Microanatomic analyses of extratemporal facial nerve and its branches, hypoglossal nerve, sural nerve, and great auricular nerve

Abstract Objective: To investigate microanatomic organizations of the extratemporal facial nerve and its branches, hypoglossal nerve, sural nerve, and great auricular nerve. Methods: Nerve samples were dissected in 12 postmortem autopsies, and histomorphometric analyses were conducted. Results: There was no significant difference between the right and left sides of the nerve samples for the nerve area, fascicle area, number of fascicles and average number of axons. The lowest mean fascicle number was found in the hypoglossal nerve (4.9 ± 1.4) while the highest was in great auricular nerve (11.4 ± 6.8). The highest nerve area (3,182,788 ± 838,430 μm2), fascicle area (1,573,181 ± 457,331 μm2) and axon number (14,772 ± 4402) were in hypoglossal nerve (p < 0.05). The number of axons per unit nerve area was higher in the facial nerve, truncus temporofacialis, truncus cervicofacialis and hypoglossal nerve, which are motor nerves, compared to the sural nerve and great auricular nerve, which are sensory nerves (p < 0.05). The number of axons per unit fascicle area was also higher in motor nerves than in sensory nerves (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In the present study, it was observed that each nerve contained a different number of fascicles and these fascicles were different both in size and in the number of axons they contained. All these variables could be the reason why the desired outcomes cannot always be achieved in nerve reconstruction.

Therapeutic effect of sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autologous iliac bone graft of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To analyze the therapeutic effect of sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was peformed in 29 patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis treated with sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft in the Xi′an Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi′an Jiaotong University from April 2013 to January 2020. There were 19 males and 10 females, with the age of (45.38±12.85) years, ranged from 22 to 67 years. The course of disease was (16.00±6.96) months, ranged from 6 to 36 months. The skin defect area was (41.9±15.9) cm 2, ranged from 11.8 to 86.8 cm 2. The causes of injury: 18 cases of high fall, 6 cases of traffic accidents, 3 cases of heavy rolling, the remaining 2 cases were machine strangulation and sharp stab wounds. The inflammatory markers [white blood cell (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), C reactive protein (CRP)] and bone healing time were recorded before operation, 2, 4, 8 weeks and 6 months after operation. During the follow-up period, the flap texture, survival were observed, and the ankle-posterior foot function recovery was evaluated by the American Association of Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) score were observed before and after the operation, and the incidence of complications were recorded. The measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and the t-test was used for inter-group comparison; the levels of WBC, ESR, PCT and CRP at different time points before and after operation were compared by repeated measurement ANOVA, and the LSD t-test was used for pairwise comparison. Results:All the 29 patients were followed up for (14.51±6.10) months, ranged from 6 to 30 months. All the flaps survived without abrasion, ulceration, or skin protrusion, and all patients could walk normally with shoes. There were 28 cases of stage I bone healing, with an average of (5.87±2.07) months, ranged from 3 to 12 months. The inflammatory indexes was significantly decreased at different time points after operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between 6 months and 8 weeks after operation ( P>0.05), while there was significant difference at other time points ( P<0.05). The ankle-posterior foot score of AOFAS at 6 months after treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment (83.44±7.93 vs 55.37±8.07), the differences was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The clinical efficacy of foot function recovery was excellent in 12 cases, good in 15 cases and fair in 2 cases among 29 patients .The excellent and good rate was 93.1% (27/29). One patient recurred 1 month after operation and was re-implanted with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate mixed autogenous iliac bone after debridement, no recurrence was found. The total complication rate was 31.0%, but there was no significant impact on the patient's life in the later period. All patients returned to daily life and work. Conclusion:The treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis with sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft can effectively control infection, reconstruct calcaneal and soft tissue structure, promote functional recovery of affected limb, and ultimately improve the patient′s quality of life.

