ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effectiveness of Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap transplantation in the treatment of complex calf soft tissue defects.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of the patients with complicated calf soft tissue defects, who were treated with Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap (study group, 23 cases) or bridge anterolateral thigh flap (control group, 23 cases) between January 2008 and January 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. All complex calf soft tissue defects in the two groups were caused by trauma or osteomyelitis, and there was only one major blood vessel in the calf or no blood vessel anastomosed with the grafted skin flap. There was no significant difference between the two groups in general data such as gender, age, etiology, size of leg soft tissue defect, and time from injury to operation ( P>0.05). The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was used to evaluate the sufferred lower extremity function of the both groups after operation, and the peripheral blood circulation score of the healthy side was evaluated according to the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society's functional evaluation standard for replantation of amputated limbs. Weber's quantitative method was used to detect static 2-point discrimination (S2PD) to evaluate peripheral sensation of the healthy side, and the popliteal artery flow velocity, toenail capillary filling time, foot temperature, toe blood oxygen saturation of the healthy side, and the incidence of complications were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#No vascular or nerve injury occurred during operation. All flaps survived, and 1 case of partial flap necrosis occurred in both groups, which healed after free skin grafting. All patients were followed up 6 months to 8 years, with a median time of 26 months. The function of the sufferred limb of the two groups recovered satisfactorily, the blood supply of the flap was good, the texture was soft, and the appearance was fair. The incision in the donor site healed well with a linear scar, and the color of the skin graft area was similar. Only a rectangular scar could be seen in the skin donor area where have a satisfactory appearance. The blood supply of the distal limb of the healthy limb was good, and there was no obvious abnormality in color and skin temperature, and the blood supply of the limb was normal during activity. The popliteal artery flow velocity in the study group was significantly faster than that in the control group at 1 month after the pedicle was cut, and the foot temperature, toe blood oxygen saturation, S2PD, toenail capillary filling time, and peripheral blood circulation score were significantly better than those in the control group ( P<0.05). There were 8 cases of cold feet and 2 cases of numbness on the healthy side in the control group, while only 3 cases of cold feet occurred in the study group. The incidence of complications in the study group (13.04%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (43.47%) ( χ 2=3.860, P=0.049). There was no significant difference in LEFS score between the two groups at 6 months after operation ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap can reduce postoperative complications of healthy feet and reduce the impact of surgery on blood supply and sensation of healthy feet. It is an effective method for repairing complex calf soft tissue defects.
Subject(s)
Humans , Thigh/surgery , Plastic Surgery Procedures , Leg/surgery , Cicatrix/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Lower Extremity/surgery , Skin Transplantation/methods , Perforator FlapABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of vascular pressurisation and super reflux on free anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF).Methods:From January 2017 to September 2021, the Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College had treated 31 cases of soft tissue defects of the limbs. The patients were 23 males and 8 females, aged 4-76 years old at 40 years old in average. All the patients received transfer of free ALTFs carrying 2 groups of blood vessels of the descending and oblique branches of lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA). The vascular pressurisation and super-reflux techniques were applied in wound repair. Soft tissue defect area 7 cm × 5 cm-22 cm × 10 cm. The sizes of flaps were 8 cm×6 cm-23 cm×11 cm. All the donor sites were sutured directly. Fifteen patients had inner flap pressurisation (or super-reflux) and the rest of 16 patients had external flap pressurisation (or super-reflux). After surgery, scheduled follow-ups were conducted through outpatient clinic, telephone and WeChat reviews or home visits to evaluate the efficacy of wound repair.Results:All the 31 flaps survived, except 2 flaps that had mild infection after surgery. The wounds of donor and recipient sites healed completely. The time of follow-up was 3-55 months. The skin of flaps achieved good texture, colour, lustre and appearance. TPD of the flaps ranged 7-12 mm.Conclusion:Vascular pressurisation and super reflux technique are stable and reliable in the clinical application of free ALTF to repair soft tissue defects of limbs.