Effect of right stellate ganglion block-serratus anterior plane block combined with general anesthesia in thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of right stellate ganglion block (RSGB)-serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) combined with general anesthesia in thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer.Methods:A total of 90 patients who planned to undergo thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer in Xiangya Changde Hospital from March 2020 to September 2021 were prospectively selected and divided into 3 groups by random number table method: general anesthesia group (G group), (SAPB)+ general anesthesia group (SG group), RSGB+ SAPB+ general anesthesia group (RSG group), 30 cases in each group. The SG group received SAPB on the operative side before general anesthesia, and the RSG group received RSGB+ SAPB on the operative side before general anesthesia. After the blocking effect was determined, all patients were given general anesthesia in the same scheme according to their weight, and patients were given patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after surgery. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before anesthesia (T 0), before intubation (T 1), 1 min after intubation (T 2), 5 min after intubation (T 3), at extubation (T 4) and 5 min after extubation (T 5). The intraoperative dosage of remifentanil, incidence of nausea and vomiting (PONV) within 24 hours after surgery, number of additional PCIA within 24 hours, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of static and dynamic pain, the Bruggrmann Comfort Scale (BCS) and Richard Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RSCQ) 24 hours after surgery were recorded. Results:Compared with T 0, the MAP and HR in 3 groups were increased 1 min after intubation (T 2) and at extubation (T 4), but the increases in RSG group were significantly less than those in G and SG groups (all P<0.05). The remifentanil dosage, PONV incidence and PCIA supplemental times in SG and RSG groups were less than those in G group, and the BCS score and RSCQ score were higher than those in G group (all P<0.05); the BCS score and RSCQ score in RSG group were higher than those in SG group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:RSGB+ SAPB combined with general anesthesia in thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer has little circulation fluctuation, good postoperative analgesia effect, less adverse reactions and high comfort level.

Use of the serratus anterior fascia in immediate implant-based breast reconstruction

Using the serratus anterior fascia may be a safe and effective option to recreate the lateral breast profile during subpectoral breast reconstruction, with minimal functional impact on the donor site. However, the literature is scarce when it comes to studies on this fascia flap in implant-based reconstruction. This article aimed to review the use of the serratus anterior fascia in immediate implant-based breast reconstruction, searching the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, and SciELO. The search was carried out by combining the following keywords: 'breast reconstruction' and 'serratus anterior fascia'. In the Pubmed and Embase databases, the search yielded a total of 12 and 15 articles, respectively, of which seven were selected according to the scope of this article. We found no studies on serratus anterior fascia and breast reconstruction in the Lilacs and SciELO databases. All works have results favorable for the use of the serratus anterior fascia flap and agree that this technique can be considered in the algorithm for the coverage of the inferolateral portion during subpectoral breast reconstruction

Is Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) Better than Continuous Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) for Mitral Valve Surgery via Mini?Thoracotomy? Results from a Prospective Observational Study