Study on electrophysiological changes of peripheral nerves in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a common and disabling complication due to diabetes mellitus. In such neuropathy, the function of sensory neurons, motor neurons, and autonomic functions are affected. The involvement of sensory function predominates in majority of cases. The neuropathy when develops is not reversible and also can not be stopped with any modality of treatment. Aim and Objectives: The objective is to evaluate diabetic neuropathy using the electrodiagnostic studies which are considered as a valuable tool. These studies are sensitive, specific, reproducible, and easily standardized. Material and Methods: Forty patients were subjected to electrodiagnostic study to evaluate the status of peripheral nerves in type- 2 diabetic patients. The different conduction velocities (motor nerve conduction velocity [MNCV], sensory nerve conduction velocity [SNCV]), distal latency (DL), nerve action potential (sensory nerve action potential [SNAP], and combined muscle action potential [CMAP]) are studied. All the cases were divided into two groups based on normal and abnormal diabetic neuropathy score. Sex, body mass index matched thirty numbers of healthy adults of both sexes were included in the control group. Nerve conduction study (NCS) of all the three groups were compared. Result: Neuropathy mostly peripheral was observed in 15 (37.5%) cases. The age of majority of cases was from 50–60 (45%) with mean age of 52.42 ± 7.39, having predominance of male (66.67%) in cases with symptoms of neuropathy. Fourteen (93.33%) cases out of the above cases had abnormal NCS. Abnormal NCS was also found in cases without clinical neuropathy, i.e. 14 (56%). The mean values of CMAP, SNAP, MNCV, and SNCV with prolonged DL are observed which was statistically significant. The conduction defect was observed more in lower limbs than in upper limbs. In the category of the motor nerve (common peroneal) is the most affected whereas the most affected sensory nerve was Sural nerve. Conclusion: Affection of nerves with neuropathies due to diabetes was in Sensory nerve than motor nerve. Early screening for neuropathy in clinical practice with NCSs can help in early diagnosis and their management.

Repair of composite tissue defect in Achilles tendon area with nutrient vessel of medial and lateral sural sutaneous nerve chimeric tissue flap based on posterior perforating branch of peroneal artery / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of the nutrient vessel of medial and lateral sural subcutaneous nerve chimeric tissue flap based on posterior perforating branch of peroneal artery to repair the composite tissue defect in the Achilles tendon area.Methods:From January 2016 to June 2021, 12 patients suffering from infectious wound with defect of Achilles tendon were treated in the Department of Trauma and Microscopic Orthopaedics, 988th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA. The area of soft tissue defect around Achilles tendon was 2.5 cm× 4.5 cm-8.0 cm×12.5 cm, and the length of the defect of Achilles tendon was 3.0-7.0 cm. The defect around the Achilles tendon were repaired with the nutrient vessel of medial and lateral sural subcutaneous nerve chimeric Achilles tendon flap (ATF) and the posterior perforating branch of peroneal artery was used as the vessel of blood supply. The size of flap was 3.0 cm×5.0 cm-9.0 cm×13.0 cm, and the size of the ATF was 3.0 cm×4.0 cm-3.0 cm×8.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly (8 cases) or repaired with skin graft (4 cases). External fixation were put on for 6 weeks after surgery. Then the external fixation was removed and the functional exercise gradually started. Outpatient clinic follow-ups were carried out regularly. Thermann Achilles tendon function assessment system was used to evaluate the last follow-up.Results:The chimeric ATF was harvested and the blood supply of each flap was good during the operation. There was no vascular crisis after surgery. The flaps survived smoothly and the wound achieved grade A healing. All patients were entered follow-up that lasted for 10-24 months. There was good appearance of flaps with minor bloating, and the colour of flaps was similar to the skin around the receiving site. The texture was soft with normal function of the lower legs and ankle. Tendon function was evaluated by Thermann Achilles tendon function assessment system, the result were 8 cases in excellent and 4 cases in good.Conclusion:The nutrient vessel of medial and lateral sural subcutaneous nerve chimeric tissue flap based on posterior perforating branch of peroneal artery can accurately repair a composite tissue defect in the Achilles tendon area, and it is one of the effective methods for the repair of a composite soft tissue wound with Achilles tendon defect.

