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Objective:Verstaile free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap(SCIAPF) were adopted for various reconstructive scenarios, and its clinical effect and value was evaluated.Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed on 42 patients with tissue defects admitted in the Department of Orthopeadic of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2015 to May 2019. Nine patients had injury in the foot, 8 in ankle, 8 in calf, 7 in forearm, 9 in hand, and 1 in the mouth. All of the defects were repaired by SCIAPF, including 28 single soft tissue defect wounds, 8 multiple soft tissue defect, and 6 composite defects. The size of soft tissue defect were 1.2 cm×1.8 cm-14.0 cm×20.8 cm. The size of flaps were 1.5 cm×2.0 cm-15.3 cm×22.3 cm. The patients entered follow up by outpatient clinic visit and telephone reviews to observe the survival of the flaps, functional recovery and complications.Results:In this series, there were 28 flaps, including 18 pedicled with superficia branch of superficial circumflex iliac artery, 2 pedicled with deep branch of superficial circumflex iliac artery, and 8 pedicled with 2 branches. Six were chimeric flaps. Among them, 4 flaps were iliac bone flaps with superficial branch of superficial circumflex iliac artery flaps, and 2 were superficial iliac circumflex artery flap with sartorius muscle flap. Eight cases were resurfaced with lobulated SCIAPF. Arterial anastomoses: end-to-side in 35 arteries and end-to-end in 7 arteries. Venous anastomosis: end-to-end in 27 veins and end-to-side in 15 veins. Venous return through superficial iliac circumflex vein in 25 flaps, through venae comitantes in 12 flaps and through both in 5 flaps. All flap donor sites were sutured directly. All flaps survived uneventfully except for one that compromised with end-to-side anastomotic dehiscence and bleeding, and survived after re-anastomosis. All flaps and donor sites healed primarily. During the follow-up of 6-24(mean, 11.5) months, the pliable flaps were ruddy in colour and soft in texture, without obvious bloatness and pigmentation. The donor site healed well with linear scars in 35 cases and mild scar hyperplasia in 7 cases. The donor hip function were normal. Three patients suffered a numbness of the thigh caused by intraoperative injury lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and it disappeared completely after 3 months.Conclusion:New applications of lobulated or chimeric SCIAPF, based on the SCIA vasculature or its branches, can meet most of the clinical repair requirement.
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Objective:To investigate the effect of chimeric flap pedicled with superficial branch of superficial iliac circumflex artery in repair of soft tissue defect of dorsal hand combined with metacarpal bone defect.Methods:From May 2015 to January 2022, 34 patients(28 males and 6 females) of soft tissue defects of dorsal hand with metacarpal bone defects were treated in the Department of Orthopedics of Yibin Third People's Hospital. The age of patients ranged from 22 to 51 years old, with an average age of 37 years old. The areas of soft tissue defects after debridement were 2.5 cm×5.0 cm-4.5 cm×9.0 cm, and the defects were all in dorsal hand and dorsal wrist. The lengths of metacarpal bone defect were 1.8-4.1 cm. All the patients had only single metacarpal bone defect, among which: 14 patients had defects in first metacarpal bone, 7 in second metacarpal bone, 4 in third metacarpal bone, 8 in fourth metacarpal bone and 1 in fifth metacarpal bone. All the patients were repaired by chimeric flap pedicled with superficial branch of superficial iliac circumflex artery. The size of flaps were 3.6 cm×5.4 cm-5.2 cm×9.5 cm. Anticoagulation, thermal preservation and plaster fixation were applied for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Postoperative follow-ups included regularly outpatient clinic visit, telephone or Wechat reviews. Follow-up items covered: the feeling and appearance of flaps in recipient sites, healing of the donor sites and recovery of hand functions.Results:All the 34 chimeric flaps survived. Regular follow-up lasted for 3 to 15(average, 10) months. All incisions in the donor sites of hip healed in stage I. TPD of the flaps was 5.1-7.3(mean, 6.4) mm. Appearance of flaps in the receiving area were satisfactory without swelling. Movement of wrists and metacarpophalangeal joints met the basic requirement of movement. The healing time of metacarpal defect was 2-3 months with an average of 2.8 months. Hand functions were evaluated at excellent in 6 patients and good in 28, according to the Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association.Conclusion:The chimeric flap pedicled with superficial branch of superficial iliac circumflex artery is an ideal flap to repair the soft tissue defect in dorsal hand combined with metacarpal bone defect. It has advantages of less donor site damage, good blood supply of flap, simple surgical procedure, and one-stage repair of a combined soft tissue and metacarpal bone defects.