Aims:Chest wall blocks are effective alternatives for postoperative pain control inmitral valve surgery in rightmini?thoracotomy (mini?MVS).We compared the efficacy of Serratus Anterior plane block (SAPB) and Erector Spinae plane block (ESPB) on postoperative pain relief aftermini?MVS. Settings and Design: It is a prospective, observational study. Material and Methods: A total of 85 consecutive patients undergoing continuous SAPB and continuous ESPB for mini?MVS from March 2019 to October 2020 were included. The primary outcome was the assessment of postoperative pain evaluated as absolute value of NRS at 12, 24 and 48 h. Secondary outcomes were assessment of salvage analgesia (both opioids and NSAIDs), incidence of mild adverse effects (i.e. nausea, vomiting, and incorrect catheter placement) and timing of postoperative course (ICU and hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, ventilator?free days). Results: The median NRS was 0.00 (0.00–3.00) at 12 h and 0.00 (0.00–2.00) at 24 and 48 h. No significant differences were observed between groups. Postoperative morphine consumption in the first 24 h was similar in both groups (P = 0.76), whereas between 24 and 48 h was significantly less in the ESPB group compared with SAPB group, P = 0.013. NSAIDs median consumption and Metoclopramide consumption were significantly lower in the ESPB group compared to SAPB group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.048, respectively). Conclusions: ESPB, even more than SAPB, appears to be a feasible and effective strategy for the management of postoperative pain, allowing good quality analgesia with low consumption of opioids, NSAIDs and antiemetic drugs.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided serratus plane block versus PecsⅡblock for perioperative analgesia in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer under general anesthesia / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To compare the perioperative analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided serratus plane block (SPB) with pectoral nerves Ⅱ (Pecs Ⅱ) block in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer under general anesthesia.Methods:Sixty female patients, aged 20-60 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, were divided into 2 groups ( n=30 each) using a random number table method: SPB group (group S) and Pecs Ⅱ block group (group P). Both groups received ultrasound-guided nerve block with 0.5% ropivacaine 20 ml before induction of general anesthesia.The patients in both groups received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia.Tramadol 100 mg was intramuscularly injected as rescue analgesic.The block status of each segmental dermatome, comsumption of intraoperative remifentanil and analgesics (sufentanil in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia and rescue analgesics) within 24 h after operation, duration of nerve block, Horner syndrome, and complications such as respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting within 24 h after operation were also recorded. Results:Compared with group S, the block rate of T 5-T 7 dermatome and consumption of sufentanil after surgery were significantly decreased ( P<0.01), and no significant change was found in the consumption of remifentanil and duration of nerve block in group P ( P>0.05). No rescue analgesic was used and no nerve block-related complications and postoperative complications were found in either group. Conclusions:The ultrasound-guided Pecs Ⅱ block provides better efficacy than SPB in the patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer under general anesthesia.

Optimization strategy of anesthesia for liver cancer resection: serratus anterior plane block-posterior rectus sheath block-general anesthesia / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the optimization strategy of anesthesia for liver cancer resection using serratus anterior plane block-posterior rectus sheath block-general anesthesia.Methods:One hundred patients, aged 30-64 yr, with body mass index of 18-30 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ, with liver function Child-Pugh grade A or B, scheduled for elective liver cancer resection under general anesthesia, were divided into serratus anterior plane block combined with posterior rectus sheath block group (group S, n=50) and thoracic paravertebral block group (group T, n=50) using a random number table method.Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (20 ml) combined with posterior rectus sheath block (10 ml) was performed using 0.375% ropivacaine in group S. Ultrasound-guided paravertebral block was performed at T 7 and T 9(15 ml for each site) with 0.375% ropivacaine in group T. Anesthesia was induced with intravenous midazolam, propofol, sufentanil and cisatracurium and maintained with intravenous infusion of propofol and remifentanil and intermittent intravenous boluses of cisatracurium.BIS value was maintained at 40-60 during operation.Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) was performed with sufentanil and flurbiprofen at the end of operation, and oxycodone 5 mg was intravenously injected as rescue analgesic when the VAS score>3.The onset time and operation time of nerve block were recorded.The intraoperative consumption of sufentanil and remifentanil and occurrence of cardiovascular events within 30 min after skin incision were recorded.The effective pressing times of PCA and requirement for rescue analgesia within 48 h after operation were recorded.The recovery quality was measured using the 40-item quality of recovery questionnaire at 24 h before surgery and 24 and 48 h after surgery.Peripheral venous blood samples were collected at 24 h before surgery and 24 h and 7 days after surgery to determine the concentrations of interleukin-17 and interferon-gamma in serum.The postoperative time to first flatus, first ambulation time, and length of hospital stay were recorded.The nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, skin itching, puncture site infection, pneumothorax and other adverse reactions were recorded within 48 h after operation. Results:Compared with group T, the operation time of nerve block was significantly shortened, the incidence of intraoperative hypotension was decreased ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the onset time of nerve block, intraoperative consumption of sufentanil and remifentanil, postoperative requirement for rescue analgesia, effective pressing times of PCA, time to first flatus, first ambulation time, and length of hospital stay, and 40-item quality of recovery scores and serum concentrations of interleukin-17 and interferon-gamma at each time point in group S ( P>0.05). No postoperative adverse reactions were found in either group. Conclusions:Compared with thoracic paravertebral nerve block combined with general anesthesia, serratus anterior plane block-posterior rectus sheath block-general anesthesia has shorter operation time and lower incidence of intraoperative hypotension when used for liver cancer resection.