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the efficacy of digital and 3D printing technologies on design of superficial iliac circumflex artery flap for coverage the donor site of anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF).Methods:Clinical data of 8 patients were studied retrospectively for treatment of soft tissue defects of hand in the Department of Hand Surgery, Wuxi NO.9 People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, from April 2017 to October 2021. The patients were 6 males and 2 females, aged from 29 to 59 years(mean, 45.8 years). Cause of injury: 3 patients were crushed, 2 by hot pressing, and 3 by machine strangulation. Site of injury included: 5 cases were dorsal hand defects and 3 cases were palm defects. All the wounds were contaminated to varying degrees with soft tissue defects. The areas of soft tissue defect ranged from 11 cm×10 cm to 22 cm×14 cm. Four patients had combined injuries of open fracture of metacarpals and phalanges and 3 with tendon defects. All wounds were repaired by free ALTF transplantation. And the donor sites in the thigh were repaired by superficial iliac circumflex artery flaps. The secondary wounds caused by flap harvesting on abdominal wall were closed directly. The targeted perforator vessels were detected preoperatively by CTA combined with CDU. 3D printed models of the affected hand were obtained before operation for individualised repairs according to the shape and area of the wounds. After the operation, all patients entered scheduled follow-ups at the outpatient clinic and via internet by observing the flap shape and testing the recovery of sensory and movement of adjacent joint.Results:The shapes and sizes of the wounds and the flaps were found basically in accordance with those in the preoperative simulative designs. All flaps in 8 patients survived and the wounds healed completely. All patients entered follow-ups for 8 to 24(average, 17.5) months. The donor thighs presented good appearance and colour, pliability without bloating. The range of motion of the hips and knees was not affected. Only linear scars remained in the abdominal donor sites, with natural colour and appearance.Conclusion:Digital and 3D printing technologies in preoperative design of flaps can help to locate the perforator vessels intraoperatively and guide the individualised design of the flaps with improved operation efficiency and satisfactory appearance of the flaps.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate feasibility and clinical effect of free anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF) with reversed arterial flow in repair of foot and ankle wounds in children.Methods:From October 2014 to February 2021, the free ALTF with reversed arterial flow was used to repair the wounds in 7 children with severe soft tissue injury and main blood vessel injury in the Department of Hand & Foot Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of University of South China. Of the 7 injured children, 5 were caused by traffic accident, 1 by mechanical strangulation and 1 by heavy object. The size of wounds ranged from 6.0 cm×8.0 cm to 9.0 cm×11.0 cm. ALTF were designed to be anastomosed with the blood vessels at the recipient sites by retrograde blood supply. The size of flaps ranged from 6.0 cm×8.0 cm to 10.0 cm×11.0 cm. All flap donor sites were pulled together and directly sutured. Follow-ups were conducted through outpatient clinic visits, telephone call and WeChat reviews in the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th months after surgery. The major contents in follow-up were the shape, colour, texture, sensation of flap and function of ankles.Results:All donor sites healed at I stage. A total of 5 flaps survived successfully; One flap had venous occlusion after surgery, and the flap survived after surgical exploration; One flap had partial necrosis after surgery, and repaired with artificial dermis after further debridement. Postoperative follow-up lasted for 6-24 months, with an average of 10.5 months. All flaps appeared in similar colour and texture to the surrounding soft tissues. Two children underwent flap repair after half a year due to bloated flaps. The Ankle-hind foot Function Score of American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society(AOFAS) was used to evaluate the ankle function. AOFAS achieved 84-94 points, with 5 children in excellent and 2 in good. The sensation recovered to S 3+ in 5 children, S 3 in 1 child and S 2 in 1 child, according to the standard of British Medical Research Council (BMRC). Conclusion:For the children with severe soft tissue injury combined with main vascular injury in foot and ankle, free ALTF with reversed arterial flow can repair the defect and effectively secure the blood supply. It is a feasible method for wound repair.