Comparison of two types of flaps based on dorsal cutaneous branch of proper palmar digital artery for repair of wound of fingertip or finger-pulp / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical effectiveness of propeller flap and vascular chain flap based on dorsal cutaneous branch of proper palmar digital artery for repair of wounds of fingertip or finger-pulp.Methods:From April 2018 to May 2021, a total of 55 patients (55 fingers) with wounds of fingertip or finger-pulp in the 2nd-5th fingers were treated in emergency surgery in the Department of Hand Surgery, the Second Hospital of Tangshan. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups by the method of drawing lots. The wounds of 29 patients (29 fingers) were repaired by propeller flaps based on dorsal cutaneous branch of proper palmar digital artery (propeller group) and that of 26 patients(26 fingers) were treated by vascular chain flaps based on dorsal cutaneous branch of proper palmar digital artery(vascular chain group). Survival of the flaps and the skin grafts at donor sites were observed between the 2 groups. The operation and follow-up time in both groups were recorded. Postoperative follow-up included outpatient clinic visits, telephone reviews and WeChat video-clips. At final follow-up, the static TPD of the flaps, patient satisfaction with the appearance of flaps and donor sites and the Range of motion(ROM) of the injured fingers were recorded. The measurement and count data of both groups were compared by independent sample t-test, χ2 tests or Fisher's exact test, respectively. P<0.05 was considered a statistically significant. Results:All the flaps and skin grafts survived primarily in both groups. The operation time in propeller group was 57.55 minutes±4.35 minutes. It was less than what in the vascular chain group (61.12 minutes±4.58 minutes) and with statistically significant difference( P<0.05). The follow-up period was 14.55 months±2.89 months in propeller group and 15.15 months±3.78 months in the vascular chain group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups( P>0.05). At final follow-up, the static TPD and patient satisfaction with the appearance of flaps in propeller group were 6.55 mm±1.24 mm and 4.59±0.50, which were better than 7.46 mm±1.27 mm and 4.31±0.47 in the vascular chain group with a statistically significant difference( P<0.05). The patient satisfaction with the appearance of donor sites and ROM of the injured digital joints in propeller group were 4.45±0.57 and 190.86°±8.56°, while what in the vascular chain group were 4.35±0.56 and 185.96°±10.58°. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups( P>0.05). Conclusion:The propeller flap and vascular chain flap are both based on dorsal cutaneous branch of proper palmar digital artery and are both suitable for repair of wounds of fingertip or finger-pulp. Compared with the vascular chain flap, the propeller flap has the advantages in shorter operation time, better flap sensation and appearance.

Localization of the lateral cutaneous branch of subcostal nerve in iliac crest region and its application in the free sensory superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the feasibility of applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator and high-frequency ultrasound in superficial nerve positioning for detection anatomical location in the area of lateral lip of the iliac crest by lateral cutaneous branch of subcostal nerve(LCSN). The significance of using the nerve as a free sensory superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap was discussed.Methods:The data of patients who underwent the repair of defects on limbs with free perforator flap or composite flap of superficial iliac circumflex artery carrying sensory nerve and the volunteers who agreed to have the location of the LCSN measured between October, 2018 and October, 2020 were collected. The LCSN were located by percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and ultrasound, and the patients were measured and located during surgery. Using Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman graph to evaluated the consistency between transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasound and the surgical positioning.Results:A total of 43 subjects, including 22 patients and 21 volunteers, were selected for locating the LCSN. Thirty-nine males and 4 females, with an average age of 39 years old and an average BMI of 24.08. The operation time of percutaneous nerve electrical stimulation was(6±1) min, and the detection distance was(80.7±5.9) mm. The high-frequency ultrasound was(23±4) min, and the distance was(81.2± 6.6) mm. The average operation time of surgical measured distance was(80.9±8.2)(65-100) mm, the diameter of nerve was(2.3±0.8)(1.0-4.0) mm, and the operation time was(5±1) min. A 95% CI of Passing-Bablok regression intercept and slope of operation, percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and ultrasoundincluded 0 and 1, respectively. The points on Bland-Altman plot were distributed on both sides, and 95% CI of total mean difference, total intercept and slope included 0. Therefore, it was can be considered that the application of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and ultrasound in LCSN localization has good consistency.Conclusion:The location point of the LCSN crossing the iliac crest which detected by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and high-frequency ultrasound detection was close to the measurement taken during the operation. It was also showed that both of them can be used for preoperative locationing of the sensory branch of the sensory nerve flap, optimizing the design of the flap, shortening the operation time, and reducing the unnecessary injury in operation.

