Applied anatomy of recurrent branch of median nerve and microsurgical treatment of its compression syndrome / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To observe the anatomy of the recurrent branch of median nerve, summarize the injury mechanism of the recurrent branch of median nerve, and explore the surgical method and clinical effect of the compression.Methods:From February 2018 to October 2021, 12 fresh hand specimens were used in Department of Hand Surgery in the Second Hospital of Tangshan, including 6 male specimens, 3 left and 3 right hands, and 6 female specimens, 3 left and 3 right hands. Anatomy of the recurrent branch of median nerve and observation of its location, measurement of the length of each muscle branch innervating thenar muscle and the easy-to-jam position of the recurrent branch of median nerve in the course of running. The measurement results uses nonparametric test of statistical analysis by side and gender. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. From January 2020 to January 2022, 21 patients with entrapment of the recurrent median nerve of wrist were treated, 14 males and 7 females. The age ranged from 31 to 65 years old, with an average of 46.2 years old. All patients developed thenar muscular atrophy. Before operation, the recurrent branch of median nerve was marked into the muscle point, and the thenar projection on palm surface was pressed, which caused fatigue and soreness. Electromyography examination: the motor latency of median nerve endings was more than 4.5 ms, and both fibrillation potential and positive potential appeared. The motor conduction velocity of all patients was less than 30 m/s, and the motor nerve amplitude was less than 10 mV. Surgical exploration of the recurrent branch of median nerve revealed that the trunk of the recurrent branch of median nerve made the tendon arch thickened at the starting point of the superficial head of flexor pollicis brevis, and there was compression between the deep layer of the palmar aponeurosis and the thenar musculocutaneous membrane, which was completely released during the operation to relieve the compression factor. All 21 patients had followed-up in outpatient. Results:Distance from the origin of the recurrent branch of median nerve to the distal edge of transverse carpal ligament. The distance from the origin of the recurrent branch of median nerve to the distal edge of transverse carpal ligament were (0.30, 0.31, 0.32) cm and (0.31, 0.32, 0.32) cm in male left and right groups, respectively, with no statistical significance ( Z=-0.943, P=0.346); The female left and right groups were (0.28, 0.28, 0.28) cm and (0.29, 0.30, 0.30) cm, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.121, P=0.034). The length and transverse diameter of the trunk of the recurrent branch of the median nerve, the length of the superficial head branch of flexor pollicis brevis and the length of the palmar muscle branch of the thumb had no significant difference between the left and right sides of males and females( P > 0.05). The length of abductor pollicis brevis muscle branch: the male left and right groups were (1.45, 1.27, 1.31) cm and (1.54, 1.38, 1.47) cm, respectively, and there was no statistical difference ( Z=-1.528, P = 0.127); The female left and right groups were (1.21, 1.18, 1.15) cm and (1.25, 1.24, 1.25) cm respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-1.993, P=0.046). All the 21 patients were entered in follow-up for 9-24 (average 15) months. After operation, the wounds of all patients healed in the first stage, the soreness at thenar disappeared, and the thenar muscle was full in appearance. In 21 patients, the thumb abduction function returned to normal, the thumb to palm opposition returned to normal in 19 cases, and was slightly limited in 2 cases. After operation, thenar muscle strength recovered to grade 5 in 19 cases and grade 4 in 2 cases. At the last follow-up, electromyography showed that the motor latency of median nerve endings was less than 4.5 ms, and the motor conduction velocity was greater than 40 m/s; Motor nerve amplitudes were all greater than 10 mV. According to the functional evaluation standard of carpal tunnel syndrome recommended by Gu Yudong, 19 cases were excellent, 2 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion:The length of each nerve branch of the recurrent median nerve innervates thenar muscle is different, and there are many factors that cause the recurrent median nerve to get stuck. It is of high clinical value to master the anatomical structure of the recurrent median nerve and the mechanism of the entrapment, and to completely loosen vulnerable parts by surgery.

Observation on therapeutic effect of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens combined with improved iris ligation in treatment of cataract with dilated pupils / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation combined with a modified iris cerclage for cataract with mydriasis.Methods:A clinical retrospective study was conducted. Six eyes of 6 patients with cataract and mydriasis were treated with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation combined with modified iris cerclage in Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from January 2018 to September 2022. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal endothelial cell count (CECC), pupil diameter and photophobia scores were statistically analysed by paired sample t test at 3 days before surgery and 3 months after surgery. The pupil shape, IOL position, intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:Postoperative follow-up with all patients lasted 3 to 6 months. The BCVA at the final follow-up (0.73±0.16) was significantly improved in all 6 patients compared with that of before surgery (0.43±0.12), with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in IOP and CECC before and after surgery ( P>0.05). The pupil diameter after surgery was significantly smaller than that before surgery ( P<0.05). The postoperative photophobia score was significantly lower than that before surgery ( P<0.05). Pupils in all 6 eyes were round-like, in a central position and without an iris capture of IOL. There was no serious intraoperative or postoperative complication. Conclusion:Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation combined with modified iris cerclage is a safe and efficient procedure that can effectively improve the visual acuity, reduce the pupil diameter, improve photophobia symptom and enhance the visual quality in patients with cataract combined with mydriasis.

