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Objective:Exploring the clinical efficacy of using ultra-thin lobulated anterolateral thigh perforator flap(ALTPF) with retrograde separation of perforating vessels from the superficial and deep junction layer of the superficial fascia to repair large soft tissue defects in the foot.Methods:From August 2021 to November 2022, 8 patients (5 males and 3 females) were admitted to the Second Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, the Affiliated Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology. The patients were 28 to 52 years old in age. The soft tissue defects were located in dorsal and plantar foot. At the plantar foot, the wound involved the weight-bearing area with explosion of bone, tendon or internal fixtures. The area of soft tissue defects was 6.0 cm × 5.0 cm - 16.0 cm × 8.0 cm, and the sizes of ALTPF were 8.0 cm ×5.5 cm - 18.0 cm × 8.5 cm. Preoperative high frequency CUD combined with CTA angiography were employed to locate the 2 flap perforator vessels. By keeping the perforator vessels at center and according to the soft tissue defect area and the wound shape, an ALTPF with a proper size and shape was designed in anterolateral thigh. The perforator were separated in the boundary layer between superficial and deep fascia, where it helped to obviously thin the flap. After the flap was harvested, it was further lobulated between the 2 perforators into 2 lobes after having confirmed the effective blood supply. Finally the lobulated ALTPF was transferred to covered the defect in foot. Cautions should be taken to ensure that the flap covered the weight-bearing area of foot. All the donor sites were directly sutured. Postoperative follow-up was conducted to observe the survival of flaps and the functional recovery of the reconstructed site, also to evaluate the clinical effect. Postoperative follow-up included outpatient visits and reviews over WeChat or telephone. Recovery of the ankle motor function was evaluated according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Societ (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot score scale.Results:All 8 ALTPF survived. Over 6 to 18 months (10.8 months in average) of follow-up, the transferred flaps had good blood supply, soft in texture, with good elasticity and thin in appearance. Appearance and function of donor sites recovered well, except 1 patient who had mild scar hyperplasia. The plantar flap had good abrasion resistance. No flap damage, bleeding or granulation tissue hyperplasia occurred when walking. The mean score of AOFAS ankle-hind foot score achieved 95.6.Conclusion:The application of ultra-thin lobulated ALTPF with retrograde separation of perforating vessels from the superficial fascia at the junction layer for repairing large soft tissue defects in the foot has good clinical efficacy.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of free anterolateral thigh perforator flap(ALTPF) in reconstruction of temporal scalp defect after blood circulation reconstruction surgery for moyamoya disease.Methods:From May 2020 to July 2022, 7 patients with scalp defect after revascularisation of moyamoya disease were treated in Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital (People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University). The patients were 4 males and 3 females, aged 33-59 years old, at 43 years old in average. There were 5 defects in left tempus and 2 in right tempus. The sizes of scalp defect were 4.5 cm × 5.5 cm-7.5 cm × 9.5 cm. Debridement and VSD management were primarily performed. After wounds were stabilised, ultrasound location of perforator vessels of ALTPFs was performed. Having confirmed that the perforator vessels were suitable for the surgical requirements, flap transfers were then performed. The descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery was end-to-side anastomosed with the superficial temporal artery, and the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex vein was end-to-end anastomosed with the superficial temporal vein. Postoperative follow-up was conducted through outpatient clinic visits, telephone and WeChat reviews. Appearance, texture of ALTPFs and the flap donor sites were observed in follow-ups. Comparisons of the changes of nervous system before and after surgery were made. Cognitive function of the patients was assessed with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), together with the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) .Results:All 7 flaps survived. One flap had vascular compromise 6 hours after surgery, and was rectified after surgical intervention. All the patients were included in the postoperative follow-up for 7-33 (average 19) months. All flaps had good appearance with soft texture. There was no obvious difference in colour comparing with the skin around the recipient region. The donor sites healed well without hypertrophic scar. Examinations of nervous system of the patients were found the same as that before surgery. Using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), the average limb muscle strength of the patients was 4 before surgery and 4 after surgery, without change; Using the Ashworth assessment scale, the average preoperative and postoperative limb muscle tension in this group of patients was 1, without change; The Berg balance scale was used to evaluate the patient's balance function, with an average score of 42 before surgery and 42 after surgery, without any changes; There was no change in limb sensation before and after surgery; Using the MMSE, the average preoperative score and postoperative score of this group of patients were 25 points, without any change. Using the modified Barthel index scoring standard, the average preoperative score for this group of patients was 75 points, and the average postoperative score was 79 points, and the ADL of the patient had improved to various levels.Conclusion:Reconstruction of scalp defect with free ALTPF after revascularisation of moyamoya disease has obvious advantages, such as it closes the wound quickly, prevents infection and achieves a good appearance. This surgical procedure can produce a good clinical effect.