Variation of serratus anterior muscle originated from the clavipectoral fascia: a case report / Variación del músculo serrato anterior originado en la fascia clavipectoral: reporte de un caso

SUMMARY: The variations in the serratus anterior (SA) muscle are common. Here, we report a rare variation of the muscle origin with a potentially great clinical implication. We found an aberrant SA variation in an 81-year-old Korean male cadaver during a routine dissection for medical students. Additional slip (AS) of the SA originated from the clavipectoral fascia and the pectoralis minor. It traveled inferiorly and merged to the typical SA part. Precise knowledge about SA variations is clinically valuable; therefore, clinicians should be aware of the possible variation.

RESUMEN: Las variaciones en el músculo serrato anterior (MSA) son comunes. En este trabajo informamos una variación rara del origen muscular con una implicación clínica potencialmente importante. Encontramos una variación aberrante del MSA en un cadáver masculino, coreano de 81 años, durante una disección de rutina para estudiantes de medicina, con un fascículo adicional del MSA originado en la fascia clavipectoral y el músculo pectoral menor. Este fascículo se dirigió inferiormente y se fu- sionó con la parte común de MSA. El conocimiento preciso sobre las variaciones de MSA es útil clínicamente; por lo tanto, los médicos deben ser conscientes de esta posible variación.

Modified strategy of anesthesia for thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer: serratus anterior plane block combined with general anesthesia / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the modified efficacy of serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) combined with general anesthesia for thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer.Methods:Eighty-two patients of both sexes, aged 40-64 yr, with body mass index of 18-24 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer, were divided into 2 groups ( n=41 each) using a random number table method: general anesthesia group (group G) and SAPB combined with general anesthesia group (group SG). Ultrasound-guided SAPB was performed before induction of general anesthesia in group SG.General anesthesia was induced with midazolam, etomidate, sufentanil and cis atracurium, and anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and remifentanil.Sufentanil was used for patient-controlled intravenous anesthesia (PCIA) after the end of operation.When visual analog scale score≥4, sufentanil 2.5 μg was injected intravenously for rescue analgesia.The intraoperative consumption of sevoflurane and remifentanil, extubation time, requirement for rescue analgesia within 48 h after operation, consumption of sufentanil, requirement for nicardipine and esmolol and occurrence of adverse events were recorded. Results:Compared with group G, the intraoperative consumption of remifentanil and sevoflurane, postoperative consumption of sufentanil, postoperative requirement for rescue analgesia, postoperative requirement for nicardipine and esmolol, postoperative incidence of nausea and vomiting, skin pruritus and urinary retention were significantly decreased, the extubation time was shortened, and the time of the first postoperative requirement for rescue analgesia was prolonged in group SG ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with general anesthesia alone, SAPB combined with general anesthesia can not only significantly reduce intraoperative general anesthetics and opioid consumption, but also improve postoperative stress management, which is helpful for early postoperative outcome when used for thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer.