Risk Assessment of Injury to Palmar Cutaneous Branch of the Median Nerve Using High-Resolution Ultrasound

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve (PCBMN) and surrounding anatomical structures by using high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) to assess the risk of PCBMN injury. METHODS: The PCBMN course and the characteristics of bilateral distal forearms and wrists of 30 healthy volunteers were identified. The distance between PCBMN and other anatomical structures at three different levels along its course were measured using HRUS. Moreover, the depth of PCBMN from skin and its cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured. RESULTS: HRUS showed the PCBMN in all subjects. PCBMN branched off from the radial aspect of the median nerve (MN) at 4.69±0.89 cm proximal to the bistyloid line (BSL) and extended radially toward the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon. PCBMN was within the ulnar edge of FCR tendon sheath, and became more superficial and perforated the antebrachial fascia between the FCR tendon laterally and the palmaris longus (PL) tendon medially. PCBMN was located at 4.08±0.72 mm on the ulnar aspect of the FCR tendon and 4.78±0.36 mm radially on the PL tendon at BSL. At the distal wrist crease level, the PCBMN was located at 5.68±0.58 mm on the ulnar side of the FCR tendon. The PCBMN depth from skin at BSL and its branching point was 1.92±0.41 and 7.95±0.79 mm, respectively. The PCBMN CSA was 0.26±0.15 mm² at BSL. CONCLUSION: HRUS can be used to identify PCBMN and its relationship with other anatomical structures. Our data can be used to predict PCBMN location, and prevent complications associated with invasive procedures involving the wrist.

Unusual bilateral sensory innervation of the dorsum of hand by lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve: a case report / 대한해부학회지

A 68-year-old male cadaver showed bilateral variation in the sensory innervation of the dorsum of hand. On the dorsum of right hand, first digit and lateral half of second digit were supplied by lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LABCN); medial side of second digit and lateral side of third digit were supplied by superficial branch of radial nerve (SBRN) and medial side of third digit, the fourth and fifth digits were supplied by dorsal cutaneous branch of ulnar nerve (DBUN). On the dorsum of the left hand, lateral side of first digit was supplied by LABCN, medial side of first digit, the second and third digits as well as the lateral side of fourth digit were supplied by SBRN; medial side of fourth digit and fifth digit were supplied by DBUN. These variations would be helpful in understanding peripheral neuropathy, in interpretation of conduction velocity studies and in reconstructive surgery of hand.

Bilateral triad of persistent median artery, a bifid median nerve and high origin of its palmar cutaneous branch: a case report and clinical implications / Tríada bilateral correspondiente a arteria mediana persistente, nervio mediano bífido y origen alto de la rama cutánea palmar: reporte de caso e implicancias clínicas

We report the association of a persistent median artery, a bifid median nerve with a rare very high origin palmar cutaneous branch, presenting bilaterally in the upper limb of a 75-year-old female cadaver. The persistent median nerve with a bifid median nerve has been reported in patients presenting with carpal tunnel syndrome. Reports of this neurovascular anomaly occurring in association with a high origin palmar cutaneous branch however, are few. This subset of patients is at risk of inadvertent nerve transection during forearm and wrist surgery. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high resolution sonography (HRS) can be used to screen this triad. MRI can reveal if the patient's disability is associated with a persistent median nerve, a bifid median nerve. HRS can help identify a palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve that arises in an unexpected high forearm location. Such knowledge will help surgeons in selecting the most appropriate surgical procedure, and help avoid inadvertent injury to cutaneous nerves arising in unexpected locations. In patients presenting with a bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, hand surgeons should consider very high on the list of differential diagnosis a persistent median artery with a concomitant bifid median nerve, with a high suspicion of a possible bilateral occurrence of a bilaterally high arising palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve.