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To explore the clinical application value of mixed reality technology in locating perforator vessels and assisting perforator vessel dissection to harvest anterolateral thigh flaps.@*Methods@#Six patients who needed anterolateral thigh flap repair after resection of oral and maxillofacial tumors were recruited from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Nanchong Central Hospital from January 2020 to January 2021. Before surgery, the CT angiography data of the lower limbs of the patients carrying the calibration points were imported into the data workstation to perform 3D reconstruction of the perforator vessels and surrounding tissues of the thigh, and the reconstruction results were imported into Microsoft HoloLens 2 glasses. During the operation, calibration was performed at the calibration point of the operative area so that the preoperative reconstruction results were superimposed on the operative area through Microsoft HoloLens 2 glasses. The clinical application value of mixed reality technology assisted perforator vessel location and anatomy of anterolateral femoral perforator flap was discussed from six aspects: whether the perforator vessel was reconstructed preoperatively, intraoperative calibration time, whether the actual position of the perforating vessels passing through the fascia lata fulcrum deviated from the preoperative reconstruction result within 1 cm, time required to harvest the flap, and whether the actual route of the perforator vessel was consistent with the reconstruction result, and whether the postoperative flap survived.@*Results @# The position and course of perforating vessels were successfully reconstructed in 6 cases before the operation. The actual course of perforating vessels during the operation was consistent with the reconstruction results. The deviation between the actual position of the perforating points and the preoperative reconstruction results was within 1 cm, which met the requirements of the actual asisting of the anterolateral thigh flap. The average time of flap harvest was (70.50 ± 7.20) min. The average calibration time was (13.33 ± 5.50) min. All flaps survived.@* Conclusions @# Mixed reality technology projects the reconstruction results of anterolateral femoral perforator vessels directly into the operative area, which provides a new method for asisting localization and anatomy of anterolateral femoral flap perforator vessels and reduces the possibility of injury to perforator vessels.
ABSTRACT
In November 2011, a 7-year-old child with shoulder avulsion was treated in the Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Xi’an Fengcheng Hospital with debridement, transfer of free anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF) and decompression with forearm incision. After operation the limb survived. Six months after surgery, the function of right shoulder abduction was reconstructed by transposition of trapezius muscle. At the 11 years after surgery, the length of the limb on the affected side was slightly shorter than that of the healthy side. The circumference of forearm was slightly less than that of the healthy side. The pain, touch and temperature sensations were recovered. The TPD was 15-20 mm, and the skin temperature on both sides of the limb was normal. The shoulder abduction reached 30°. The muscle strength of elbow and wrist flexions reached grade Ⅴ with the recovered wrist pronation and all digit flexions. The affected limb can cooperate with the healthy limb to complete all daily duties.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of using free bilateral anterolateral thigh flaps(ALTF) in series to repair large area soft tissue defects of forearm.Methods:The clinical data of 11 patients with large soft tissue defects of forearm admitted in the Department of Plastic(Repair and Reconstruction) Surgery, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University from March 2014 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 8 males and 3 females. Aged 36 to 68 years old, with an average of 48 years old. VSD treatment was performed after debridement, and until fresh removed 3 to 5 days after the operation. Until the wound was fresh. The wound was repaired with free bilateral ALTF in series until fresh. The size of the forearm wound was 18 cm×15 cm-28 cm×13 cm. The cut area of a single flap was 10 cm×8 cm-20 cm×13 cm. The series of bilateral flaps: One of the flaps was used as the proximal flap, and its vascular pedicle was anastomosed with the arteries and veins of the recipient area. The other flap was used as the distal flap, and the arteries and veins between the 2 ALTFs on both sides were anastomosed. The vascular pedicle beyond the distal flap was ligated or anastomosed to the distal end of the ulnar artery or the distal end of