Evaluation of the effect of serratus anterior combined with transversus abdominis plane block in the radical operation of esophageal cancer guided by ultrasound / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of general anesthesia combined with ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block and transversus abdominis plane block of the lower costal margin in minimally invasive radical resection of esophageal cancer.Methods:Forty patients who underwent thoracolaparoscopic minimally invasive radical esophageal cancer radical resection in the Yuying Children′s Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from April to June 2020 were selected. According to the random number table, they were divided into nerve block group and control group, with 20 cases in each group. The general anesthesia was the same in the two groups. The nerve block group was blocked at the serratus anterior plane and the bilateral transversus abdominis plane after the induction of general anesthesia. The intraoperative dosages of propofol, remifentanil, and sufentanil were compared between the two groups. The postoperative extubation time, the time of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and the postoperative hospital stay were compared between the two groups. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores under static and coughing conditions 30 min, 2 h, 4 h, 12 h and 24 h after surgery, and the 24 h postoperative intravenous patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) drug dosage and the occurrence of nausea and vomiting were compared between the two groups.Results:The intraoperative dosages of propofol, remifentanil and sufentanil in the nerve block group were lower than those in the control group: (1 262.6 ± 163.8) mg vs. (1 388.3 ± 213.2) mg, (3 834.3 ± 477.3) mg vs. (4 175.2 ± 503.4) mg, (56.3 ± 8.2) mg vs. (66.1 ± 5.3) mg, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The postoperative extubation time, PACU stay time and postoperative hospital stay in the nerve block group were significantly shorter than those in the control group: (28.6 ± 12.1) h vs. (42.1 ± 13.7) h, (66.8 ± 21.4) h vs. (89.3 ± 35.4) h, (10.4 ± 2.0) d vs. (14.5 ± 7.0) d, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The VAS scores of patients in the nerve block group were lower than those in the control group under static and coughing conditions at 30 min and 2, 4, 12, 24 h after the operation, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The ratio of total PCIA compressions/effective compressions within 48 h after the operation of the nerve block group and the total amount of analgesic pump drug infusion at 24 and 48 h after the operation were lower than those in the control group: 1.21 ± 0.19 vs. 1.42 ± 0.20, (39.3 ± 3.2) ml vs. (106.5 ± 7.4) ml, (138.5 ± 9.5) ml vs. (211.9 ± 13.7) ml, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the nerve block group were lower than those in the control group: 25.0% (5/20) vs. 65.0% (13/20), 10.0% (2/20) vs. 45.0% (9/20), and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:General anesthesia combined with ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block and transversus abdominis plane block can reduce the amount of anesthetics and opioid analgesics in minimally invasive radical resection of esophageal cancer, improve the patient′s recovery quality, enhance the operation post-analgesic effect, and accelerate the patient′s recovery.

Effect of ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block on postoperative pain in patients under-going breast prosthesis implantation / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane (SAP) block on postoperative pain in patients undergoing breast prosthesis implantation. Methods Fifty patients scheduled for breast prosthesis implantation under general anesthesia, aged 18-40 years, BMI 18-24 kg/m2, falling into ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, were randomly divided into two groups (n = 25 each) : SAP block group (group N) and control group (group C). Ultrasound-guided bilateral SAP block was performed before induction of anesthesia, and 0.375％ ropivacaine 20 ml was injected bilaterally in group N, while the equal volume of normal saline was used instead in group C. The visual analogue scale (VAS) in resting state was evaluated at 2, 6, 12 and 24 h after surgery. Also, the perioperative opioid consumption, the numbers of PCIA pressing attempts and rescue analgesia, adverse effects and patients′ satisfaction degree within 24 h postoperatively were recorded. Results Compared to group C, the scores of VAS at postoperative 2, 6, 12 and 24 hand the perioperative consumption of opioid were significantly lower, the numbers of PCIA pressing attempts and rescue analgesia were decreased, while patients′ satisfaction degree was increased in group N (P ＜ 0.05).There were no significant differences in adverse reactions between these two groups. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided SAP block reduces the postoperative pain in patients undergoing breast prosthesis implantation.