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical value of improved perforator area CTA three-dimensional reconstruction in design and harvest of anterolateral thigh perforator flap(ALTPF) and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap(DIEPF).Methods:Repairs of defects of oral and maxillofacial tumour resection with ALTPF for 8 patients and defects of breast tumour resection with DIEPF for 2 patients were performed from September 2021 to January 2022 in the Department of Hand and Microsurgery of Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College. According to the improved scanning parameters and drug administration protocol, patients underwent CTA scans of both thighs or abbomen before operation. The data of CTA were sent to GE AW 4.7 work station to produce three-dimensional reconstruction of perforator area and angiosome. The source artery and perforator were observed dynamically from the angiosome in the perforator area, and the specific data were measured. The perforator location was marked by HHD, and then according to the measurement data of CTA three-dimensional reconstruction marked the location, course of perforator and the course of source artery on the body surface. The data of source arteries and perforators explored during the operation were compared with preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction. The perforator locations of CTA were compared with the HHD. The harvest time and survival condition of flap were compared with the previous patients who only had the perforator location markers from HHD. The sizes of ALTPFs and DIEPFs were 4.0 cm×4.0 cm-15.0 cm×6.0 cm and 19.0 cm×7.5 cm-25.0 cm×10.0 cm, respectively. The survival of flaps and the healing of wound were observed in the postoperative follow-up in terms of appearance, texture, function of recipient site and the shape and function of the donor site.Results:Eight ALTPFs and 2 DIEPFs all survived without any adverse event. Both recipient and donor sites healed well without any complication. Seven femoral septocutaneous perforators, 2 musculocutaneous perforators and abdominal 3 perforators coursed directly, 2 tortuously perforators were seen from three-dimensional reconstruction. The types and origins of perforators explored during operation were basically consistent with three-dimensional reconstruction. The accuracy of CTA[(0.36±0.11) cm] was higher than HHD[(0.54±0.19) cm] for perforators location( t=-3.160, P<0.05). Compared with the previous group[(74.60±30.53) min], this group[(52.80±24.57) min] had a shorter time to cut out the flap of similar area( t=-9.179, P<0.05). In the previous group, one flap transfer was failed due to the thinner caliber of perforator and source artery. All the flaps survived with satisfactory outline and softness with good blood supply after 2-6 months of follow-up. The oral and maxillofacial functions were normal. The reconstructed breasts were symmetrical with the healthy side, and the shape was satisfactory. Only linear scars remained in the donor sites without dysfunction. Conclusion:The improved CTA three-dimensional reconstruction of perforator area can help to determine the detailed location, course and distribution of the perforators at the superficial fascia layer. It provides a reliable bases in the design and harvest of perforator flaps during operation, reduces the perioperative risks and has certain clinical values.
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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.
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Objective:To explore the application value of digital technology in free transfer of ALTPF to repair large-area soft tissue defect of limbs.Methods:A total of 13 patients with large-area soft tissue defects of limbs treated from April 2017 to April 2020 were selected in the study, including 9 males and 4 females, aged 39-58 years old. The average age was (42.75±1.94) years old. The area of flap was 16 cm×10 cm-27 cm×18 cm. Before operation, CTA was performed on the donor and recipient areas, and the 3-dimensional image of arterial blood supply in the donor area was obtained by 3-dimensional digital reconstruction technology of CT angiography, so as to clarify the origin, course, classification, length vascular pedicle, of diameter and location of perforating fulcrum of the blood supply of ALTPF. According to the image parameters 3-dimensional, of the defect of the recipient area was reconstructed and designed with Mimics software, and the 3-dimensional digital designed flap was used accurately and standardized during the operation.Results:All the 13 flaps survived without a vascular crisis. The patients entered the follow-up for 6 to 24(mean 16) months by outpatient clinic visits combined with WeChat reviews. At the last follow-up, the surviving flaps had soft texture and good blood supply, the shape and colour of the flap were basically the same as those of normal skin. The limb function recovered well. According to Chinese Medical Association Upper Limb Function Evaluation (TAM) method and Maryland ankle function evaluation method: 8 cases were in excellent, 3 cases were in good and 2 cases were in fair.Conclusion:The preoperative application of digital technology to assist the reconstruction of large-area soft tissue defects of limbs with free ALTPF has high accuracy and standardisation. It improves the quality and success rate of free flap repair. This method is reliable, practical and with clinical value.