the radial artery. The flap and the surrounding skin of the recipient area were sutured immediately. The donor sites of the flap was closed directly. Periodic and regular outpatient follow-up was performed after operation and the clinical efficacy was analyzed.Results:All the flaps successfully survived after the surgery. The postoperative follow-up lasted for 6-18 months, 12 months in average. The flaps survived well with good soft texture, without swelling, the capillary reaction time was normal, without surface ulceration, in rosy colour and restored protective sensations. The hand function of the affected limb recovered well. The wound at donor sites healed well without complications. At the last follow-up, the hand function of the affected limb was evaluated by the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, the result was 7 in excellent and 4 in good. The patients were satisfied with the flap and the therapeutic effect.Conclusion:The free bilateral ALTF in series can be used to repair a wound surface with large area, and the donor site can be closed at the same time. It is an effective method to repair large soft tissue defect of forearm.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of superthin anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF) with retrograde dissection of perforator in the interface plane between the superficial and deep layer of superficial fascia for reconstruction of soft tissue defect in the foot.Methods:The study involved 24 Side of 23 patients with foot soft tissue defects in Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Wuxi Ninth People’s Hospital from August 2019 to July 2021. There were 15 males and 8 females with an average of 42(range, 22-59) years old, including 9 in left foot, 13 in right foot, and 1 in both feet. The size of soft tissue defects was 4 cm×4 cm-11 cm×17 cm. The dimension of the superthin ALTF was 4 cm×5 cm-12 cm×18 cm. CTA and high-frequency CDU were used to locate the perforator in the superficial fascia plane. The perforator was exposed and dissected retrograde in the adiposal layer. The superthin ALTF was harvested to repair the foot wound. The donor site was sutured directly. All patients enter follow-up reviews at outpatient clinic or by WeChat. The appearance of flaps were recorded.Results:The superthin ALTF survived in all patients. Two cases had partial epidermal necrosis at the distal part of the flap. The thickness of the flap averaged approximately 4(range 3-6) mm. During 8-16(mean 12) months of follow-up, all superthin ALTF were soft in texture without ulceration. Two flaps required secondary defatting procedures, others showed satisfactory appearance without bulky deformity. Only linear scars left in donor areas.Conclusion:The technique of harvesting superthin ALTF with retrograde dissection of perforator in the superficial fascia plane for repairing foot wounds is reliable and is able to achieve satisfactory functional and esthetic outcome.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the clinical effect of ALTF transfer with cross-limb bridged "Y" shape vascular anastomosis in repair of complex soft tissue defects in calf.Methods:From August 2010 to September 2020, 33 patients(23 males and 10 females) with complex traumatic soft tissue defects in calf were treated. Preoperative angiography and intraoperative exploration confirmed that there was only 1 main vessel remained in the affected calf or the wound surface and the vessel could not be anastomosed with the vascular pedicle of the ALTF. The size of flap were 16 cm × 8 cm to 25 cm × 18 cm. Two patients received bilobed ALTFs. A "Y" shape anastomosis between the artery of ALTF vascular pedicle and the posterior tibial artery of the contralateral lower limbs was made in all 33 patients to establish the blood supply to the transferred free ALTF. The "Y" shape cross-limb bridged blood vessels at the proximal end of the vascular pedicle artery of the flap were embedded at both ends of the cut-off superior ankle posterior tibial artery of the contralateral lower limb. The vein of the flap was anastomosed with the saphenous vein that associates with the posterior tibial artery. The surface of the suspended blood vessel "bridge" was wrapped with a free skin craft, and the lower limbs were fixed in a straight and parallel position with an external fixation frame. The perfused area of the flap was directly sutured or covered with a free skin craft. The vascular bridge was kept for 3 to 6 weeks before being separated. Outpatient follow-up after discharge.Results:All the patients were entered the postoperative follow-up was 13 months to 7 years, in an average of 25 months. Among the 33 flaps, 31 survived completely, except 1 had necrosis and the other 1 had partial necrosis at the distal end of the flap. The flaps received good blood supply, hence with soft texture and satisfactory appearance. Doppler or DSA was performed after the surgery on the posterior tibial artery of the healthy limb, and the vascular pulsation and patency were found normal. Donor sites for the free skin graft healed well.Conclusion:The ALTF transfer with cross-limb bridged "Y" vascular anastomosis is one of the effective techniques and it was employed in the repair of complex defects of calf soft tissue. It solved the tissue that there was only 1 main vessel or even without a suitable vessel could be anastomosed with the pedicle of the flap.