Serratus anterior plane block combined with monitored anesthesia care for surgery of lateral side of breast: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: In breast surgery, regional anesthesia rather than primary anesthesia has been mainly used for postoperative analgesia. Serratus anterior plane block is a new method for ultrasound-guided thoracic wall block. It is less invasive and relatively safer than conventional regional anesthetic techniques. CASE: We report a case of breast surgery under serratus anterior plane block as primary anesthesia with monitored anesthesia for a 78-year-old patient with a medical history of cardiopulmonary resuscitation due to stress-induced cardiomyopathy caused by pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: Serratus anterior plane block might be simple and effective technique for breast surgery when a lesion is located on lateral side.

Application of serratus anterior muscle flap transfer in lateral part deformity of expander to implant breast reconstruction / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To explore the application and clinical significance of serratus anterior muscle flap transfer in correction of lateral part deformity of expander to implant breast reconstruction.Methods Six patients who received expander-to-implant breast reconstruction were enrolled.After silicone implant replacing the tissue expander,all 6 cases represented lateral part deformity of the reconstructed breast.The turn-over serratus anterior muscle flap was used as lateral coverage of the deformed breast.Results Of all patients (6 cases),breast aesthetics were improved with incisions well-healed.There were no complications such as capsular contracture,hematoma,infection or insicional dehiscence.Conclusions Serratus anterior muscle flap can provide sufficient lateral coverage for expander-to-implant breast reconstruction.It is safe,simple and cheap to apply in improving the aesthetics of breast reconstruction.

Effect of Shoulder Protraction Exercise on the Supine position for Selective Activation of the Serratus Anterior according to Weight in Winging Scapula

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of shoulder protraction exercise according to weight by examining the surface electromyography (EMG) amplitude in the serratus anterior (SA), upper trapezius (UT), and pectoralis major (PM) as well as the activity ratio of each muscle. METHODS: Twenty three winging scapula subjects participated in the study. The subjects performed scapula protraction at shoulder 90° flexion and 60° horizontal abduction with up to four (none, 1kg, 1.5kg, and 2kg) dumbbells in the supine position. The EMG data were collected from the dominant side muscles during a shoulder protraction exercise according to weight in the supine position. One way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the normalized activities of the SA, UT, and PM and the ratios of PM/SA and UT/SA. RESULTS: The results showed that the activities of both the SA and UT were highest for the shoulder protraction exercise at 2kg in the supine position. The UT/SA ratio also was the lowest for exercise at 2kg. On the other hand, the activities of both the UT and PM/SA ratio were similar under all conditions. CONCLUSION: These results show that there is a need to selectively strengthen the SA muscle in the case of patients with the shoulder dysfunction. In particular, it is necessary to weigh 2kg when performing shoulder protraction exercises in the supine position to activate the SA muscle in patients with a winging scapula.

Breast reconstruction with pedicled perforator flaps / 中国癌症杂志

Comparing with free perforator flap, pedicled flap is a relatively simpler and safer technique, with lesser donor site morbidity. In recent years, the application of pedicled perforator flaps has emerged as a new option for breast reconstruction. Those pedicled perforator flaps include thoracodorsal artery perforator flap, intercostal artery perforator flap (lateral intercostal artery perforator flap, anterior intercostal perforator flap) etc. Serratus anterior artery perforator flap, superior epigastric artery perforator flap, and lateral thoracic artery perforator flap can also be raised technically. To enhance surgical accuracy, it is necessary to evaluate the location and quality of perforator vessels preoperatively. Proper flap design is of more importance for pedicled flap when compared with it's free flap counterpart. Although free flap approach remains the golden standard in breast reconstruction when considering autologous tissue transplantation, pedicled perforator flap has the apparent merits of minimized surgical trauma, less time-consuming and less stress for reconstructive surgeons.