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This is a report of a complex defects in the right upper extremity treated in the Department of Hand and Microsurgery, 521 Hospital of Norinco Group, in October 2016. The patient received multi-transfers of flaps for one-stage reconstruction, including a double-paddled ALTPF and a compound flap of the great toe and the second toe. Vascular compromises occurred in flaps on the 2nd day after surgery. All the flaps were rescued and survived completely after surgical exploration. Followed-up at 3 year after surgery showed that the appearance and function of the affected limb recovered well. The flexion and extension of elbow and wrist were normal. The pinch function of the reconstructed thumb and index finger recovered well.
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Objective:To compare the effect on scar in donor area of small-and medium-sized anterolateral thigh perforator flap(ALTPF) harvested from superficial and deep layer of the superficial fascia.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 31 patients who had small-and medium-sized soft tissue defects in the extremities and admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from January 2020 to February 2021. All the patients were repaired with ALTPFs. The sizes of defect ranged from 5.0 cm×3.5 cm to 17.0 cm×6.0 cm, and the flaps sized from 6.0 cm×4.0 cm to 20.0 cm×6.0 cm. Fifteen ALTPFs were harvested from superficial layer of superficial fascia (modified group), and 16 harvested from deep layer of superficial fascia (traditional group). The flap donor sites were sutured directly using the "Zunyi suture method". Appearance of scars was assessed within the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and in addition the width of scars was been recorded. The data of the 2 groups were statistically analyzed. There was statistically significant difference when P<0.05. Results:All flaps were successfully viable. All wounds healed in Ⅰ stage and donor incisions healed in Ⅰ stage at 2-3 weeks after the surgery. All patients entered postoperative follow-up for 6 to 26 months, with a mean of 10.7 months. There was no ischaemic necrosis at the donor margin. There was no significant difference between circumference of thighs between the modified group and traditional group [ (0.10±0.40) cm and (0.03±0.39) cm, respectively]( P>0.05). VSS were found lower in the modified group (2.00±1.46) than that in the traditional group (3.06±1.61)( t=2.132, P=0.039), as well as the scars were found smaller at the widest point[(6.67±3.85) cm and(16.06±6.63) cm, respectively. t=2.807, P=0.005]. The differences were statistically significant( P<0.05). Conclusion:Small-and medium-sized ALTPFs, harvested in the superficial layer of superficial fascia, can reduce the width of the donor scar, improve the surgical outcome and increase patient satisfaction.
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Objective:To investigate the removal of ALTPF pedicled with the lateral branch of the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery and its application in wound repair.Methods:From January, 2019 to March, 2021, 32 cases of limb wounds were repaired with ALTPF pedicled with the lateral branch of the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery, including 25 males and 7 females. The age ranged from 21 to 63 years, with an average of 34 years. Injury mechanism: there were 12 cases of traffic accident injury, 8 cases of machine injury, 6 cases of heavy object crushing injury and 6 cases of chronic infectious wound. The area of soft tissue defect was 8.2 cm × 6.3 cm-18.6 cm × 11.2 cm. There were 25 cases of direct suture and 7 cases of free skin grafting. All patients who needed flap repair underwent CTA and high-frequency CDU before operation to judge the approximate direction of the lateral branch of the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery and the position of the perforating branch. All patients were followed-up regularly for 3 - 13 months, with an average of 11 months.Results:All patients who underwent free flap surgery had no vascular crisis and the flap survived smoothly. At the last follow-up, the appearance of the flap was beautiful without bloating and there were no complications in the donor area.Conclusion:Compared with the traditional ALTPF, the perforator flap of the lateral branch of the descending branch of the anterolateral femoral artery is relatively simple, which can replace the traditional ALTPF to a certain extent, and is worthy of popularization and application in clinic.