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the clinical effect of a two-staged repair and reconstruction of composite soft tissue defect of dorsal wrist with transfer of free flap (in stage-one) repair and followed by transplantation of allogeneic tendon (in stage-two) reconstruction.Methods:From December 2018 to January 2021, 6 cases with dorsal wrist composite tissue injury and extensor tendon defect were treated in the Department of Hand and Microsurgery of the Fourth People's Hospital of Guiyang City. Four cases were treated with free anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) combined with allogeneic tendon in the first stage to reconstruct finger dorsiflexion function, and 2 cases were treated with free ilioinguinal flap combined with allogeneic tendon in the second stage to reconstruct finger dorsiflexion function. The age of the patients ranged from 22 to 62 years old. The areas of defect were 5.0 cm×12.0 cm-8.0 cm×20.0 cm. Two cases had 2 extensor tendons defect, 1 had 3 extensor tendons defect, 2 had 4 extensor tendons defect, and 1 had 5 extensor tendons defect. The length of extensor tendon defects was 7.0-22.0 cm. In 5 cases, the wounds were covered by VSD for 5 to 7 days after complete emergenly debridement. Then, after the wounds had been cleared and clean, the wounds of 3 cases were covered with free ALTF, 2 with free ilioinguinal flap, and 1 with free ALTF after skin graft scar resection. At 3-4 months later, the extension function of digit was reconstructed with the transplantation of allogeneic tendons. Postoperative appearance of the flaps and functions of digits were observed at the outpatient clinics during the follow-up.Results:The postoperative follow-up lasted for 10 to 26 (15 in average) months. All 6 flaps surrived completely, and 1 case was further treated with flap thinning at 4 months after the second surgery. During the follow-up, all flaps healed well and were good in appearance and texture. Meanwhile, the donor areas were all healed well with no dysfunction nor sensory disorder. All the transplanted tendons were in good glide without adhesion. The active motion of metacarpophalangeal joints ranged from (10±10) ° to (80±10) °. According to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, at the final follow-up, 4 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good.Conclusion:It is safe and effective that using the two-staged procedure in repair of composite tissue defect of dorsal wrist with stage-one ALTF or ilioinguinal flap transfer combined with stage-two reconstruction with transplantation of allogeneic tendon. It can minimize the adhesion after tendon transplantation and donor site damage
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the surgical method and clinical effect of free medial plantar flap (MPF) combined with anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) in repair of large soft tissue defect in the weight bearing area of sole.Methods:From April, 2017 to August, 2019, 8 patients with large soft tissue defects in plantar weight bearing area were repaired by free MPF combined with ALTF. Four patients had the defects located in the hindfoot and the surrounding area, 3 in the forefoot and 1 in the whole foot. A tandem flap made of free MPF combined with ALTF was used to repair the heel in 5 patients and repair the plantar forefoot in 3 patients. The size of defects ranged from 15.0 cm×10.0 cm to 26.0 cm×22.0 cm. The size of the MPF ranged from 6.0 cm×5.0 cm to 8.0 cm×6.5 cm. The donor sites repaired with full thickness skin graft. The size of ALTF ranged from 15.0 cm×7.0 cm to 27.0 cm×11.0 cm. Two donor sites were sutured directly, and the other 6 were repaired by full-thickness abdominal skin graft. The patients entered follow-up at outpatient clinic and via WeChat for 9 to 18 months.Results:All the 8 tandem flaps and the donor grafts survived. Only 1 ALTF had a distal necrosis and healed after change of dressing. All the flaps had good elasticity and good texture. All the recipient area of MPF achieved sensation recovery of pain and touch. But the ALTF only partially recovered tactile sensation. The weight-bearing and walking function were good. At the last follow-up, all patients were evaluated by Maryland foot score, of which 4 patients were excellent, 3 were good, and 1 was fair.Conclusion:The free MPF combined with ALTF is one of the ideal methods for the repair of plantar soft tissue defect in the weight bearing area of sole. It can better restore the foot weight-bearing and walking function with good clinical effect.
