Rotation and advancement of the radial-based fasciocutaneous flap for primary closure of the radial forearm flap donor defect / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aims to investigate the feasibility and clinical application value of a new method for primary donor-site closure of radial forearm flaps with the use of rotation and advancement of radial-based fasciocutaneous flaps.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The forearm donor-site defects of 36 patients were primarily closed by rotation and advancement of radial-based fasciocutaneous flaps after radial flap harvest from November 2014 to May 2015. Patients included 28 males and 8 females aged 28 to 67 years (53.6 years old on average). Flap size ranged from 3.0 cm×5.0 cm to 4.0 cm×6.0 cm. Wound healing, scar hyperplasia, and forearm appearance were recorded and evaluated. Wrist flexion angle, dorsal extension angle, ulnar deviation angle, and radial deviation angle were measured three and six months after the operation. Wrist joint loss index was calculated and compared with the preoperative index to evaluate wrist function recovery. The results were subjected to comparative t-
test to perform statistical analysis with SPSS 19.0 statistical software package.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Forearm donor sites were successfully closed without skin grafting in all patients. Skin ischemia caused by excessive tension was observed at the incision edge in five cases, thereby leading to skin exfoliation and pigment loss without affecting wound healing. All patients were followed up at six and twelve months, and presented a satisfactory appearance. No scar hyperplasia was observed. No significant difference was observed in radial deviation, ulnar deviation, palmar flexion, dorsiflexion, radial deflection angle, or wrist joint loss index (P>0.05) after the operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Application of rotation and advancement of radial-based fasciocutaneous flaps can directly close small-to-medium radial forearm flap donor defects. Satisfactory postoperative appearance can be achieved with no loss in wrist joint function. The novel method prove worthy of promotion and application in clinical work.</p>

Chimeric deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap for the simultaneous reconstruction of the composite oromandibular defect / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of chimeric deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (DCIAPF) applied in the simultaneous reconstruction of the oromandibular defect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six patients underwent simultaneous oromandibular reconstruction using DCIAPF following segmental mandibulectomy in Xiangya Hospital from March 2014 to July 2014. The skin paddle was designed to be centered on the pre-operative perforator mapping. Retrograde dissection was performed through the underlying abdominal wall to raise the skin paddle. The pedicle was isolated from the groin, and the iliac crest was cut. The deep iliac circumflex vessels were dissected until the skin paddle was reached. Finally, the donor site was strictly sutured layer by layer to avoid ventral hernia.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The skin paddles ranged from 3.5 cmx5.0 cm to 7.0 cmx 10.0 cm. The length of the bone components was 5.0 cm to 11.0 cm. All donor sites closed primarily without skin grafting. DCIAPF was harvested successfully in five patients, except for one patient whose perforator originated from the superficial iliac circumflex vessels. An additional pair of anastomoses was performed. All iliac flaps survived. However, slight skin-edge necrosis and exfoliation caused by flap thinning occurred in one patient and healed after pruning and dressing change. The heights of all alveolar ridges were significantly restored, and no serious donorsite complication was observed during the three to six months' follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DCIAPF is a reconstructive option for mandibular defects because of its adequate bone tissue and rich blood supply. Satisfactory alveolar ridge restoration greatly facilitates future denture retention. DCIAPF also has a great degree of mobility between the skin paddle and the bone component when appliedin composite oromandibular defect reconstruction.</p>