Application of sural neurouascular flap in repair of soft tissue defect of foot and ankle / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To summarise the experience in use of sural neurouascular flap in repair of the soft tissue defects of foot and ankle, and explore the methods in promoting the survival and appearance of the flap.Methods:Data of 10 patients who underwent sural neurocutaneous flap surgery for repairing soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle in the Department of Foot and Ankle of Xuzhou Renci Hospital from October 2019 to June 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Among the 10 patients, 8 were males and 2 were females, and the age ranged from 18 to 54 years old, with an average age of 42.5 years old; Causes of injury: 8 patients injured by traffic accident and 2 by incision necrosis after calcaneal fracture operation. The areas of soft tissue defect were 4.0 cm×6.0 cm-16.0 cm×10.0 cm. Sural neurouascular flap was used for the defect repairs. Method of optimisation: ①The small saphenous vein in the flap was separated and retained in the limb to optimise the venous circulation. ②Freed peroneal perforator vessels that entered the pedicle, and made the point where the vessels entering the pedicle as the rotation point. The pedicle contained the sural neurovascular bundle, the main trunk of the small saphenous vein and the fascia tissue, with a width about 2.0 cm. It not only increased the blood supply of the flaps, but also a good appearance of the pedicle. ③ The torsion of the pedicle was covered by an arc-shaped flap and transferred through an open channel to prevent compression. ④The donor site was covered with relay flap. According to the location of the donor site, a proximal peroneal artery perforator flap or medial and lateral sural artery perforator flap was selected. ⑤Sural nerve was anastomosed with the peripheral sensory nerve in some cases. The survival of the flap, Maryland Foot Function Score and British Medical Research Council (BMRC) sensory function evaluation were investigated in the follow-up to evaluate the functional recovery of the flap and limb.Results:All the 10 patients received the follow-up for 6 to 12 months, with an average of 8.5 months. The donor and recipient flaps survived completely with good appearance in lower limb, good soft texture, good elasticity and wear resistance. The sensation of the flap with nerve anastomosis in 3 cases was evaluated according to BMRC, and they achieved sensation recovery up to level of S 3 or above. The patients had great satisfactions. At the last follow-up, the curative efficacy was evaluated according to the Maryland scoring system. It ranged from 85 to 98 points, with an average of 91.6 point, 8 patients in excellent and 2 in good. Conclusion:Sural neurouascular flap can achieve a sufficient blood supply, a reasonable venous circulation and a high survival rate. The donor site was covered with relay flap to obtain a good appearance, and the anastomosed sensory nerve offered a good sensation. The function of foot and ankle recovered well, and the clinical effect was satisfactory.

Flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flap or medial sural artery perforator flap in repair of Gustilo Ⅲ C wound of foot / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of Flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF) or medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAPF) in repair of Gustilo III C wound of foot.Methods:From July 2015 to June 2021, 8 patients with Gustilo III C wound of foot were treated in the Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery of Wuxi No.9 People’s Hospital. The patients were 7 males and 1 female, aged 25-62 years old, and (45.88±12.96) years old in average. Flow-through ALTPF or Flow-through MSAPF were used to repair the defect according to the size of the wound and the length and diameter of the defect vascular. Among the patients, 6 were repaired with free Flow-through ALTPF, and 2 with free Flow-through MSAPF. The size of flap was 9 cm×5 cm-22 cm×8 cm with (115.00±46.16) cm 2 in average, and the vascular bridging was 6-12 cm in length, with (8.75±2.50) cm in average. All patients received outpatient follow-up. The appearance of the flap, blood supply of affected limb, healing of fracture and dislocation and the recovery of limb function were recorded. Maryland score was used to evaluate functional recovery. Results:The flaps survived uneventfully in all 8 patients, and the wounds in donor site healed primarily. All patients were followed-up for 6-22 months with (12.25±5.39 ) months in average. At the last follow-up, all the flaps had satisfactory contour in soft texture and blood supply without occlusion in the bridging vessels. The fractures and dislocation were healed, and the appearance and function of the foot recovered satisfactorily. The Maryland score showed excellent in 3 patients, good in 4 patients and fair in 1 patient.Conclusion:Flow-through ALTPF or MSAPF can selectively used to reconstruct the Gustilo III C wound of foot in one stage. The functional recovery of the affected limb was satisfactory and the clinical effect was good.

Outcome comparison of sural neurofasciocutaneous flap for reconstructing soft tissue defects in forefoot and around ankle / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#To summarize our experience with the sural neurofasciocutaneous flap for reconstructing the soft tissue defects over the forefoot distal to the connecting line of midpoints in the metatarsal bones, and to compare the outcomes between the flap for resurfacing the defects distal and proximal to the connecting line.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 425 sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps for repairing the soft tissue defects in the middle and lower leg, ankle, and foot between Apr. 2002 and Apr. 2020 were reviewed. Based on the connecting line of midpoints of the metatarsals, the sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps were divided into a forefoot group (flaps with furthest edges distal to the connecting line) and a peri-ankle group (flaps with the furthest edges proximal to the connecting line).@*RESULTS@#The partial necrosis rate in the forefoot group (14.5%, 10/69) was significantly higher than that in the peri-ankle group (7.0%, 25/356), with significant difference (P<0.05). Using the flap alone or in combination with a simple salvage treatment, the ratio of successful coverages of the defects was 98.6% (68/69) in the forefoot group, and 97.8% (348/356) in the peri-ankle group, respectively, with no statistical difference (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The sural neurofasciocutaneous flap is a better choice for covering the soft tissue defects over the forefoot distal to the connecting line of midpoints of the metatarsal bones. The survival reliability of the sural neurofasciocutaneous flap reconstructing the soft tissue defect proximal to the connecting line is superior to that of the flap reconstructing the defect distal to the connecting line.