ABSTRACT
Objective @# To investigate the clinical efficacy of anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF) repair on postoperative soft tissue defects in oral malignant tumors. @*Methods @# The clinical data of 136 oral malignant tumor patients at the Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from June 2017 to February 2019 were collected. All the patients had undergone enlarged tumor resection, and the defects were repaired simultaneously by ALTF. The flap survival rate and occurrence of postoperative complications were analyzed, and related functions were evaluated. @*Results @#The flap survival rate was 97.1% (132/136). Diabetes and the operation time were related to inactivation of the anterolateral thigh flap (P < 0.05). Fifty-three patients (40.0%) had systemic complications, and 38 patients (27.9%) had complications in the operation area, among which the pulmonary infection rate was the highest (28.6%). One year after the operation, 52 patients (38.2%) scored 10 points in language function evaluation. The mouth opening score of 58 patients (42.6%) was 10 points, and the swallowing function score of 82 patients (60.3%) was 10 points. @*Conclusion @#ALTF is an ideal free flap to repair soft tissue defects in oral and maxillofacial malignant tumors after resection, with a high survival rate, small donor injury and good postoperative recovery of relevant functions.
ABSTRACT
Objective:The morphological characteristics of the oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) were observed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in order to provide imaging basis in the application of the ALTF pedicled with the oblique branch of LCFA.Methods:Between February, 2020 and December,2020, for the patients who were requested to repair the wound with ALTF, a DSA radiography was performed before operation. A total of 197 sides of selective DSA were analysed in 113 patients. The occurrence rate, origin and course of the oblique branch of LCFA were observed. Relationships between the oblique branch of LCFA and the upper cutaneous branch, descending branch and transverse branch were analysed. In addition, in order to verify the accuracy of conventional DSA data in describing the morphological characteristics of oblique branches, 10 sites of 10 patients were randomly selected to perform rotational DSA three-dimensional imaging.Results:Femoral artery, deep femoral artery, LCFA and the branches of LCFA were clearly identified on DSA images. The oblique branch appeared in 190 sites, with a occurence rate of 96%. Among them, 1 oblique branch originated from the femoral artery, 2 from the deep femoral artery, and other 187 from LCFA. The oblique branches were found in 10 sites from rotational DSA three-dimensional imaging, which was consistent with conventional DSA imaging.Conclusion:The occurrence rate and morphological characteristics of the oblique branch of LCFA can be directly analysed by DSA. The oblique branch is not a variant branch as reported in the literatures, as it always appears. It may serve the main blood supply artery of the anterolateral thigh flap.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of free anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF) combined with medial plantar flap(MPF) transfer in repairing forefoot and mid-foot degloving injury.Methods:From May, 2016 to November, 2019, 6 patients with forefoot and mid-foot degloving injuries underwent reconstructions using free ALTF combined with MPF. The study included 4 males and 2 females patients with an average of 43 (range, 35-55) years. The size of soft tissue defects was 15 cm×12 cm-19 cm×14 cm. The dimension of the MPF was 8 cm×5 cm-10 cm× 6 cm, and that of ALTF was 16 cm×7 cm-20 cm×8 cm. The ALTF was used to cover the dorsal and lateral foot, the flap artery was anastomosed to the dorsalis pedis artery. The MPF was used to repair the weight-bearing area of the forefoot, the flap artery was anastomosed to the medial plantar artery in recipient site. All patients entered follow-up by outpatient clinic or Wechat for 9-18(mean, 14) months, and the appearance of flap and limb function were recorded.Results:The MPF and ALTF survived uneventfully in all 6 patients, and the wound in donor and recipient areas healed in one stage. At the last follow-up, the flaps had satisfactory contour, the texture of the flaps was soft, the protective sensation was recovered, and the appearance and function of the foot recovered satisfactorily. The Maryland score of reconstructed foot function was considered excellent (90-100) in 4 cases and good (75-89) in 2 cases. The average Maryland score was 91.2.Conclusion:ALTF combined with MPF generated good effect and satisfactory function in repairing forefoot and mid-foot degloving injury.
ABSTRACT
The reconstruction of the injured tissue around the knee is a complex procedure for the plastic and orthopaedic surgeon. The objective is to provide an acceptable function and aesthetic result. Successful wound management includes meticulous debridement, planning and proper execution of the surgical procedure. An 11-year-old male patient with a right patellar fracture using an anterolateral thigh flap with reverse flow to cover the skin defect. For such purposes, the reverse flow anterolateral flap is an effective, trustworthy and well-documented option. The correct obtaining and implantation of the flap reduces the morbidity of the donor site, offers options in size and design, an adequate length of the pedicle and the possible combination with the fascia lata in case it is required. The versatility of the reverse flow anterolateral flap makes it a possible therapeutic alternative in reconstructive surgery since it is aesthetic and functional for the reconstruction of tissue near the knee joint.