En este estudio se presenta la disposición bilateral de una arteria mediana persistente, un nervio mediano bífido con ramo cutáneo palmar de origen alto, en los miembros superiores de un cadáver de sexo femenino de 75 años de edad. Clínicamente se asocia la presencia del nervio mediano bífido en pacientes con síndrome de túnel carpiano. Sin embargo, son escasos los informes de esta anomalía neurovascular en asociación con un ramo cutáneo palmar del nervio mediano de origen alto. Este subconjunto de pacientes podría sufrir de transección del nervio durante la cirugía de antebrazo y de la muñeca. Se recomienda utilizar la imagen preoperatoria de resonancia magnética (RM) y sonografía de alta resolución (SAR) para detectar esta tríada. La RM puede revelar si la discapacidad del paciente se asocia con un nervio mediano persistente, un nervio mediano bífido. SAR puede ayudar a identificar un ramo cutáneo palmar del nervio mediano que surge en una situación alta del antebrazo en forma inesperada. Tal conocimiento ayudará a los cirujanos en la selección del procedimiento quirúrgico más apropiado, y a evitar una lesión inadvertida de nervios cutáneos que surgen en lugares inesperados. En los pacientes que presentan un síndrome del túnel carpiano bilateral, los cirujanos de mano deben considerar como prioridad en la lista de diagnóstico diferencial una arteria mediana persistente con un nervio mediano bífido concomitante, con una alta sospecha de una posible aparición bilateral de un ramo cutáneo palmar bilateral alto que surja del nervio mediano.

Morfometría de los nervios sensitivos del dorso del pie en el hombre / Morphometry of the sensitive nerves of the dorsum of the foot in man

La inervación cutánea del dorso del pie, está dada por los nervios fibular superficial (NFS), ramo del nervio fibular común; sus ramos, cutáneo dorsal medial (NCDM) y cutáneo dorsal intermedio (NCDI), así como también por el cutáneo dorsal lateral (NCDL), ramo del nervio sural y el ramo cutáneo del nervio fibular profundo (RCNFP). Estos, pueden ser lesionados en su proximidad con estructuras óseas en su ubicación más superficial, en intervenciones quirúrgicas, por compresión, tracción o fricción crónica. Realizamos un estudio morfométrico y estereológico en 5 muestras de NFS, NCDM, NCDI, NCDL y RCNFP en cadáveres de individuos adultos, masculinos. Se obtuvieron secciones transversales de cada uno de los nervios después de su origen, a nivel del tercio distal de la pierna y del dorso del pie. Realizamos cortes de 4 um de grosor, teñidos con H.E. El promedio de fascículos fue: NFS 12 (D.E. 2,39); NCDM 8 (D.E. 4,82); NCDI 5 (D.E. 1,67); NCDL 7 (D.E. 3,27) y RCNFP 4 (D.E. 1,30). El promedio de fibras para el NFS, NCDM, NCDI, NCDL y RCNFP fue: 14.080, 7.636, 4.602, 3.732 y 2.941, respectivamente. El área promedio del NFS, NCDM, NCDI, NCDL y RCNFP fue: 1,54 mm2 (D. E. 0,22), 0,82 mm2 (D. E. 0,31), 0,54 mm2 (D. E. 0,23), 0,42 mm2 (D.E. 0,19) y 0,32 mm2 (D.E. 0,13) respectivamente. Con este estudio, se espera contribuir al conocimiento morfológico respecto a los factores que podrían influir en el grado de recuperación de lesiones nerviosas, importantes en la clínica y en las técnicas de microcirugía.