Negative pressure wound therapy combined with a retrograde sural neurovascular flap for repair of foot and ankle wounds / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) combined with a retrograde sural neurovascular flap for the repair of foot and ankle wounds.Methods:Eighty-eight patients with foot and ankle wounds who received treatment in Shandong Wendeng Osteopathic Hospital from July 2019 to January 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to undergo either NPWT combined with retrograde sural neurovascular flap repair (observation group, n = 44) or retrograde sural neurovascular flap repair alone (control group, n = 44). Clinical efficacy, flap survival, wound healing, and postoperative ankle function scores were compared between the two groups. Results:Total response rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [97.73% (43/44) vs. 81.82% (36/44), χ2 = 6.07, P = 0.014]. Flap survival rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [100.00% (44/44) vs. 86.36% (38/44), χ2 = 4.47, P = 0.034]. Wound healing rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [97.73% (43/44) vs. 79.55% (35/44), χ2 = 7.22, P = 0.007]. Half a year after surgery, pain score, gait score, foot and ankle swelling score, range of motion of the tibiotalar joint, range of motion of the ankle joint were (1.81 ± 0.45) points, (1.40 ± 0.41) points, (1.98 ± 0.38) points, (0.41 ± 0.35) points, and (0.84 ± 0.51) points, respectively in the observation group, which were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 2.63, 2.62, 2.15, 2.09, 2.02, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:NPWT combined with a retrograde sural neurovascular flap greatly increases flap survival rate and wound healing rate and improves the ankle function of patients with foot and ankle wounds.

Análise dos resultados do tratamento cirúrgico utilizando o retalho sural / Analysis of the results of surgical treatment using the sural flap

RESUMO Introdução: Fraturas complexas e extensas lesões de pele estão cada vez mais comuns devido aos traumas de alta energia. Uma alternativa para o tratamento dessas lesões nos membros inferiores é a utilização do retalho sural. Métodos: Esse foi um estudo retrospectivo, analítico-descritivo de análise exploratória documental de pacientes submetidos ao retalho sural em um hospital de referência em trauma do norte de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foram analisados a idade, sexo, lateralidade, causa, local e tamanho da lesão, uso de tunelização e enxerto de pele, complicações e seus fatores de risco, além do manejo de tais complicações. Resultados: A amostra do estudo foi composta por 16 pacientes, com média de idade de 44,4 anos, 87,5% eram do sexo masculino. A causa da lesão mais prevalente foi trauma (75,0%) e o local da lesão foi mais prevalente na tíbia distal (43,8%). Em 50,0% dos casos os fatores de risco para as complicações estavam presentes, sendo que pacientes com diabetes mellitus e tabagistas exibiram 5 vezes mais chances de apresentar tais complicações. Necrose parcial teve uma prevalência de 25,0%, sendo que em 18,8% foi realizado apenas debridamento e em 6,3% enxertia. Conclusão: O retalho sural é uma boa alternativa para a cobertura de lesões dos membros inferiores devido ao bom índice de sucesso, mas não está livre de complicações. Tais complicações são mais prevalentes em pacientes que possuem fatores de risco como o tabagismo e diabetes mellitus.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Complex fractures and extensive skin lesions are increasingly common due to high-energy traumas. An alternative for treating these lesions in the lower limbs is the use of the sural flap. Methods: This was a retrospective, analytical-descriptive study of exploratory documental analysis of patients submitted to the sural flap in a trauma reference hospital in northern Santa Catarina, Brazil. Age, sex, laterality, cause, place, and size of the lesion, use of tunneling and skin grafting, complications and their risk factors, and the management of such complications were analyzed. Results: The study sample consisted of 16 patients with a mean age of 44.4 years; 87.5% were male. The cause of the most prevalent lesion was trauma (75.0%), and the site of the lesion was more prevalent in the distal tibia (43.8%). In 50.0% of the cases, risk factors for complications were present, and patients with diabetes mellitus and smokers were five times more likely to present such complications. Partial necrosis had a prevalence of 25.0%, and in 18.8%, only debridement was performed, and 6.3% grafting was performed. Conclusion: The sural flap is a good alternative for covering lower limbs lesions due to its good success rate, but it is not free of complications. Such complications are more prevalent in patients who have risk factors such as smoking and diabetes mellitus.