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Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and clinical results of micro-dissected chimeric (II-MCh) perforator flap based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery(d-LCFA) for repairing composite soft tissue defects of limbs.Methods:From April, 2011 to December, 2019, a total of 19 cases of composite soft tissue defects of limbs combined with deep cavity were repaired with II-MCh perforator flap or micro-dissected thin lobulated (III-MPCh) perforator flap based on d-LCFA. The flap was micro-dissected before cut off the perforator. The deep dead cavity was filled with muscle flap, and the superficial wound was repaired with micro-dissected thin perforator flap. The sizes of flaps were 6.0 cm×3.0 cm-33.0 cm×8.0 cm. The muscle flaps were cut with volumes of 5.0 cm×3.0 cm×1.0 cm-13.0 cm×10.0 cm×1.5 cm. Donor sites of the flap were closed directly. Postoperative reviews were assigned at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The appearance, colour, texture and recurrence of infection of the flap were checked and recorded.Results:Sixteen flaps survived successfully without necrosis and with primary healing at the donor sites. Two flaps had venous occlusion within 24 hours after surgery and healed after surgical exploration and venous anastomosis. One flap had arterial crisis within 24 hours after surgery and healed after surgical exploration and arterial anastomosis. All patients entered follow-up for 8-36 months with an average of 16 months. All recipient sites achieved satisfactory appearance and function, and only linear scars left at the donor sites.Conclusion:The II-MCh perforator flap based on d-LCFA is a special modality of anterolateral thigh perforator flap, which achieves a satisfying appearance at the recipient site by micro-dissecting the flap within one procedure. This emerging technique can effectively fill the dead cavity, and is an effective method to repair complex soft tissue defects of limbs combined with deep cavity.
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Objective@#The purpose of this study was to explore the application value of digital surgery in the reconstruction of mandibular composite defects with a chimeric deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (DCIAPF).@*Methods@# Six patients with complex defects within half of the mandible underwent reconstruction using DCIAPF from January 2019 to January 2020 in Shenzhen People’s Hospital. Doppler was used to locate the deep iliac circumflex artery, the range of mandibular osteotomy was designed, and DCIAPF was used to repair the mandibular composite under the guidance of the guide plate during the operation. Twelve months postoperatively, the facial shape, jaw height, and occlusal relationship were evaluated@*Results@#DCIAPF was harvested successfully in 6 patients, and the heights of all alveolar ridges and occlusal function of patients were significantly restored, without pain or snapping in the temporomandibular joint area.@*Conclusion @#The blood supply of DCIAPF is rich, and soft-bone tissue is sufficient for the reconstruction of mandibular composite defects. Combined with digital surgery, the accuracy and safety are improved.
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To evaluate the clinical effect of digital assisted chimeric deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (DCIAPF) in the reconstruction of mandibular composite defects. Methods From January, 2018 to January, 2019, 6 cases of mandibular tumor patients with postoperative defect within side were treated. Preoperative CTA was used to evaluate the deep branches of spin iliac artery.Digital simulation software and 3D printing technolo-gy was taken, vascularized iliac flap of the design guide of bone was made, and the rebuilding effect was simulated. DCIAPF was used to repair the defect of lower jawbone. The donor sites were sutured directly. The patients were fol-lowed-up in outpatient department for 3-6 months to evaluate the recovery of the patient′s shape, jaw height and oc-clusal function, as well as the complications in the donor area. Results Postoperation pathological examination re-sults: ameloblastoma in 2 cases, 4 cases of gingival cancer. The length of cut out ilium was 6.0-13.0 cm, carrying the flap area of 3.0 cm×1.0 cm-6.0 cm×5.0 cm.Six cases of DCIAPF and iliac bone flap survived.The shape, mandibular height and occlusal function were satisfactory.And no obvious complications were found in the donor area. Conclu-sion The blood supply of DCIAPF is rich with enough bone mass and height. The position of terminal skin perfora-tors is invariant. The complications of donor sites is less. With the help of digital technology, the accuracy of mandibular defect repair and the 3-dimensional wound repair can be realized, and provides an advantage condition for subsequent dental implant.It is one of the ideal method of reconstruction of mandibular defect.