ABSTRACT
Complex trauma is defined as the condition secondary to the exchange of kinetic energy of two or more tissues in one limb. This entity is a surgical emergency that can have many sequelae and can even result in limb loss. An 11-year-old female patient presents complex pelvic limb trauma secondary to contuse injury caused by a helicopter’s rotor blades. Pelvic limb reconstruction was performed with iliac crest bone graft, the fracture was stabilized with an external fixator and the skin defect was covered with an anterolateral microvascular thigh flap (ALT). There was an adequate integration of the bone graft with adequate skin coverage thanks to the ALT thigh flap. The patient presented discreet limb shortening as consequence. Currently, microsurgery is the only medical option that meets the objectives of limb reconstruction. Microsurgical techniques can be used in pediatric and adult patients. The success of any recovery from complex trauma is vigorous surgical cleaning, avoiding sequential and/or multiple washes.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the surgical technique and clinical effects of free anterolateral thigh flaps with fascia lata for repair of dorsal tendon and soft tissue defect of ophisthenar.Methods From February,2014 to July,2016,dorsal tendon and soft tissue defect of ophisthenar in 13 cases was repaired by free anterolateral thigh flaps with fascia lata.The area of soft tissue defect was 5.0 cm×6.0 cm-9.0 cm×12.0 cm.Extensor tendon defect and bone exposure occurred in all cases.The area of flap was 6.0 cm×7.0 cm-10.0 cm×13.0 cm,while the area of anterolateral thigh flap was 3.0 cm×4.0 cm-6.0 cm×8.0 cm.The regular post-operatively followed-up was performed.Results All flaps survived.The donor sites healed well without skin graft.The followed-up time was 6-36 months with the average of 13 months.The appearance of the flap was good.The color and texture of flaps was similar to the dorsal skin of ophisthenar.Three female patients who were not satisfied with the flap appearance received the revision and the results were satisfactory.The activity of finger flexion and extension was satisfactory.All patients walked well without difficulty.According to the Upper Extremity Functional Evaluation Standard set up by Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association,the function recovery result was excellent in 8 cases,good in 4 cases,and poor in 1 case.Conclusion It is a good method to use the free anterolateral thigh flaps with fascia lata to repair of dorsal tendon and soft tissue defect of ophisthenar.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the clinical effect of thin-layer free anterolateral thigh flap with iliotibial tract for reconstruction of heel soft tissue and Achilles tendon defect.Methods From January,2017 to December,2017,11 cases of heel soft tissue and Achilles tendon defect were repaired by thin-layer free anterolateral thigh flap with iliotibial tract.There were 5 cases with tibia/fibula fracture,3 cases with ankle fracture and 1 case with calcaneal fracture.The area of soft tissue defect was 6.5 cm×10.0 cm-8.0 cm×13.0 cm,and the length of Achilles tendon defect was 5.5-11.5 cm.All wounds were treated with debridement and negative pressure sealing drainage technique at first stage.After 6 days,the soft tissue defect around posterior calcaneal region combined with Achilles tendon defect were repaired by the thin-layer free anterolateral thigh flap with iliotibial tract.Reasonable rehabilitation training was established after operation.Results The flaps survived in 11 cases and the donor region healed in one stage.The patients were followed-up for 8 to 20 (mean,15.74) months by outpatient review,calling or WeChat.Slightly bloated in appearance in 2 cases,and were thinned by orthopedic operation 1 year later.The other flaps were well shaped and moderately thick.At the last follow-up,the flaps were soft in texture and elastic.The sensory recovery of the flap was good,and the two-point discriminant perception in the posterior region of the heel was 3.0-5.0(mean,4.11) mm.Thompson's sign was negative,double or one-foot heel lift test was negative,and there was no recurrence of Achilles tendon rupture or skin ulceration in the heel region.The range of motion (ROM) of affected side was (23.1 1±1.17)°of extension and (43.67±1.06)°of flexion,and the ROM of normal side was (23.79±1.03)°of extension and (44.03±0.94)°of flexion.There was no statistical difference between them (P＞0.05).Postoperative follow-up was conducted according to the Thermann's function evaluation system,the evaluated result was excellent in 8 cases,good in 2 cases,and receivability in 1 case.Conclusion It is a reliable and effective method to repair heel soft tissue and Achilles tendon defect by thin-layer free anterolateral thigh flap with iliotibial tract.And this method can better restore foot ankle shape and function.