Serratus Anterior Plane (SAP) Block Used for Thoracotomy Analgesia: A Case Report

Thoracotomy is a surgical technique used to reach the thoracic cavity. Management of pain due to thoracotomy is important in order to protect the operative respiratory reserves and decrease complications. For thoracotomy pain, blocks (such as thoracic epidural, paravertebral, etc.) and pleural catheterization and intravenous drugs (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], and opioids, etc., can be used. We performed a serratus anterior plane (SAP) block followed by catheterization for thoracotomy pain. We used 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine for analgesia in a patient who underwent wedge resection for a lung malignancy. We provided analgesia for a period of close to seven hours for the patient, whose postoperative VAS (visual analog scale) scores were recorded. We believe that an SAP block is effective and efficient for the management of pain after thoracotomy.

Dynamic Stabilization of the Scapula for Serratus Anterior Dysfunction: A Retrospective Study of Functional Outcome and Results

BACKGROUND: Twenty-six patients (12 male and 14 female) with symptomatic scapular winging caused by serratus anterior dysfunction were managed by split pectoralis major tendon transfer (sternal head) with autogenous hamstring tendon augmentation from 1998 to 2006. METHODS: Twenty-five patients showed positive results upon long thoracic nerve palsy on electromyography. The mean duration of symptoms until surgery was 48 months (range, 12-120 months). Four patients had non-traumatic etiologies and 22 patients had traumatic etiologies. On follow-up assessment for functional improvement, a Constant-Murley score was used. Twenty-one patients were completely evaluated, while five patients who had less than 12 months of follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: Pain relief was achieved in 19 of the 21 patients, with 20 patients showing functional improvement. The pain scores improved from 6.0 preoperatively to 1.8 postoperatively. The mean active forward elevation improved from 108degrees (range, 20degrees-165degrees) preoperatively to 151degrees (range, 125degrees-170degrees) postoperatively. The mean Constant-Murley score improved from 57.7 (range, 21-86) preoperatively to 86.9 (range, 42-98) postoperatively. A recurrence developed in one patient. Of the 21 patients, ten had excellent results, six had good results, four had fair results, and one had poor results. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with severe symptomatic scapular winging showed functional improvement and pain relief with resolution of scapular winging.

Dynamic Stabilization of the Scapula for Serratus Anterior Dysfunction: A Retrospective Study of Functional Outcome and Results

BACKGROUND: Twenty-six patients (12 male and 14 female) with symptomatic scapular winging caused by serratus anterior dysfunction were managed by split pectoralis major tendon transfer (sternal head) with autogenous hamstring tendon augmentation from 1998 to 2006. METHODS: Twenty-five patients showed positive results upon long thoracic nerve palsy on electromyography. The mean duration of symptoms until surgery was 48 months (range, 12-120 months). Four patients had non-traumatic etiologies and 22 patients had traumatic etiologies. On follow-up assessment for functional improvement, a Constant-Murley score was used. Twenty-one patients were completely evaluated, while five patients who had less than 12 months of follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: Pain relief was achieved in 19 of the 21 patients, with 20 patients showing functional improvement. The pain scores improved from 6.0 preoperatively to 1.8 postoperatively. The mean active forward elevation improved from 108degrees (range, 20degrees-165degrees) preoperatively to 151degrees (range, 125degrees-170degrees) postoperatively. The mean Constant-Murley score improved from 57.7 (range, 21-86) preoperatively to 86.9 (range, 42-98) postoperatively. A recurrence developed in one patient. Of the 21 patients, ten had excellent results, six had good results, four had fair results, and one had poor results. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with severe symptomatic scapular winging showed functional improvement and pain relief with resolution of scapular winging.

Lesiones del nervio torácico largo de Bell. Revisión de conceptos terapéuticos / Long thoracic nerve of Bell. Review of therapeutic management

Las lesiones del nervio torácico producen parálisis del serrato anterior y originan una deformidad característica (escápula alata), que genera debilidad y alteraciones importantes en la movilidad del hombro. En esta revisión, se analizan conceptos sobre anatomía, etiología, presentación clínica y alternativas terapéuticas.