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Objective:To investigate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap in repair of large area soft tissue defects around the knee joint.Methods:From January, 2015 to October, 2019, 9 patients with large area soft tissue defects around the knee joint were treated. All patients had different degrees of defect in knee joint capsule and joint opening. Before operation, the width of the flap was determined by "skin lifting and kneading test", and the location of perforators in anterolateral femoral region was confirmed and marked with the assistance of HHD detector. According to the size and shape of the wound surface, single leaf or lobulated perforator flap was designed based on the principle that the donor site should be closed directly. The minimum size of the flap was 14.0 cm×5.0 cm, there was 1 case of lobulated flap with the largest area, respectively was 17.0 cm×9.0 cm and 18.0 cm×8.5 cm. The chimeric tissue flap(muscle flap or fascia lata flap) was taken according to the location and severity of joint opening. The grafted tissue flap was used to fill the articular cavity, the flap was used to repair the wound of knee joint, the blood supply of the flap was reconstructed, and a drainage catheter was placed in the cavity of knee joint. The recovery follow-up conducted in outpatient department.Results:All flaps survived without vascular incident. The recipient site of flap in 1 patient was not thoroughly washed and drained, and there was more exudation. After dressing change and drainage, the rest recipient areas of the flap were healed in stage I. All patients entered 3 to 36(average 12) months of follow-up. The appearance and function of recipient area recovery were satisfactorily. Only a linear scar remained in donor site.Conclusion:Anterolateral thigh chemeric perforator flap is ideal for repairing large soft tissue defects around the knee joint.
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Objective:To compare the reliability between infrared thermal imaging technology(IRT) and colour Doppler ultrasound (CDU) in the detection of perforators for anterolateral femoral perforator flap(ALTPF).Methods:From September, 2017 to September, 2019, a total of 25 patients(16 males and 9 females, aged 12-53 years old with an average age of 38.7 years old) underwent ALTPF surgery for the purpose of resurfacing and reconstruction. All patients had pedicled or free ALTPF sized from 5.0 cm×8.0 cm to 7.5 cm×30.0 cm. Among all cases, 21 received free flaps and 4 received pedicled flaps. All patients underwent routine IRT and CDU examinations to locate the perforators preoperatively.Results:Of the 25 patients, CDU detected 53 perforators and IRT detected 51 "hot spots". There were 50 "hot spots" that corresponded to the findings of CDU with a κ index at 0.712( P<0.05), representing a high degree of consistency. The sensitivity and specificity were 94.3% and 85.7%, respectively. Conclusion:IRT has a high consistency in detecting perforators for ALTPF in comparison with CDU. IRT features portable, low cost, non-invasive, and easy to operate. At the same time, IRT has advantages in the patients who have thin subcutaneous tissue. With higher accuracy, IRT is expected to become an important part of preoperative perforator navigation.
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Objective:To evaluate the clinical results of using the free polyfoliate anterolateral thigh perforator flaps based on a single perforator in repair large soft tissue defects in extremities.Methods:Between March, 2014 and April, 2019, 9 patients with large soft tissue defects in extremities were repaired with the free polyfoliate anterolateral thigh perforator flaps based on a single perforator. One of the patients were repaired with bilateral free polyfoliate anterolateral thigh perforator flaps. Six defects on hand and wrist, 1 on forearm, 1 on shank and 1 on foot. The sizes of soft tissue defect ranged 5 cm×19 cm-17 cm×24 cm. All the wounds of donor site were closed primarily.Results:Seven flaps survived without vascular incidence. One flap developed artery crisis after surgery with the bilateral free polyfoliate anterolateral thigh perforator flaps. After emergency re-anastomosing, the flap survived successfully. Necrosis on one-leaf occurred in one flap, which was finally repaired by skin graft. The clinical results were satisfactory after 3-48 months of followed-up. The scars of the donor site were not obvious.Conclusion:The free polyfoliate anterolateral thigh perforator flaps can be designed with only one perforator. The flap can be changed into a variety of shapes based on the combination of the polyfoliate flaps in order to repair a large soft tissue defects in extremity. The polyfoliate flap has advantages of less donor site injury with a high survival rate.