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Objective: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of the Flow-through chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap for one-stage repair and revascularization in complex defects of the extremities. Methods: Between May 2014 and June 2017, 6 patients with soft tissue defects on the limbs combined with dead space, bone defects, or tendon and joint exposure, were reconstructed with the Flow-through chimeric ALTP flap. All 6 patients were male. The patients' mean age was 44 years (range, 26-60 years). The mechanisms of injury were traffic accidents in 4 cases, wringer injury in 1 case, and bruise injury caused by heavy object in 1 case. The defects located at the lower extremity in 5 cases and at the upper extremity in 1 case. The area of the wound ranged from 7 cm×4 cm to 26 cm×10 cm. There were 3 cases of bone defect, 3 cases of joint and tendon exposure, 2 cases of chronic osteomyelitis, and 2 cases of main artery injury. The muscle flap was inserted into the deep dead space, with perforator flap for superficial defect. The area of perforator flap ranged from 10 cm×5 cm to 28 cm×11 cm and the area of muscle flap ranged from 5 cm×2 cm to 20 cm×5 cm. The defects on the donor sites were closed directly. Results: All the flaps were survival without infection and vascular crisis. The wounds of recipient and donor sites healed at first intention. The patients were followed up 3- 24 months (mean, 10 months). Good color and texture of flaps was achieved. The reconstructed main artery patency was achieved and the end of the affected limb was well transported. Only linear scar left on the donor site on thigh with no malfunction. Conclusion: The Flow-through chimeric ALTP flap can construct three-dimensional soft tissue defects without sacrificing the recipient vessels. The Flow-through chimeric ALTP flap is an reliable and ideal method for reconstruction of complex wounds in the limbs with dead space and with or without recipient major vessels injury.
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Objective: To explore the effectiveness of pedicled chimeric thoracoacromial artery perforator (TAAP) flap as a reconstructive option for circular hypopharyngeal defects. Methods: Between January 2013 and December 2014, the pedicled chimeric TAAP flap was used to repair oncologic circular hypopharyngeal defects in 8 patients, included 6 males and 2 females, with an average age of 57 years (range, 45-80 years). All patients were treated in other hospitals before and recurrence was noted. The duration between latest treatment and recurrence ranged from 3 to 28 months (mean, 16.5 months). According to Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) TNM staged, 3 cases were T 2N 1M 0, 2 cases were T 3N 1M 0, 1 case was T 3N 2M 0, 2 cases were T 4N 1M 0. After laryngectomy, the size of circular hypopharyngeal defect ranged from 9.0 cm×8.5 cm to 12.0 cm×10.5 cm. The size of TAAP flap ranged from 7.0 cm×4.0 cm to 9.5 cm×6.0 cm．The size of pectoralis major flap ranged from 9.0 cm×5.0 cm to 14.5 cm×6.0 cm．The donor sites were closed directly in all cases. Results: Postoperatively all flaps survived smoothly, and all defects healed by first intention. No early complication was noted. The mean hospital stay period ranged from 12 to 22 days (mean, 14.5 days). All patients were followed up 12-45 months (mean, 18.7 months). Patients possessed good appearance of surgical sites. No recurrence, fistulas, stenosis/strictures, dehiscence, or swelling occurred. Only linear scars were left on the donor sites, and the pectoralis major muscle function was completely preserved in all patients. Conclusion: Patients with high comorbidities may not be suitable candidates for free flap reconstruction, especially when the recipient vessels are affected from disease or radiotherapy. Pedicled chimeric TAAP flap is a good choice for the reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects in such conditions．.
