Reconstruction of the Weightbearing Area of the Foot with Vascularized Chimeric Osteocutaneous Fibular Flap: A Case Report.

Damage to the weightbearing surface of the foot is a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. The aim is to reconstruct the skeletal tripod and soft tissue, allowing the patient to walk normally. We report the case of a patient admitted with an acute right foot open fracture of the second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal bones. After debridement of all nonvital tissues, the patient required reconstruction of the metatarsal heads (third, fourth, and fifth) plus soft tissue coverage. We then performed a reconstruction with a free osteocutaneous fibular flap, insetting the bone perpendicular to the long axis of the metatarsal bones. This configuration allowed the reconstruction of the foot skeletal tripod. A second free flap, a thin radial forearm flap, was added during the revision surgery to improve the venous drainage of the skin paddle of the fibular flap and avoid tension after skin closure. At 1-year follow-up, the patient was able to walk entirely weightbearing on the forefoot, returning to her previous employment with no limitation in physical and recreational activities. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the use of a chimeric osteocutaneous fibular flap, oriented transversely, to reconstruct a complex bone/soft tissue defect after a traumatic loss of multiple metatarsal heads.

Nipple Areola Complex Reconstruction: An 8-Year Experience With Modified Technique and Systematic Review.

Background: Nipple areola complex reconstruction is often the last procedure offered to patients undergoing breast reconstruction. Although comparatively minor, this final step creates the focal point of the breast while signifying the end of an often long and difficult journey for patient and surgeon. The literature demonstrates that nipple areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction conveys a positive impact on overall body image while defining the final aesthetic outcome. This paper presents a novel technique for NAC reconstruction developed at a UK tertiary referral center. It is supported by a systematic review of the current literature. Methods: Between 2014 and 2022, a new technique was used to reconstruct the NAC using a modification of the C-V flap with a full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) and later nipple tattoo, if required. Patients were followed up in clinic noting complications, satisfaction, and need for revision surgery. The study was completed by conducting a systematic review of the literature assessing areolar reconstruction with skin grafts, according to PRISMA guidelines. Discussion: This technique provides excellent results in terms of patient satisfaction and objective outcomes (complication rate, need for revision procedures, and loss of projection requiring further surgery). This literature review reflects alternative techniques and highlights the advantages of using a modified C-V flap with FTSG, in terms of morbidity and patient satisfaction. Conclusions: NAC reconstruction is the "cherry on top" at the end of the breast reconstructive journey. This paper advocates a technique that is reproducible, with minimal complications, excellent outcomes, and long-standing results.

The use of peroneus brevis in lower limb reconstruction-What we have learned from 49 cases.

INTRODUCTION: There are many suitable techniques for the treatment of soft tissue defects of the lower limb. Older subjects often with multiple comorbidities, presenting with a laterally located and complex defect, can be challenging to treat. This cohort are often unsuited to long procedures or multi-stage reconstruction and so one is faced with a paucity of options. In such instances, we use the peroneus brevis (PB) muscle flap as a single stage procedure. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study evaluating the use of PB flaps in lower limb injury. Subjects were collated using a database and multiple variables were assessed including: patient demographics, comorbidities, defect size, peri-operative timings, time in theatre, use of inotropes / blood transfusion, mean hospital stay, patient morbidity / mortality, flap survival. RESULTS: During 2015-2023, 49 patients underwent lower limb reconstruction using PB muscle flaps. 42 cases involved PB and skin graft alone whilst seven were more complex requiring additional local and free tissue techniques. The most common indication (n = 28) was infection after closed fracture fixation, followed by open trauma (n = 21). Median patient age was 59 (20-93 years), and ASA grade 3. Median defect size was 4 × 7 cm (2-18 cm) and time from admission to definitive closure 4 days (0-21 days) with median time in theatre 120 min (45-520 min). 17 patients required inotropes and 13 had blood transfusion. Median length of hospital stay was 12 days (0-58 days), one patient (aged 90) died. 100 % of flaps survived and median Enneking score was 65. Heterotopic ossification was not identified in the post-operative imaging within the first year. DISCUSSION: Our experience highlights the benefits and risks of using the PB flap and advocates it as a reliable, cost-effective, 1-stage technique for reconstructing small lateral defects in the distal third of the lower limb.

Free tissue versus local tissue: A comparison of outcomes when managing open tibial diaphyseal fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Open lower extremity fractures pose a challenge for treating surgeons. All surgical strategies have the common aim to facilitate fracture healing. Fracture union, however, should be critically considered in the context of functional recovery and not in isolation. Both local and free tissue transfer have benefits and drawbacks. AIM: This study aims to compare the functional outcomes of open tibial diaphyseal fractures managed with internal fixation, comparing outcomes of those receiving free tissue transfer as opposed to local flaps METHODS: This study follows the STrengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) criteria. Data were collected retrospectively from a prospectively maintained database at our institution. Inclusion criteria included a non-comminuted Gustilo type-IIIB open tibial diaphyseal fracture requiring intramedullary nailing. Forty three patients with local flaps and 180 patients with free flaps were included RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: 233 patient underwent reconstruction for open fracture using local flaps (n=43) or free flaps (n=180). In the context of Gustilo type-IIIB non-comminuted, mid-tibial diaphyseal fractures treated with intramedullary nailing, free fasciocutaneous flap reconstructions leads to significantly improved functional outcomes in patients of all ages when compared to local fasciocutaenous flaps. (77 ± 19 v 50 ± 22 % for local flaps; P < 0.001).