The cutaneous innervation on the dorsum of the foot, is given by the superficial fibular nerves (SFN) a branch of the common fibular nerve: its branches, and cutaneous medial dorsal (MDCn) and cutaneous intermediate dorsal (IDCn). Also, the cutaneous lateral dorsal (LDCn) branch of the sural nerve and cutaneous branch of the deep fibular nerve (DFCBn). These can be injured in their proximity with osseous structures in their most superficial location, in surgical procedures, by compression, traction or chronic friction. We carried out a morphometric and stereological study in 5 samples of SFN, MDCn, IDCn, LDCn and DFCBn in cadavers of adult male individuals. Transverse sections of each of the nerves were obtained following its origin, at the level of the distal third of the leg and dorsum of the foot. We realized slices of 4 um thick, stained with H.E. The average of the fascicles was: SFN 12 (D. E. 2.39); MDCn 8 (D. E. 4.82); IDCn 5 (D. E. 1.67); LDCn 7 (D. E. 3.27) and DFCBn 4 (D. E. 1.30). The average of fibers for SFN, MDCn, IDCn, LDCn, and DFCBn was: 14.080, 7.636, 4.602, 3.732 y 2.941 respectively. Average area of SFN, MDCn, IDCn, LDCn, and DFCBn was 1.54 mm2 (D. E. 0.22), 0.82 mm2 (D. E. 0.31), 0.54 mm2 (D. E. 0.23), 0.42 mm2 (D. E. 0.19) y 0.32 mm2 (D. E. 0.13) respectively. With this study we hope to contribute to morphological information in reference to factors that could influence in the degree of recovery of nerve lesions, important in clinic as well as microsurgery techniques.

Treatment of kid foot soft tissue defect with reverse flap with cutaneous branch of fibular artery combine with sural nerve nutritional vessel axial / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficiency of kid foot soft tissue defect with reverse flap with cutaneous branch of fibular artery combine with sural nerve nutritional vessel axial. Methods From Feb. 2006 to Feb. 2009, according to the position and size of the soft tissue defects, the sural nerve nutritional vessel flap combine with the cutaneous branch of the peroneal artery were desingned and obtained to repair the 5 cases soft tissue defects of the foot. The flap size ranged from 8 cm × 7 cm to 18 cm × 10 cm. The vessel pedicle of cutaneous branches ranged from 1.7 cm to 3.0 cm. The distribution of the vessel pedicle of cutaneous branches ranged from 4.5 cm to 8.0 cm on the lateral malleolus. Results All flaps survived completely in 6 cases. The outline and function were satisfactory during 6-18 months follow-up. Among of 6 cases, the sural nerve were anastomosed with the acceptor sensory nerve in all cases. The skin sense were sat-isfactory after 1 year of operation and 2-point discrimination was 10-13 mm. Conclusion The blood supply of this flap is reliable without sacrifice of major arteries. Flap elevation is easy. It can reverse to a long dis-tance and can repair large skin defects. Especially this flap could have some sensory nerve. It is very useful in repairing kid foot large soft tissue defect.

Repair of soft tissue defects on the foot and ankle with flaps of cutaneous branches of the low medial leg / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To investigate clinical effects of cutaneous branch flaps of the low medial leg for the repair of soft tissue defects on the foot and ankle.Methods A flap with pedical of cutaneous branches of the low medial leg was used for the repair of 7 cases of skin and soft tissue defects on the feet and ankle from March 2003 to October 2005.The cutaneous branches of the posterior tibial artery were identified along the medial border of the tibia and between the soleus muscle and the flexor digitorum longus muscle.The flap was mobilized according to the site and length of the cutaneous branches,and was transferred to soft tissue defects for skin grafting. Results The operating time was 3~5 hours(mean,4.2 hours).The flaps survived completely in all the 7 cases.Follow-up checkups were carried out for 5~18 months(mean,10 months).The appearance and functions of the foot were satisfactory and met the requirements for daily activities.Conclusions The procedure can effectively repair soft tissue defects on the foot and ankle and does not sacrifice the major arteries.This flap is easy to be prepared.