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To explore the clinical effect of bilateral anterolateral thigh flaps in repairing complex wounds of foot and ankle.@*Methods@#From April 2014 to June 2017, 16 patients with complex foot and ankle wounds were treated in Ruihua Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University. There were 15 males and 1 female, aged from 12 to 73 years. Two of them had two wounds for each, the area of which was from 4 cm ×5 cm to 6 cm×10 cm. Fourteen cases were single-wounds, the area of which ranged from 11 cm×8 cm to 42 cm×15 cm. According to the wound surfaces, the wide wound cloth was divided into two pieces of cloth with a width less than 8 cm. The double-leaf skin flap was designed at the point of the perforating branch of the skin flap located by B-ultrasound on the iliac-patellar connecting line of the donor area. The course of the origin artery of the skin perforating branch of the skin flap was observed by DSA image. If the perforating branch of the double-leaf skin flaps was the common origin artery, the two adjacent wounds would be repaired directly. If the perforator of the double-leaf skin flaps is not the common artery, the double-leaf skin flaps were cut separately. After the pedicle division, the perforator vessels of the high perforator skin flaps were anastomosed with the distal end of the medial circumflex lateral femoral artery of the low perforator skin flaps to form a new parallel double-leaf skin flaps, which were then assembled or lobed to the recipient area. Flap donor sites were sutured directly.@*Results@#11 cases were repaired with parallel bilateral anterolateral thigh flaps with double perforators, and 5 cases were repaired with new parallel bilateral thigh flaps formed by anastomotic bridging of perforator vessels. The area of the flaps ranged from 5 cm×6 cm to 8 cm×22 cm. All the 16 flaps survived and the donor site wounds healed in one stage. Five cases underwent internal fixation removal and skin flap thinning 6 to 10 months after operation. Follow-up for 6 to 18 months showed that the skin flaps were of good color and texture, and the sensation of the flaps ranged from S1 to S3. Linear scars were left in all donor sites and lower limb movements were normal.@*Conclusions@#It is a good method to repair complex foot and ankle wounds with bilateral anterolateral thigh flaps, and it has the advantages of flexible design, less damage to donor site and good blood supply of the flap.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To investigate the clinical effect of the reserve-flow anterolateral thigh perforator flap based on aesthetics concept to repair soft tissue defect around the knee joint.@*Methods@#From June 2016 to April 2017, 10 patients with skin and soft tissue defects around the knee joint were admitted to Mingzhou Hospital of Zhejiang University. The area of the soft tissue defects around the ankle were ranged from 5.0 cm × 3.0 cm to 11.0 cm × 7.5 cm after debridement. The anterolateral thigh perforator flaps were designed on the ipsilateral lateral thigh, according to the results of preoperative perforator detection. The reserve-flow anterolateral thigh perforator flaps based on aesthetic concept were used to repair the wound through the subcutaneous tunnel. The flaps were 5.5 cm × 3.5 cm to 12.0 cm × 8.0 cm in size. The donor sites were directly closed.@*Results@#The flaps of 9 patients completely survived, however, epidermal necrosis occurred to 1 patient, at the distal end of the flap, about 1 cm × 1 cm in size. It completely healed after dressing change for 1 week. The follow up time was from 8 to 15 months (mean 12 months). The flaps were satisfactory in appearance, good in the elasticity, nearly normal in color, and had protective sensation. The two-point discrimination perception ranged from 9 to 13 mm(mean 10 mm). The donor and recipient sites only remained linear scars, with no depression deformity. The lower limb functions were normal.@*Conclusions@#The reverse-flow anterolateral thigh flap based on aesthetic concept, is an alternative method to repair the soft tissue defect around the knee joint, and protect the donor site to the maximum extent.