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Objective:To investigate the feasibility and clinical effect of combined transplantation of bilateral perforator flap based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery in the reconstruction of large soft tissue defects of lower limbs.Methods:From January, 2014 to September, 2019, 35 cases of large soft tissue defects of lower limbs were repaired by combined transplantation of bilateral perforator flap based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery, and the donor sites were directly closed. The wound involved the shank, ankle and foot; The areas of defect ranged from 17.0 cm×12.0 cm to 33.0 cm×18.0 cm. External fixation were performed on 19 cases with open comminuted tibia fracture, and flap transplantation was preformed after through debridement and negative-pressure wound therapy for 5-7 days. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was remained in the flap, which was anastomosed with sensory nerves in the recipient site. The colour, texture, sensation, secondary ulcer of the flap and limb function were followed-up after the operation.Results:Of the 35 cases, 34 cases completely survived, and necrosis occurred in 1 case. The donor sites were closed primarily and complication was not observed in any of the cases. The followed-up period ranged from 6 to 38 months, at 17.6 months in average. The appearance and function of the reconstructed lower limbs were satisfactory.Conclusion:The combined transplantation of the perforate flap of descending branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery is safe and reliable. It can be used to repair large defect and the damage of the donor site is limited. It is an effective method to repair large area of soft tissue defects of lower limbs.
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Objective:To investigate the surgical method and clinical effect of one-stage repair of soft tissue defects of dorsum of hand and multiple fingers by using the polyfoliate conjoined anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTP) .Methods:From November, 2015 to September, 2019, 9 cases of soft tissue defects of dorsum of hand and multiple fingers were treated, including 8 males and 1 female. The average age was 32 years old. Causes of injury: 4 cases of thermal injury, 3 cases of strangulation injury, and 2 cases of traffic accident injury. Location of injury: 7 cases of right hand, 2 cases of left hand. Three cases of dorsum of hand with 1st-4th fingers, 3 cases with 2nd-5th fingers, 2 cases with 2nd-4th fingers, and 1 case with 3rd-5th fingers; All with bone, joint and tendon exposure. There were 6 cases with fracture or joint dislocation. All of them had no obvious defect of bone and joint. VSD was used to cover them after debridement. According to the shape and size of the wound, all flaps were designed to repair the soft tissue defect as the polyfoliate conjoined ALTP. The flap size was 7 cm×13 cm-12 cm×17 cm. Regular outpatient, telephone and Wechat follow-up were carried out to evaluate the flap survival, appearance, color elasticity, donor scar, sensory recovery, finger function recovery and patient satisfaction.Results:Nine cases of flap survived well. The average followed-up time was 12 (6-18) months. The postoperative followed-up revealed satisfactory shapes of the flaps, protective touch and recovery of functions. The donor site had good healing and no effect on function. In the last followed-up, according to the trial criteria for function evaluation of upper limbs by Chinese Society of Hand Surgery, 5 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good, and 1 case was fair. The hand function recovered well and returned to work and daily life on average 6 weeks after operation.Conclusion:The polyfoliate conjoined ALTP can repair the soft tissue defect of hand dorsum with multiple fingers at one stage, and the flap is in good shape. There is no need to divide the fingers. It is one of the ideal methods to repair the soft tissue defect of hand dorsum.
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Objective@#To investigate the effectiveness of preoperative 3D-CTA in assisting the preparation of free thinned anterolateral thigh lobulated perforator flap with nerve in repairing soft tissue defect of limb.@*Methods@#Between February, 2010 and May, 2018, free super-thin anterolateral thigh lobulated perforator flap with nerve was transferred to repair soft tissue defect of limbs in 11 cases. There were 8 males and 3 females with an average age of 35 (range, 22-56) years. The defect area was 8.0 cm×11.0 cm-9.0 cm×23.0 cm. Preoperation CT scan of the free flap donor site was performed to obtain 3D images of the region with arterial blood supply by digital 3D reconstruction CT, and to determine the origin, direction, classification, length, diameter and the position of pedicle perforator. Postoperative regular followed-up was carried according to the Upper Limb Function Evaluation Trial Standards of Chinese Medical Association of Hand Surgery and Enneking Evaluation System.@*Results@#All 11 flaps survived. No vascular crisis happened. All 11 cases were followed-up for 3 to 12 (average, 5) months. The flaps were supple and elastic with near normal color. There was no bulkiness. Sensory function was recovered well and two point discrimination was 3.0-6.0 mm. According to the Upper Limb Function Evaluation of Upper Limb of Chinese Medical Association of Hand Surgery, the results were excellent in 1 case, good in 3 cases and fair in 1 case. The Enneking system was used to assesse the lower limbs recovery. The average score was 21, an average of 70% of limb function restored.@*Conclusion@#The free super-thin anterolateral thigh lobulated perforator flap with nerve offers advantages to the traditional anterolateral thigh flap. The survived flaps are ideal in terms of covering limb defects and restoring functions. Preoperative 3D-CTA in the anterolateral thigh perforator flap transplantation is an accurate and useful method. It helps a safer and successful operation with optimal outcome.