The Influence of Stimulation Site on the Conduction Study of Palmar Cutaneous Branch of Median Nerve

OBJECTIVE: Nerve conduction study of palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve is infrequently evaluated in spite of its importance because of perceived technical difficulties. This study reports the different nerve conduction responses of palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve by change of stimulation site. METHOD: Conduction study of palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve was performed in 42 normal individuals stimulated at the site of 7 cm proximal to the recording electrode. Results were compared to those of stimulated at the site of 10 cm proximal to the recording electrode with t-test by SPSS 7.5. RESULTS: Values of conduction study stimulated at the site of 10 cm proximal to the recording electrode were 2.37+/-0.48 msec (mean+/-SD) for peak latency, 15.67+/-8.31 micro V for amplitude and 34.52+/-5.97 mA for supramaximal intensity.Those values stimulated at 7 cm proximal were 1.72+/-0.33 msec for peak latency, 24.48+/-11.41 micro V for amplitude and 12.82+/-2.18 mA for supramaximal intensity. Amplitude stimulated at the site of 7 cm was significantly larger than that stimulated at the site of 10 cm (p<0.01). Supramaximal intensity stimulated at the site of 7 cm was significantly smaller than that stimulated at 10 cm (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The different stimulation site influences on the nerve conduction study of the palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve. Conduction study of palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve with stimulation at 7 cm proximal is a more reliable and convenient method compared to 10cm proximal in respect of larger amplitude and smaller supramaximal intensity.

Amplitude Comparison between Sural and Distal Sural Nerves in Diabetic Neuropathy

OBJECTIVE: Sural nerve conduction study is known to be one of the sensitive tests for detecting neuropathies. In peripheral neuropathy, the distal sural nerve, lateral dorsal cutaneous branch of sural nerve (LDCBSN), may be more easily affected than proximal portion of the sural nerve. To evaluate the clinical application of LDCBSN conduction study and amplitude comparison between sural nerve and LDCBSN in peripheral neuropathy. METHOD: Antidromic conduction studies were performed for sural nerve and LDCBSN and amplitude between two nerve responses were obtained in 30 controls (mean age, 46) and 30 patients with diabetic neuropathy (mean age, 54), but obtainable sural sensory response. The active recording electrodes were placed were placed over the dorsolateral surface at the midpoint of the fifth metatarsal for LDCBSN and posterior aspect of lateral malleolus for sural nerve. The stimulating electrodes were placed 12 cm proximal to the active electrodes in both nerves. RESULTS: LDCBSN response was obtainable in all controls and not obtainable in 7 diabetic patients in whom the amplitude of sural response was less than 5 uV. The amplitude of LDCBSN to sural nerve was approximately 35% in controls and 22% in diabetic patients, which was statistically significant (p=0.00). CONCLUSION: LDCBSN conduction study is sensitive test to detect peripheral neuropathies and amplitude ratio of LDCBSN to sural nerve can be used in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathies.

Surgical Anatomy of Extended Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap / 第三军医大学学报

The vessels and nerves in the pectoacromial region were dissected under an operative microscope on 50 human specimens. The main blood supply of this region comes from the thoracoacromial artery. Its deltoid, pectoral, and clavicular branches all have secondary branches to the pectoralis major. In 94% of the cases, the .deltoid branch sends out a cutaneous branch known as the thoracoacromial cutaneous branch. Its external caliber is 1.22mm in average and it distributes over the cutaneous region covering the anterior portion of the del-toideus, the subclavian fossa, and the upper portion of the pectoralis major with an average area of 80.63cm2.An extended pectoralis major myocutaneous flap can be designed taking the thoracoacromial artery or its deltoid branch as its pedicle. This myocutaneous flap can contain an axial skin flap supplied by the thoracoacromial cutaneous branch.