Neurosural fasciocutaneous cross-leg flaps for leg salvage surgery

Introduction: Complex traumatic injuries in legs frequently lead to dramatic soft tissue and bone defects in which use of local and regional flaps may be compromised. This situation constitutes a major challenge in leg reconstruction. Apart from free-tissue transfers, cross-leg flap fascio-cutaneous flaps have a potential to become an ultimate limb salvage procedure. We report two cases of use of fascio-cutaneous cross-leg flaps for extensive defects in legs. Refinements to avoid flap failure are described. A review literature is performed. Cases: A child of 5-year-old and an adult of 26-year-old presenting extensive tissue loss of the leg were treated by cross-leg fascio cutaneous flaps. Apart from discomfort during the procedure, there was no undesirable event in the postoperative course. The flaps provided good tissue for further bone reconstruction. Conclusion: Although free-tissue transfer is the most used procedure nowadays, fasciocutaneous cross-leg flaps are found to be useful for limb salvage surgeries

Hand trauma epidemiology in a hospital setting in Togo

Purpose: Hand trauma epidemiological characteristics are lacking in low and middle-income countries. The aim of the study was to determine hand trauma characteristics to be use as a framework for planning hand surgical care in our country. Material et methods: Registers in Surgical Emergency Department from 1st June 2009 to 31st May 2014 were reviewed retrospectively to determine frequency, socio-demographic of patients and clinical characteristics of hands injuries. Results: Frequency of hand trauma was 0.7% of all admissions in the Surgical emergency department. The male to female ratio was 3.4:1. Mean age was 28 years. Manual work was the most representative occupation (33.2%). Road traffic accidents were the main circumstances of hand injuries (38%). Open injuries represented 68%. Fractures, dislocation and sprains were seen respectively in 41%, 31%, and 8% of cases. Simple wounds were seen in 38 % of all patients. Conclusion: Hand trauma seemed to be of low frequency in hospital in our setting. Main injuries encountered are fractures, dislocation, and sprains