs) in the percentages of pitchers with symptoms and positive radiographic findings were analyzed. RESULTS: The percentages of pitchers with moderate or worse symptoms in the shoulder or elbow were 14.6% and 13.8%, respectively, in the Trial, 1.1% and 1.1% in NHSBITs and 1.3% and 2.0% in NHSBCs. The AAPC of pitchers with a symptomatic shoulder in NHSBITs was reduced over the study period, at -3.36% (P < 0.05), but that in NHSBCs was unchanged at -1.01%. The AAPCs of pitchers with a symptomatic elbow in NHSBITs and in NHSBCs decreased, at -3.13% and -3.33%, respectively (P < 0.05), while that of pitchers with residual apophyseal fragmentation at the ulnar collateral ligament insertion increased at +2.79% (P < 0.05). The decreased percentages of symptomatic pitchers suggest that joint condition is well controlled in high school days; however, the increased frequency of radiographic findings suggests the necessity of protection against overuse in younger players. CONCLUSIONS: The percentages of pitchers with symptomatic shoulders and elbows in NHSBITs and those with symptomatic elbows in NHSBCs have decreased over the 23 years. However, the increased frequency of residual medial humeral epicondyle apophyseopathy should be noted.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Promote Intussusceptive Lymphangiogenesis by Restricting Dermal Fibrosis in Irradiated Tissue of Mice.

Currently, there is no definitive treatment for lymphatic disorders. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been reported to promote lymphatic regeneration in lymphedema models, but the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects remain unclear. Here, we tested the therapeutic effects of ADSC transplantation on lymphedema using a secondary lymphedema mouse model. The model was established in C57BL/6J mice by x-irradiation and surgical removal of the lymphatic system in situ. The number of lymphatic vessels with anti-lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1) immunoreactivity increased significantly in mice subjected to transplantation of 7.5 × 105 ADSCs. X-irradiation suppressed lymphatic vessel dilation, which ADSC transplantation could mitigate. Proliferative cell nuclear antigen staining showed increased lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) and extracellular matrix proliferation. Picrosirius red staining revealed normal collagen fiber orientation in the dermal tissue after ADSC transplantation. These therapeutic effects were not related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C expression. Scanning electron microscopy revealed structures similar to the intraluminal pillar during intussusceptive angiogenesis on the inside of dilated lymphatic vessels. We predicted that intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis occurred in lymphedema. Our findings indicate that ADSC transplantation contributes to lymphedema reduction by promoting LEC proliferation, improving fibrosis and dilation capacity of lymphatic vessels, and increasing the number of lymphatic vessels via intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis.

[A Case of Early Detection and Treatment Applicable to Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Palate Detected by Oral Cancer Mass Screening in Izumo 2019].

Treatment of oral cancer is based on radical resection and reconstructive surgery. Surgery causes impairment of maxillofacial morphology and function, including chewing and eating difficulties, and dysarthria. It is necessary to restore the maxillofacial morphology and function by reconstructive surgery and use of prostheses. Therefore, early detection and treatment are required to reduce these disabilities associated with oral cancers. Here, we report a case of oral cancer that was detected early by our oral cancer mass screening program in Izumo, Japan, in 2019. A 73-year-old woman presented with a reddish ulcerative region in the palate. Cytological screening indicated positive-suspected low squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (LSIL). The patient was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma of the palate(cT1N0M0, StageⅠ)in our hospital. We performed radical resection of the palate tumor and immediate reconstruction using a vascularized radial forearm flap. The clinical course was good and oral function was fully restored. It is important for oral surgeons to publicize and raise awareness of oral cancer, and to continue oral cancer mass screening programs.

Representative survey of frozen shoulder questionnaire responses from the Japan Shoulder Society: What are the appropriate diagnostic terms for primary idiopathic frozen shoulder, stiff shoulder or frozen shoulder?

BACKGROUND: Primary frozen shoulder has unknown etiology and significant restriction of active and passive motion. The distinction between frozen shoulder and stiff shoulder has been unclear. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to perform a survey regarding definition and classification of frozen shoulder proposed by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) among the members of the Japan Shoulder Society (JSS) and to compare the results with those obtained among the members of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES). METHODS: The Scientific Research Project Committee of the JSS prepared the questionnaire for frozen shoulder and stiff shoulder. Surveys were sent by e-mail on Jan 14, 2016 to JSS registered members and the response dead-line was set on March 13, 2016. RESULTS: The number of respondents was 230, including all directors, councilors, and senior doctors. Agreement with the definition of primary frozen shoulder was 67%, the classification of primary or secondary frozen shoulder was 53%, and the 3 divisions of secondary frozen shoulder was 53%. Diagnostic terms for the cases of shoulder stiffness with unknown etiology were as follows: frozen shoulder (31%), stiff shoulder (22%), periarthritis scapulohumeralis (16%), so called "Gojukata" in Japan, which means shoulder problems in their fifties (16%), idiopathic frozen shoulder (6%), primary frozen shoulder (4%), adhesive capsulitis (3%), others (2%). CONCLUSION: The survey shows lower rates of agreement among the JSS members than the ASES members for the definition of primary frozen shoulder, the classification of primary and secondary frozen shoulder, and the divisions of secondary frozen shoulder. To avoid confusion between stiff shoulder and frozen shoulder, the committee agrees to the ISAKOS recommendation that the term "frozen shoulder" should be used exclusively for primary idiopathic stiff shoulder.