The long thoracic nerve injuries are manifested by a characteristic deformity called scapula alata, causing weakness, and impaired shoulder mobility. In this review current concepts of the anatomy, etiology, clinical presentation and therapeutic management are analyzed.

Treatment of Scapula Fractures of the Inferior Angle Causing Pseudowinging Scapula / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Nonoperative treatment of scapular body fractures has shown good clinical results. Although scapula fractures of the inferior angle, particularly with oblique lines from the medial proximal to lateral distally, are very rare, we believe that such a fracture pattern would be regarded as an avulsion fracture of the serratus anterior muscle requiring surgery. We have experienced three cases demonstrating pseudowinging of the scapula due to displacement of the inferior angle fracture of the scapula. Surgical repair or plating showed satisfactory clinical results. Through these cases, we describe the cause of winging scapula and the problems resulting from an avulsion fracture of the serratus anterior muscle with a review of the relevant literature and explain the reason that an operation is needed for this fracture pattern.

Anomalous Arterial Supply to the Serratus Anterior Muscle

PURPOSE: The latissimus dorsi flap and the serratus anterior flap have been used as combined flaps to reconstruct extensive defects. Because these two muscles are usually supplied by the subscapular- thoracodorsal vessels, the two flaps can be based on vascular pedicle that is long and anatomically reliable. In this case, we reported that serratus anterior possessed an anomalous arterial supply totally independent from the subscapular pedicle while raising combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior flap. METHODS: A 35-year-old male with extensive soft tissue defect in the left perineum and thigh visited. Muscle defects of the medial thigh were observed, and femoral nerve and vessels were exposed. Combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior free flap was raised to reconstruct defect. On raising flaps, artery supplying the serratus anterior muscle originated from the axillary artery directly, was lying on the undersurface of the serratus anterior muscle. RESULTS: Because two flap pedicles had no communication and latissimus dorsi muscle was large enough to cover soft tissue defect, we transferred only latissimus dorsi free flap with 1:3 meshed skin graft. Patient had limb salvage and satisfactory functional outcome. CONCLUSION: There are many variations of arterial pedicles of flaps. However, most of these variations remain within known anatomical consistence, thus is an indicator in planning the dissection of the vessels. According to documents, arterial pedicle to the serratus muscle not originated from the thoracodorsal artery is rarely reported, and in most of these cases, the arteries are originated from the subscapular artery. Thus pedicle directly originated from the axillary artery to serratus muscle is a very rare variation in its vascular anatomy.

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects using free serratus anterior muscle and adifofascial flap

The optimal reconstruction of soft tissue defects with exposure of blood vessel, nerve, tendon muscle, and bone requires muscle flap that provides a durable surface, appropriate bulk and stability. The serratus anterior muscle has been suggested as a versatile and reliable flap for reconstruction of head and neck and extremity injuries. In our department, reconstructive operations were performed for 18 patients who had soft tissue defect of upper or lower extremities or head from March 1995 to February 1996. We performed free flap of serratus anterior muscle in 13 patients, free flap of adipofascial tissue overlying serratus anterior muscle in 3 patients, free flap of both serratus anterior muscle and adipofascial tissue in 1 patient, free flap of serratus anterior muscle and rib in 1 patient. Their ages were 5 to 56 years, the ratio of male to female was 14 : 4. The defects involved the upper extremity in 6 patients, lower extremity in 10 patients, and scalp in 2 patients. Free flap using adipofascia overlying serratus anterior muscle was performed when gliding surface was required due to the exposure of some structure such as tendon. The average duration from operation to follow-up examination was 4 months(from 1 to 12 months). One total necrosis was observed in the patient who had crushing injury of forearm, and one partial necrosis was observed in other patient. In the rest 16 cases, results of operation were satisfactory. This kind of flap was very useful in reconstruction of soft tissue defect and gliding surface due to easy dissection, capability of getting long vascular pedicle, and no serious functional and cosmetic deficit on donor site.