Pitfall management of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans on right leg

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, locally invasive soft tissue sarcoma. The local recurrence rate is high, in some studies upwards of 60%, likely reflecting a failure to remove occult extensions of tumor. Surgical excision has been the treatment of choice for the resection of DFSP. Any pitfall on management therapy of DFSP not only increase the recurrence rate but also add new problems to patients with DFSP. 58-year-old male patient, came with a local recurrent of DFSP on his right leg. Then performed excision with margin one centimetre, and closing defect using pedicle sural flap, durante surgery turned pedicle on the flap is too short and because of poor soft tissue handling pedicle was injured. It consulted into the vascular division for evaluated and treatment pedicle. Postoperative evaluation, the flap experiences bluish due to vascularization compromised. It was decided to expose the flap and the defect was covered with skin graft. 2 months postoperative evaluation found local recurrent on skin graft area. Excision margins between 2 to 5 cm can reduce the recurrence rate. Proper planning in designing flaps to cover defects and the ability of good soft tissue handling is required to avoid new problems on management DFSP.

Cobertura de lesões em pé e terço inferior da perna com retalho fasciocutâneo reverso da panturrilha (Carriquiry) / Coverage of the lower third of the limb and foot injuries using reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap described by Carriquiry

Introdução: Lesões no terço distal dos membros inferiores, com exposição de ossos, articulações, tendões e vasos sanguíneos, não são passíveis do uso de enxertos de pele. Isto ocorre porque o leito vascular é exíguo e pela pobre granulação das feridas, podendo apenas ser corrigidas com retalhos musculares, miocutâneos, fasciocutâneos ou transferência microcirúrgica. Métodos: O retalho em seu limite inferior é demarcado a partir de 5 cm acima dos maléolos. Superiormente, é marcado num comprimento suficiente para cobertura total da lesão. Realizada incisão em demarcação prévia, e elevados pele e tecido subcutâneo juntamente com a fáscia muscular. O nervo sural é preservado em seu leito original. A elevação do retalho se dá até o ponto inferior marcado (o pedículo). Neste ponto, o retalho é transposto numa angulação suficiente para alcançar a lesão. Resultados: Oito casos foram operados utilizando o retalho descrito. Todos apresentavam exposição de ossos e tendões em região distal da perna, dorso do pé ou ambos, nos quais foram utilizados o retalho fasciocutâneo reverso da perna com a técnica proposta por Carriquiry. Os casos apresentaram resultados estético e funcional satisfatórios. Conclusão: O retalho utilizado se presta à correção de lesões do terço inferior da perna e do pé. É relativamente fácil de ser confeccionado, com bom suprimento vascular, e não há perda funcional do leito doador.

Introduction: Skin grafts are not effective to cover lesions in the distal third of the lower limbs that expose the bones, joints, tendons, and blood vessels due to a limited vascular bed and poor granulation of the wounds. These lesions can only be corrected with microsurgical transfer or muscle, myocutaneous, or fasciocutaneous flaps. Methods: The lower border of the flap was marked 5 cm above the malleolus. The upper border was marked after providing sufficient length for complete coverage of the lesion. The incision was performed at the marked upper border, and the skin and subcutaneous tissue were elevated together with muscle fascia. The sural nerve was preserved in its original bed. The flap was lifted to the marked lower border (the pedicle). At this point, the flap was transposed at a sufficient angle to cover the lesion. Results: Eight cases of surgery were conducted using the flap described above. All cases had exposed bones and tendons in the distal region of the limb, back of the foot, or both, in which the reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap with the technique proposed by Carriquiry was used. The cases showed satisfactory esthetic and functional results. Conclusion: The used flap can correct lesions of the lower third of the limbs and foot. It is relatively easy to make, with good vascular supply, and there is no functional loss of the donor area.

Reconstrucción de miembros inferiores por quemadura eléctrica evolucionada con colgajo sural bilateral / Lower limb reconstruction after electrical burn evolved with bilateral sural flap

Describimos un enfoque simple y rápido para elevar colgajos fasciocutáneos surales y mostramos sus aplicaciones clínicas. El colgajo se elevó con fascia y manguito de tejido celular subcutáneo sobre piel. El pedículo distal se diseccionó hasta 5 cm sobre maléolo lateral, El sitio donante se injertó. Los defectos fueron resultado de lesiones por quemaduras eléctricas del tercio distal de la pierna más exposición osteotendinosa.

We describe an easy and fast process to raise sural fasciocutaneous flaps and show its applications.The flap was raised with fascia and a sleeve of subcutaneous cellular tissue. The distal pedicle was dissected up to 5 cm over the lateral malleolus. Then the donor site was grafted. The defects were results of electrical burns of the distal third of the leg plus osteotendinous exposure.