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Objective@#To investigate the clinical effect of reconstruction of sensory anterolateral thigh perforator flaps in repairing soft tissue defects after radical operation for Paget disease of perineum.@*Methods@#From April 2017 to July 2017, Ningbo First Hospital treated 3 male patients with Paget′s disease of perineum, 2 patients with RayA2 stage and 1 patient with RayB stage. The range of soft tissue defect after resection of tumors is 8 cm×10 cm to 10 cm×12 cm. The anterolateral thigh perforator flaps were designed to repair skin defect, and the lateral thigh cutaneous nerve branch was contained to reconstruct protective sensation and restore autonomic nerve function. Tension-free direct suture was performed in part of the donor site, of which 3 cases were difficult to suture directly, 2 cases were treated with skin grafting and 1 case was closed with skin distractor.@*Results@#All 3 flaps survived. The average area of the flaps was about 12 cm×14 cm. The average follow-up period was 3 months. The appearance and function of the flaps were satisfactory. The average sensory recovery of the flaps was as high as S3. The autonomic nervous function was partially restored. Some of the skin had sweating function and normal skin temperature. At the same time, there was no difference between the urination function and sexual competence before operation. The donor site wound healed well and its appearance and function recovered well.@*Conclusions@#The reconstruction of sensory anterolateral thigh perforator flaps is an good method for repairing soft tissue defect after radical resection of Paget disease of perineum. It has satisfactory results in the protection and reconstruction of donor and recipient areas.
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Objective To investigate the effectiveness of preoperative 3D-CTA in assisting the preparation of free thinned anterolateral thigh lobulated perforator flap with nerve in repairing soft tissue defect of limb. Methods Between February, 2010 and May, 2018, free super-thin anterolateral thigh lobulated perforator flap with nerve was transferred to repair soft tissue defect of limbs in 11 cases. There were 8 males and 3 females with an average age of 35 (range, 22-56) years.The defect area was 8.0 cm×11.0 cm-9.0 cm×23.0 cm. Preoperation CT scan of the free flap donor site was performed to obtain 3D images of the region with arterial blood supply by digital 3D reconstruction CT, and to determine the origin, direction, classification, length, diameter and the position of pedicle perforator.Postopera鄄tive regular followed-up was carried according to the Upper Limb Function Evaluation Trial Standards of Chinese Medical Association of Hand Surgery and Enneking Evaluation System. Results All 11 flaps survived. No vascular crisis happened.All 11 cases were followed-up for 3 to 12 (average, 5) months.The flaps were supple and elastic with near normal color.There was no bulkiness.Sensory function was recovered well and two point discrimination was 3.0-6.0 mm. According to the Upper Limb Function Evaluation of Upper Limb of Chinese Medical Association of Hand Surgery, the results were excellent in 1 case, good in 3 cases and fair in 1 case.The Enneking system was used to as鄄sesse the lower limbs recovery.The average score was 21, an average of 70% of limb function restored. Conclusion The free super-thin anterolateral thigh lobulated perforator flap with nerve offers advantages to the traditional antero鄄lateral thigh flap. The survived flaps are ideal in terms of covering limb defects and restoring functions. Preoperative 3D-CTA in the anterolateral thigh perforator flap transplantation is an accurate and useful method.It helps a safer and successful operation with optimal outcome.
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To explore the value of CTA combined augmented reality(AR) navigation in tongue re-construction with free anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flaps. Methods From December, 2016 to December, 2018, 9 cases of tongue cancer patients were treated with lingual reconstruction with the free ALTP flap. The domi-nant perforator was selected according to CTA before operation. The origin, course, locations at the level passing through the fascia lata of the perforators and digital flaps were located and marked under the guidance of AR naviga-tion technology. The flaps area were 6 cm×8 cm-8 cm×12 cm, and the donor sites were closed directly. The effect of the AR navigation was explored intraoperatively.The function of reconstructed tongue and donor site were followed-up 3 to 6 months postoperatively. Results All navigation-positioned perforators were confirmed by AR preoperatively. Intraoperative exploration showed that the perforators were accurately located. All flaps survived, and no vascular cri-sis occurred. The donor sites healed primarily with linear scars. The tongue was plump, and the function of voice and swallowing were favorable. Conclusion CTA combined AR navigation has the advantages of accurate location, easy to use and low cost in tongue reconstruction with free ALTP flaps.It is a worthy method to be popularized.