Peroneal perforator-based peroneus longus tendon and sural neurofasciocutaneous composite flap transfer for a large soft-tissue defect of the forearm: A case report.

We describe the use of a composite flap composed of a sural neurofasciocutaneous flap and a vascularized peroneus longus tendon for the reconstruction of severe composite forearm tissue defects in a patient. A 43-year-old man had his left arm caught in a conveyor belt resulting in a large soft-tissue defect of 18 × 11 cm over the dorsum forearm. The extensor carpi radialis, superficial radial nerve, and radial artery were severely damaged. A free neurofasciocutaneous composite flap measuring 16 × 11 cm was outlined on the patient's left lower leg to allow simultaneous skin, tendon, nerve, and artery reconstruction. The flap, which included the peroneus longus tendon, was elevated on the subfascial plane. After the flap was transferred to the recipient site, the peroneal artery was anastomosed to the radial artery in a flow-through manner. The vascularized tendon graft with 15 cm in length was used to reconstruct the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon defect using an interlacing suture technique. As the skin paddle of the sural neurofasciocutaneous flap and the vascularized peroneus longus tendon graft were linked by the perforator and minimal fascial tissue, the skin paddle was able to rotate and slide with comparative ease. The flap survived completely without any complications. The length of follow-up was 12 months and was uneventful. Range of motion of his left wrist joint was slightly limited to 75 degrees. This novel composite flap may be useful for reconstructing long tendon defects associated with extensive forearm soft tissue defects.

The thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) level in serum at an early stage of a drug eruption is a prognostic biomarker of severity of systemic inflammation.

BACKGROUND: In severe drug eruptions, precise evaluation of disease severity at an early stage is needed to start appropriate treatment. It is not always easy to diagnose these conditions at their early stage. In addition, there are no reported prognostic biomarkers of disease severity in drug eruptions. The aim of this study was to test whether the thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) level in serum at an early stage of a drug eruption can serve as a prognostic biomarker of systemic inflammation. METHODS: Study participants included 76 patients who received a diagnosis of a drug eruption, one of the following: drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms/drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, maculopapular exanthema, and erythema multiforme. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) was eliminated in this study because scoring system for evaluating the severity was established. Correlation coefficients between serum TARC levels and indicators of systemic inflammation, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, Glasgow prognostic score, modified systemic inflammatory response syndrome (mSIRS) score, and C-reactive protein in serum were evaluated. RESULTS: Serum TARC levels positively correlated with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, Glasgow prognostic score, mSIRS score, C-reactive protein, albumin, white blood cell count, body temperature, and pulse rate. TARC levels negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure. Among these parameters, the mSIRS score showed strong correlation (correlation coefficient: 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Serum TARC levels correlate well with indicators of systemic inflammation and of disease severity among patients with a drug eruption except SJS/TEN. Serum TARC may be a prognostic biomarker of severity of inflammation in drug eruptions.

Novel Application of Cultured Epithelial Autografts (CEA) with Expanded Mesh Skin Grafting Over an Artificial Dermis or Dermal Wound Bed Preparation.

Cultured epithelial autografts (CEA) with highly expanded mesh skin grafts were used for extensive adult burns covering more than 30% of the total body surface area. A prospective study on eight patients assessed subjective and objective findings up to a 12-month follow-up. The results of wound healing for over 1:6 mesh plus CEA, gap 1:6 mesh plus CEA, and 1:3 mesh were compared at 3, 6, and 12 months using extensibility, viscoelasticity, color, and transepidermal water loss by a generalized estimating equation (GEE) or generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). No significant differences were observed among the paired treatments at any time point. At 6 and 12 months, over 1:6 mesh plus CEA achieved significantly better expert evaluation scores by the Vancouver and Manchester Scar Scales (p < 0.01). Extended skin grafting plus CEA minimizes donor resources and the quality of scars is equal or similar to that with conventional low extended mesh slit-thickness skin grafting such as 1:3 mesh. A longitudinal analysis of scars may further clarify the molecular changes of scar formation and pathogenesis.

The pathology of the anterior capsule in patients over forty years of age with recurrent shoulder dislocation.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the pathologies of anterior capsular mechanism in older patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation in the absence of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. METHODS: Three hundred and ninety-five shoulders with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation were assessed. The patients were divided into three groups by the age at the first dislocation and the surgical treatment: group A (onset and treatment were at an age over 40 years), group B (onset was at an age under 40 years and treatment was at an age over 40 years) and group C (onset and treatment were at an age under 40 years). Groups A, B and C involved nine, 31 and 355 shoulders, respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of an isolated Bankart lesion was 81.7 % in group C, 33.3 % in group A and 64.5 % in group B, and each of A and B was significantly lower than group C. The prevalence of an isolated capsular tear was 3.1 % in group C, while it was 33.3 % in group A, which was significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of an isolated Bankart lesion was low and the prevalence of a capsular tear was high in older patients. We should keep in mind the existence of a capsular tear in older patients and examine the whole anterior capsular mechanism meticulously.