Lower Limb Reconstruction - Fasciocutaneous Sural Flap / Reconstrução de membro inferior- retalho fasciocutâneo sural

Abstract Objective The present study aims to evaluate the use of the reverse-flow sural fasciocutaneous flap to cover lesions in the distal third of the lower limb. Methods A total of 24 cases were analyzed, including 20 traumatic injuries, 3 sports injuries, and 1 case of tumor resection. Results Among the 24 evaluated medical records, 16 patients were male, and 8 were female. Their age ranged from6 to 75 years old. Most of the patients evolved with total healing of the flap (n= 21). There was only one case of total necrosis of the flap in an insulin-dependent diabetic, high blood pressure patient, evolving to subsequent limb amputation. In two cases, there was partial necrosis and subsequent healing by secondary intention; one of these patients was a heavy smoker. Complications were associated with comorbidities and, unlike other studies, no correlation was observed with the learning curve. There was also no correlation with the site or size of the lesion to be covered. Conclusion It is clinically relevant that the success rate of the reverse-flow sural fasciocutaneous flap technique was of 87.5%. This is a viable and effective alternative in the therapeutic arsenal for complex lower limb lesions.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o uso do retalho fasciocutâneo sural de fluxo reverso na cobertura de lesões no terço distal dos membros inferiores. Métodos Foram analisados 24 casos, 20 de origem traumática, três por lesões esportivas e um por ressecção de lesão tumoral. Resultados Dos 24 prontuários avaliados, 16 eram homens e oito mulheres. A idade variou de seis a 75 anos. A maioria dos pacientes evoluiu com cicatrização total do retalho (21). Houve apenas um caso de necrose total do retalho em paciente diabético insulinodependente e hipertenso, evoluiu para posterior amputação do membro. Em dois casos, houve necrose parcial composterior cicatrização por segunda intenção, um desses pacientes era tabagista pesado. As complicações foram associadas às comorbidades e, ao contrário do evidenciado por outros estudos, não houve correlação com a curva de aprendizado. Também não houve correlação com o local ou o tamanho da lesão a ser coberta. Conclusão Tem-se como relevância clinica que a técnica de retalho fasciocutâneo sural de fluxo reverso usada obteve 87,5% de sucesso, é uma opção viável e eficaz no arsenal terapêutico das lesões complexas dos membros inferiores.

Extended reverse sural artery pedicle flap: a versatile and reproducible option for coverage of ankle and foot defects

Background: Coverage of soft tissue defects around distal third of the leg, particularly ankle and foot is a common situation faced by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Options available for such defects are limited due to scarcity of additional soft tissue that can be used without exposing tendons or bone. Associated conditions such as major vascular compromise, comorbidities and lack of facilities or expertise make free tissue transfer less preferred. Distally based sural artery flap has been a frequently used flap in such conditions, easy to perform and has reproducible results. We extended the reach of the flap and reproduced the results.Methods: We performed extended reverse sural artery pedicled flaps in 19 patients who presented to us between 2015 to 2017 with soft tissue defects around ankle and foot. Patients included 15 post RTA, 2 diabetic foot, 1 post resection defect and 1 post burn contracture release defect. Size of the defect ranged between 8x6cm to 14x10cm. Average follow up period was ranging from 8 months to 2.5 years.Results: All the flaps healed well without any obvious complications except one patient in whom marginal necrosis (2 cm margin of distal most flap) was observed and was secondarily treated with skin grafting.Conclusions: We observed that extended reverse sural pedicle flap is a rapid, reliable option for coverage of soft tissue defects around ankle and heel, sparing major vessel compromise and lengthy surgical procedure during free tissue transfer. This flap should be the first option for the patients with trauma and defects over weight bearing foot in whom peroneal axis vessels are preserved.

Distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap: A single centre experience / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Defects around the distal one third of the leg and ankle are difficult to manage by conservative measures or simple split thickness skin graft. Distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap is a well described flap for such defects.@*METHODS@#This is a retrospective analysis conducted on 25 patients with soft tissue and bony defects of distal third of lower leg and ankle, which were treated using distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap from January 2013 to January 2018. Information regarding patient demographics, etiology, size and location of defects and complications were collected. All patients were followed up for at least 3 months after surgery.@*RESULTS@#There were 21 males and 4 females with the mean age of 39 (5-76) years. The most common cause of injuries was road traffic accident, followed by complicated open injury. The average size of defects was 20 (4-50) cm. The mean operating time was 75 (60-90) min for flap harvest and inset. We had no patient with complete loss of the flap. Five patients (20%) had marginal necrosis of the flap and two patients have graft loss due to underlying hematoma and required secondary split thickness skin grafting.@*CONCLUSION@#The distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap is a safe option with reliable anatomy for small to moderate sized defects following low velocity injury around the ankle. The commonest complication encountered is skin graft loss which can be reduced by primary delayed grafting.