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Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of bipaddled anterolateral thigh perforator flap in repair of through-and-through maxillofacial defect following oral cancer ablation. Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2016，42 patients with oral cancer were treated. There were 31 males and 11 females with an average age of 44.5 years (range, 31-68 years). There were 28 cases of buccal mucosa carcinoma, 10 cases of basal cell carcinoma of buccal skin, 3 cases of gingiva carcinoma, and 1 case of recurrent parotidduct carcinoma. The disease duration ranged from 1 to 24 months (mean, 13.5 months). The size of through-and-through maxillofacial defect ranged from 6.0 cm×4.5 cm to 9.0 cm×7.0 cm. All defects were repaired with the bipaddled anterolateral thigh perforator flap. The paddles were adjusted to repair the buccal area. And the size of flap ranged from 7 cm×5 cm to 10 cm×8 cm. The donor sites were closed directly. Results: The operation time was 4.5-7.5 hours (mean, 5.5 hours). All flaps healed and the wounds of recipient and donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 9-60 months (mean, 22 months). All patients were satisfied with their facial appearance and the speech function. The range of mouth opening was 3-5 cm. Three patients died of recurrence during the follow-up period and the other patients were alive. Conclusion: The bipaddled anterolateral thigh perforator flap is flexible and reliable for the through-and-through maxillofacial defect reconstruction following oral cancer ablation.
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Objective: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of the Flow-through chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap for one-stage repair and revascularization in complex defects of the extremities. Methods: Between May 2014 and June 2017, 6 patients with soft tissue defects on the limbs combined with dead space, bone defects, or tendon and joint exposure, were reconstructed with the Flow-through chimeric ALTP flap. All 6 patients were male. The patients' mean age was 44 years (range, 26-60 years). The mechanisms of injury were traffic accidents in 4 cases, wringer injury in 1 case, and bruise injury caused by heavy object in 1 case. The defects located at the lower extremity in 5 cases and at the upper extremity in 1 case. The area of the wound ranged from 7 cm×4 cm to 26 cm×10 cm. There were 3 cases of bone defect, 3 cases of joint and tendon exposure, 2 cases of chronic osteomyelitis, and 2 cases of main artery injury. The muscle flap was inserted into the deep dead space, with perforator flap for superficial defect. The area of perforator flap ranged from 10 cm×5 cm to 28 cm×11 cm and the area of muscle flap ranged from 5 cm×2 cm to 20 cm×5 cm. The defects on the donor sites were closed directly. Results: All the flaps were survival without infection and vascular crisis. The wounds of recipient and donor sites healed at first intention. The patients were followed up 3- 24 months (mean, 10 months). Good color and texture of flaps was achieved. The reconstructed main artery patency was achieved and the end of the affected limb was well transported. Only linear scar left on the donor site on thigh with no malfunction. Conclusion: The Flow-through chimeric ALTP flap can construct three-dimensional soft tissue defects without sacrificing the recipient vessels. The Flow-through chimeric ALTP flap is an reliable and ideal method for reconstruction of complex wounds in the limbs with dead space and with or without recipient major vessels injury.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the surgical method of repairing the defects of the hand with the free antero-lateral thigh perforator flap without carrying the source of blood vessels and the fascia. Methods From February, 2013 to October, 2016, 8 cases of hand defects with tendon and bone exposure.Looking for the thickest perforator in the anterolateral thigh region by using the Multidetector computed tomography angiography(MDCTA)and color Doppler Sonography(CDS). Find the perforator in the superficial fascia,cut a small part of the fascia lata and vastus lateralis,cut off the pedicle at the musculocutaneous perforator.Cover the defects with flap after debridement. Regular follow-up include:the healing of the wound,the texture,shape and sensation of the skin flap, the scar and complica-tions of the donor area. Results All flaps survived in 8 cases, in one case,there are 1.0 cm necrosis in the distal flap, after debridement, direct suture. All patients were followed up for 6-12 months. The flaps were soft and normal color, restore the protective touch. The donor site healed well, linear scar, no itching and dysfunction. Conclusion Free anterolateral thigh perforator flap without source blood vessels and fascia lata is a good method for the repair of hand defects.