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Objective: To evaluate the reliability and effectiveness of a deep circumflex iliac artery based iliac-internal oblique musculofascial chimeric flap (DCIA-IIOF) in reconstruction of complex oromandibular defect. Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2015, DCIA-IIOFs were used to repair complex oromandibular defects in 11 patients. There were 8 males and 3 females, with an age of 27-75 years (median, 56 years). Original disease was lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma in 7 cases (T 3N 1M 0 in 2 cases, T 3N 2M 0 in 1 case, T 4N 0M 0 in 2 cases, and T 4N 2M 0 in 2 cases), osteoradionecrosis after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 2 cases, central mandibular squamous cell carcinoma in 1 case (T 4N 0M 0), and mandibular malignant fibrous histiocytoma in 1 case. The length of mandibular bone defects ranged from 7 to 10 cm (mean, 8 cm), and the area of the mucosal defects ranged from 5 cm×3 cm to 7 cm×4 cm. Preoperative ultrasonic identification of the DCIA and its ascending branch was routinely performed. The DCIA-IIOF was harvested by using an anterograde dissection technique, of which the iliac island was used for segmental mandibular defect repair and the musculofascial island for soft tissue and mucosal defect repair. Results: All 11 cases were followed up 15-75 months (median, 37 months). All flaps survived after operation, without necrosis of both iliac island and oblique internal musculofascial island. One patient had a mild submandibular infection which healed after wound drainage and intravenous antibiotics. At 1 month after operation, the color and texture of the musculofascial island were similar to oral mucosa without contracture, and the occluding relation was good for all patients. At 6 months after operation, the mouth opening hardly improved in 2 patients who had osteoradionecrosis; 1 patient who underwent postoperative radiotherapy had restriction of mouth opening; the remaining 8 patients had normal month opening and normal diet. Three patients died of cancer recurrence, 2 patients died of other diseases (encephalorrhagia in 1 case and myocardial infarction in 1 case), and the others survived without recurrence during follow-up. No patient developed abdominal hernia during follow-up. Conclusion : DCIA-IIOF is a reliable flap in reconstruction of complex oromandibular defects. The occluding relation after operation is good and the mucosal lining is soft. This technique provides an effective option for moderate complex oromandibular defects repair.
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Objective To explore the clinical outcome of free chimeric anterolateral thigh cutaneotendinous flap with rectus femoris muscular flap for repairing the complex tissue defect of dorsum wrist. Methods From June, 2005 to March, 2014, free chimeric anterolateral thigh cutaneotendinous flap with rectus femoris muscular flap was used for repairing the complex tissue defect of dorsum wrist in 15 cases, which were 12 males and 3 females, and aged from 18 to 52 years old. The skin and soft tissue defect ranged from 8.0 cm×5.5 cm to 22.0 cm×12.0 cm. All ac-companied with extensor digitorum tendon loss. The tendon defect ranged from 5.0 cm to 12.0 cm (7.6 cm on average). The flap size ranged from 9.0 cm×6.5 cm to 23.0 cm×13.0 cm. The pedicle length ranged from 4.0 cm to 7.0 cm (5.3 cm on average). Results All flaps survived, and no postoperative complications occurred. The followed-up time ranged from 12 months to 36 months, and the texture of flap was flexible. No bulky was noted, and skin color was similar to the hand skin. The flexor and extensor function of wrist recovered satisfying. The 2-point discrimination of flap ranged from 9 mm to 15 mm (12.5 mm on average). Conclusion Free chimeric anterolateral thigh cutaneo-tendinous flap with rectus femoris muscular flap is a good option for repairing the complex tissue defect of dorsum wrist.
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Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical effects of chimeric perforator flap based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (d-LCFA) for reconstructing the three-dimensional tissue defect in lower extremities. Methods From May, 2008 to June, 2017, 79 cases of soft tissue defects with dead space were repaired by using a d-LCFA chimeric perforator flap, in which 33 cases of car accident trauma, 12 cases of chronic tibial osteomyelitis, 10 cases of plowing machine injury, 9 cases of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis, 6 cases of falling injury, 5 cases of crushing injury, 3 cases of spoke injury, and 1 case of suppurative knee arthritis. These patients were accompany with different degrees of infection and dead space after radical debridement. The dead cavity was filled by muscular flap, and perforator flap covered the superficial wound. Recording the flap 's appearance, color, texture, osteomyelitis recurrence and the patient 's knee extension at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months followed-up. Results Seventy-five flaps survived without complications, and the donor sites were closed directly. All patients had no post-operative hematoma or secondary infection. Vascular crisis occurred in 2 days after the operation in 4 flaps, 1 flap had an arterial crisis on the second-postoperative-day, and the flap was necrotic after surgical exploration. The deep cir-cumflex iliac artery chimeric perforator flap was used for repairing. Three flaps with venous crisis during 48 h after operation, in which 2 flaps survived eventually after surgical exploration, and another flap was necrosis and repaired by skin graft. The followed-up periods ranged from 3 months to 30 months (mean, 9.7 months). All flaps had satisfied with appearance and texture. There were no osteomyelitis recurrence and any ranges of motion limitations in the hip and knee joints of the operated leg. Conclusion The chimeric perforator flap with d-LCFA merely anastomosed 1 group vascular pedicle can make the dead space be filled and cover the superficial wound simultaneously. It is an ideal option for reconstructing the skin defect with dead space in lower extremity, which can improve the quality of restoration of recipient site and reduce the damage of donor site.