Sural Nerve Tuberculoma: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Nearly one third of the world's population have active or latent tuberculosis, resulting in 1.5 million deaths annually. Tuberculosis involving the peripheral nerve is difficult to detect. Sural nerve tuberculoma is an extremely rare case of tuberculous involvement of the peripheral nerve that has attracted the attention of physicians. This paper reports a patient with sural nerve tuberculoma. A 58-year-old female patient presented with a palpable mass on the posterolateral calf with progressive tingling sensation on the distal area. The patient had no history of trauma and it was unclear whether the patient had any contact with individuals with active tuberculosis. The histopathologic findings revealed a granuloma-like lesion with caseous necrosis that was compatible with tuberculoma.

Use of the cross-leg distally based sural artery flap for the reconstruction of complex lower extremity defects

Cross-leg flaps are a useful reconstructive option for complex lower limb defects when free flaps cannot be performed owing to vessel damage. We describe the use of the extended distally based sural artery flap in a cross-leg fashion for lower extremity coverage in three patients. To maximise the viability of these extended flaps, a delay was performed by raising them in a bipedicled fashion before gradual division of the tip over 5 to 7 days for cross-leg transfer. Rigid coupling of the lower limbs with external fixators was critical in preventing flap avulsion and to promote neovascular takeover. The pedicle was gradually divided over the ensuing 7 to 14 days before full flap inset and removal of the external fixators. In all three patients, the flaps survived with no complications and successful coverage of the critical defect was achieved. One patient developed a grade 2 pressure injury on his heel that resolved with conservative dressings. The donor sites and external fixator pin wounds healed well, with no functional morbidity. The cross-leg extended distally based sural artery flap is a reliable reconstructive option in challenging scenarios. Adequate flap delay, manoeuvres to reduce congestion, and postoperative rigid immobilization are key to a successful outcome.

Microsurgical repair of soft tissue necrosis after beak-type calcaneal fracture in 8 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of microsurgical repair of soft tissue necrosis after beak-type calcaneal fracture.Methods From January,2012 to March,2017,surgically flaps were used to repair wounds in 8 patients with soft tissue necrosis after calcaneal beak fracture.Five patients underwent sural neurovascular flap in the first stage of repair,2 patients were treated with peroneal perforator propeller flap,and 1 patient was treated with posterior tibial artery perforator propeller flap.The donor sites of 3 flaps were directly closed,and donor areas of the remaining 5 were covered with medium-thickness skin grafts without being sutured directly.The size of flap was 5.0 cm× 3.0 cm-7.0 cm × 5.0 cm.Through postoperative outpatient and WeChat follow-up.The patient's flap survival,infection,flap shape,sensation and ankle function were evaluated.Results All flaps and skin grafts survived post-operatively.All patients were followed-up for 6-12 (mean,8.4) months.All patients had good flap survival and no complications such as soft tissue and calcaneal infection.The flaps were good in texture,shape and function of ankle.At the last follow-up,according to the British Medical Research Institute (BMRI),the sensory function was divided into 6 levels.The flap sensory function recovered to S2 in 3 cases,and the remaining 5 cases was S1.According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-hindfoot Scale (AHS),the results were excellent in 5 cases,and good in 3 cases.All patients had good clinical results and satisfaction at the last followedup.Conclusion The treatment of soft tissue necrosis after calcaneus beak fractures can be completed in one stage by using flaps,which avoided the occurrence of calcaneal osteomyelitis.It is easy to perform early rehabilitation exercise and the ankle function is well restored.

A possible role of endoneurial fibroblast-like cells in the resolution of endoneurial oedema following nerve crush injury / El posible rol de los fibroblastos endoneurales en la resolución del edema endoneural después de una lesión por aplastamiento nervioso