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Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of the method of repairing donor site of foot after improved toe-to-thumb reconstruction utilizing superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIAP) chimeric flap.Methods Fourteen cases of thumb defect were recruited from April,2012 to January,2016.According to Gu Yudong's classification,5 cases met the criterion of type Ⅰ,4 cases met the criterion of type Ⅱ,and 5 cases met the criterion of type Ⅲ.For type Ⅰ,the thumb was reconstructed with the great toe wrap-around flap.For type Ⅱ and Ⅲ,the thumb was reconstructed by the combined tissue with mutual artery (great toe wrap-around flap,and the bonetendon tissue of the second toe).All the donor sites of foot were repaired utilizing SCIAP chimeric flap.Results All the reconstructed thumbs survived.Among 14 free flaps of donor site,1 case suffered venous crisis and survived after exploration and rescue surgery.Dorsal skin necrosis of the second toe was found in 1 case,which was healed by local skin flap transposition.All patients were followed-up ranged from 3 to 30 months (averaged at 16 months).In spite of slightly bloated,the color and texture of all the flaps' was satisfied,and the average healing time of the bone in the donor sites was 2.5 months.All patients did not feel painful and had no adverse effect when walking and running.Three months after the operation,5 slightly bloated flaps in the donor sites under went flap plastic and achieved better appearance.On the part of iliaca,there was only one inconspicuous linear scar without any discomfort.Conclusion Repairing donor site of foot after improved toe-to-thumb reconstruction utilizing SCIAP chimeric flap was an ideal method.Using this method,the reconstructed thumb can achieve good appearance and function,all the toes of donor site were reserved,and the disability of the donor site is minimized.
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Objective@#To explore the application of free profunda femoral artery pedicled gracilis chimeric myocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of defect after radical resection of buccal mucoca squamous cell carcinoma.@*Method@#From January 2014 to May 2016, 12 cases with buccal mucoca squamous cell carcinoma underwent radical resection, leaving buccal mucoca defect which was reconstructed by free profunda femoral artery pedicled gracilis chimeric myocutaneous flap at the same stage. The buccal mucoca defect was reconstructed with skin paddle, the mouth floor cavity was filled with muscular flap.@*Result@#The Length of free profunda femoral artery pedicled gracilis chimeric myocutaneous flap was (9.0±0.3) cm, the width of flap was (4.5±0.3) cm, the thickness of flap was (1.8±0.4) cm.The length of pedicle was (7.4±0.6) cm.All 12 chimeric perforator flaps survived uneventfully, the defects at the donor sites were closed directly in all cases. All patients were followed up for 10-28 months (14.8 on average) with satisfied esthetic and functional results in flap reconstruction. The swallowing and speech function was satisfactory. No local recurrence happened. Only linear scar was left in the donor sites, the function of thighs was not affected.@*Conclusions@#The free profunda femoral artery pedicled gracilis chimeric myocutaneous flap is an ideal choice for reconstruction of the defect after radical resection of buccal mucoca squamous cell carcinoma.
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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of part long thumb extensor tendon dorsal ulnar artery chimeric flap for repair of Doyle type Ⅲ mallet finger of thumb.
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Objective To investigate the reliability and effect of using the chimeric flap retrieved by laparoscopic surgery to cover the large defect of the extremities.Methods The debridement and vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) were performed on 18 patients, who were admitted due to the defects of the extremities.The free chimeric peritoneal-deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap assisted by laparoscopic surgery was transplanted to cover the defect with exposed tendons and/or skeleton.Results The remaining defects of the extremities were 12 cm × 8 cm-30 cm × 17 cm.The peritoneal component of the chimeric flaps measuring 8 cm × 6 cm -14 cm × 10 cm retrieved by laparoscopic surgery was used to cover the tendons, bones and joints.The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps measuring 13 cm × 10 cm-32 cm × 18 cm allowed the cutaneous coverage of wounds.The chimeric flaps survived completely excepting two patients.The two patients experienced partial necrosis of the chimeric flaps and received skin grafting to achieve the wound closure.The function of the injured extremities recovered partially after 6-18 months of follow-up.No abdominal pain, distension, herniation,bulging and intestinal obstruction were recorded.Conclusion The chimeric flap assisted by laparoscopy is a helpful, safe and effective method for reconstruction of large wounds in extremities with exposed tendons and bones.
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Objective To investigate the clinical effect of the chimeric flap based on the perforator of the posterior tibial artery for reconstruction of bone and skin defect in extremities.Methods From March,2007 to June,2013,the legs of the patients with bone nonunion,bone defect and skin soft tissue defect in extremities accepted digital subtraction angiography to find the larger perforators in the upper middle section of posterior tibia1 artery.Color doppler flow imaging (CDFI) was used to track branches and directions of the larger perforators and to look for the perforators which gave off secondary branches respectively to the skin and periosteum.According to the length of bone defect and the area of skin defect,the composite flap with the bone flap and skin flap was designed and cut out.It was based on the right single perforator of the posterior tibial artery which was chosen.The free composite flap was called the chimeric flap based on the perforator of the posterior tibial artery and repaired bone and skin defect in extremities.The size of osseous flaps ranged from 1.5 cm × 0.6 cm × 0.4 cm to 4.0 cm × 2.0 cm × 1.0 cm,and the size of cutaneous flaps of total 17 cases ranged from 2.0 cm × 2.0 cm to 7.0 cm × 6.0 cm.Results Followed-up for 3 to 18 months,all osseous flaps and cutaneous flaps survived,and all donor sites healed well.Nine cases of all cutaneous flaps were flat with the surrounding tissue and others bloated,but they were flat with the surrounding tissue after second phase to fat plastic.The fracture line disappeared and bone healed well at the time of 3-6 months after operation of bone graft to repair bone defect.According to the related evaluation criteria made by the Chinese Medical Association,the results of 10 cases of hand trauma patients were excellent in 7 cases,good in 2 cases,may in 1 case.Seven cases of lower leg and foot trauma patients could walk with load without pain.Conclusion Application of the chimeric flap based on the perforator of the posterior tibia1 artery is an ideal method to repair the small pieces of bone defect with skin soft tissue defect caused by various reasons in extremities.Because this kind of surgery doesn't sacrifice known vessels with minimal donor site morbidity,and healing time of the bone graft is short and the bone is not easy to absorb.
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PURPOSE: Compound tissue defects remain a challenge to reconstructive surgeons. The objective of this study was to introduce examples of successful reconstruction of compound defects of the head and neck and upper and lower limbs, using chimeric flaps based on the subscapular vascular system. METHODS: We report 19 reconstruction cases using chimeric flaps based on the subscapular vascular system. The scapular flap, scapular fascia, scapular bone, parascapular flap, latissimus dorsi, latissimus dorsi perforator flap, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous perforator flap, serratus anterior, serratus anterior fascia, and rib bone were used as components for chimeric flaps. 12 cases had defects of the upper limb, three in the lower limb, three in the head and neck area, and one case had a defect of the thoracoabdominal wall. RESULTS: Defect sizes ranged from 6x8cm to 20x22 cm. The component used most often for skin coverage was the latissimus dorsi perforator flap; for soft tissue bulk, the latissimus dorsi; for fascia coverage, the serratus anterior fascia flap; and for bone reconstruction, the scapular bone flap respectively. In all cases reconstruction was done successfully without additional operative procedures or flap necrosis. CONCLUSION: Because it is fairly easy to employ vascular pedicles of sufficient length and diameter, enabling the use of diverse types of tissue with various shapes and sizes, the use of chimeric flaps based on the subscapular vascular system allows one-stage reconstruction tailored to the characteristics of the defect area.