SUMMARY: Endoneurial oedema is a salient feature of all types of neuropathy. Its elimination is crucial during the complications of nerve recovery. The objective was to study a possible role of the endoneurial fibroblasts in the resolution of nerve edema. Forty-two albino male rats aged between 30 and 40 days (weight 200 g to 250 g) were used in this study. The left sural nerves of 36 rats were subjected to crush injury at one to three-week intervals with six animals per interval. The right and left sural nerves of the remaining six rats were used as controls. At the end of the second week after crush injury, the endoneurium showed channel-like spaces that were lined by fibroblast-like cells and collagen bundles that contained degenerated myelin, and were connected to the subperineurial spaces. Flattened fibroblast-like cells were arranged in several layers in the subperineurial, forming barrier-like cellular sheets localizing to the endoneurial oedema in the space. Fibroblast-like cells also wrapped around the regenerating nerve fibres with their branching cytoplasmic processes. During the third week, the flattened fibroblast-like cells formed nearly continuous cellular sheets in the subperineurial spaces. Macrophages were frequently observed between these cellular barrier-like sheets and in the subperineurial. The endoneurial fibroblast-like cells form barrier-like cellular sheets that probably localise the endoneurial oedema in the subperineurial space. It also appear to create endoneurial channel-like spaces containing degenerated myelin and endoneurial oedema, which may be helpful in localizing and resolving such oedema.

RESUMEN: El edema endoneural es una característica destacada de todos los tipos de neuropatía. Su eliminación es importante durante las complicaciones de la recuperación nerviosa. El objetivo fue estudiar un posible papel de los fibroblastos endoneurales en la resolución del edema nervioso. En este estudio se utilizaron 42 ratas macho albinas con edades entre los 30 y 40 días (peso 200 a 250 g). Los nervios surales izquierdos de 36 ratas se sometieron a lesiones por aplastamiento en intervalos de una a tres semanas con seis animales por intervalo. Se usaron los nervios surales derecho e izquierdo de las seis ratas restantes como controles. Al final de la segunda semana después de la lesión por aplastamiento, el endoneuro mostró espacios en forma de canal que estaban revestidos por células similares a fibroblastos y haces de colágeno que contenían mielina degenerada y se conectaron a los espacios subperineurales. Las células aplanadas de fibroblastos se dispusieron en varias capas en el subperineuro, formando láminas celulares de tipo barrera que se localizaban en el espacio del edema endoneural. Las células similares a fibroblastos también envolvían las fibras nerviosas regeneradoras con sus procesos citoplásmicos ramificados. Durante la tercera semana, las células aplanadas de fibroblastos formaron láminas celulares casi continuas en los espacios subperineurales. Los macrófagos se observaron con frecuencia entre estas láminas similares a barreras celulares y en el subperineuro. Las células de tipo fibroblasto endoneural formaban láminas celulares de tipo barrera que probablemente localizan el edema endoneural en el espacio subperineural. También parece que crea espacios en forma de canal endoneural que contienen mielina degenerada y edema endoneural, que pueden ser útiles para localizar y resolver este edema.

Clinical effect of double blood supply composite tissue flap with peroneal artery perforator and sural nerve nutrient vessel carrying gastrocnemius muscle in repairing lacunar defect of ankle / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical effect of double blood supply composite tissue flap with peroneal artery perforator and sural nerve nutrient vessel carrying gastrocnemius muscle in repairing lacunar skin and soft tissue defect of ankle.@*Methods@#From September 2015 to September 2017, 10 patients with lacunar skin and soft tissue defects of ankle were hospitalized in our unit, including 7 males and 3 females, aged 17-62 years, 8 traffic accident injuries and 2 heavy body pressure injuries. After debridement, the wound area ranged from 7 cm×4 cm to 15 cm×9 cm, and the lacunar area ranged from 3.0 cm×2.0 cm×1.0 cm to 7.0 cm×4.0 cm×2.0 cm. The defect was repaired with island composite tissue flap with peroneal artery perforator and sural nerve nutrient vessel and partial gastrocnemius muscle at stage Ⅰ. The area of flaps ranged from 8 cm×5 cm to 16 cm×10 cm, and the area of gastrocnemius muscle flaps ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 8 cm×5 cm. The donor site was repaired with ipsilateral thigh intermediate split-thickness skin graft or sutured directly. The location of vascular pedicle, survival of tissue flap, follow-up, and occurrence of complications were recorded.@*Results@#The vascular pedicle of this group of cases was located 5-15 cm above the lateral malleolus. The tissue flaps of 10 patients survived completely after operation at stage Ⅰ. Follow-up for 1-12 months showed that the area repaired with tissue flaps had good color, blood supply, and texture, without ulceration, and recovered different degrees of pain sensation and deep tactile sensation, and no short-term or long-term complications occurred.@*Conclusions@#The double blood supply composite tissue flap with peroneal artery perforator and sural nerve nutrient vessel carrying gastrocnemius muscle has good blood supply, which can effectively fill the invalid space in repairing lacunar skin and soft tissue defect of ankle, with good effect after operation, and it is worthy of clinical application.