Apply ultra-thin lobulated anterolateral thigh perforator flap in repairing of large soft tissue defect in foot: a report of 8 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

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.

Application of "ABC" three line perforator locating method for free anterolateral perforator flap of calf / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of an "ABC" three line perforator locating method in design and harvest of free anterolateral perforator flap of calf.Methods:Between March 2021 and November 2021, 42 patients with 62 wounds on hand and foot were treated in the Department of Hand Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital. The "ABC" three line perforator locating method was applied to determine the location and source of perforating branch before operation and to guide the design and harvest of flap during operation in wound reconstruction. Among the 42 patients, 24 had the injury of single digit, 7 had the injuries with 2 digits, 4 with 3 digits, 1 with 4 digits, 1 of the first web, 1 in the wrist, 2 of the great toe, 1 of second toe and 1 in dorsal foot. The sizes of soft tissue defect were 1.5 cm×2.0 cm-3.0 cm×14.0 cm. The sizes of the flaps were 2.0 cm×2.5 cm-3.5 cm×15.0 cm. All donor sites were sutured directly. In the follow-up, sensations of flaps were evaluated following the sensory function evaluation standard of British Medical Research Council(BMRC), and the recovery of the donor and recipient sites was evaluated by the flap comprehensive evaluation scale. Regular follow-up were scheduled at outpatient clinic.Results:A total of 162 perforators were located before operation. There were 95 perforating branches being explored in the operation, of which 5 patients had 1 extra perforating branch than that located before surgery. Seventy-six perforating branches were found consistent with preoperative localisation, with a coincidence rate of 84.4%(76/90). Sixty-four perforating branches were found consistent with the preoperative source with an accuracy rate of 84.2%(64/76). All the 62 flaps survived without a vascular compromise. Follow-up lasted for 6-10(mean 7.1) months. The colour and texture of the flaps were excellent. The flaps were thin and wear-resistant. The sensory function of the flaps was evaluated at S 1-S 3 by BMRC. Comprehensive evaluation scale of flap was excellent in 38 patients and good in 4 patients. Conclusion:"ABC" three line perforator locating method in design of free anterolateral calf flap is a feasible and an ideal auxiliary method in surgical practice. It combines anatomical knowledge, clinical experience and Doppler ultrasound localisation as well as accurately guides the location and source prediction of perforator before surgery.

Allogeneic corneal stromal flap applied in implantation of Ahmed glaucoma valve / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness and safety of the allogeneic corneal stromal flap in reducing the exposure of the drainage catheter in the implantation of Ahmed glaucoma valve.Methods:Fifty-three patients(61 eyes) with refractory glaucoma treated by Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation from January 2017 to April 2019 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into sclera tunnel group(routine group) and sclera tunnel with allogeneic corneal stroma flap covering(improved group). The cumulative success rate of surgery, preoperative intraocular pressure(IOP), IOP at the last outpatient follow-up, the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), BCVA at the last outpatient follow-up, drainage catheter exposure and other surgical complications were collected from both groups at 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. The data between the 2 groups were statistically analyzed, P<0.05 was statistically significant. Results:The cumulative success rates of 6, 12 and 24 months after operation were 89.7%, 86.2% and 69.0% in the routine group, and 90.6%, 90.6% and 71.8% in the improved group, respectively. There was no significant differences between the 2 groups( P>0.05). The IOP and BCVA at the final follow-up were significantly improved in both groups, with a statistical significant difference( P<0.05). In the conventional group, the exposure of drainage catheter occurred in 4 eyes(13.8%). Further surgeries were carried out to cover the exposed drainage catheters with allogeneic corneal stroma flaps and amniotic membrane and all had good recovery. There was no drainage catheter exposure in the improved group. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant( χ2=4.724, P=0.030). There was no significant difference in other surgical complications between the 2 groups( χ2=0.160, P=0.689). No intraoperative or postoperative complications regarding the corneal stromal flap were observed. Conclusion:Implantation of Ahmed glaucoma valve with allogeneic corneal stromal flap sealing can effectively reduce the exposure of the drainage catheter. It is a safe method.

Microsurgical removal of intraspinal meningioma: Skill required and surgical effect / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of treatment of spinal meningioma with microsurgical procedures.Methods:From January 2003 to March 2022, there were 120 patients who had spinal meningioma and treated in the Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Their clinical data were retrospectively analysed. Of the 120 patients, there were 90 females and 30 males, aged from 14 to 85 (average, 54) years old. According to McCormick Classification, 29 cases were in grade I, 59 cases were in grade II, 25 cases were in grade III, and 7 cases were in grade IV. They were all underwent microsurgery. Patients were followed up by outpatient service within 3 months after surgery, then reviewed by outpatient visits and telephone interviews. McCormick's classification method and MRI examination were used to analyse the neurological and imaging changes of the patients before and after the surgery.Results:A total of 113 patients had complete resection and 7 had the resection of most part of the spinal meningioma. No infection, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, other complications and death occurred. Three months after surgery, 95 patients achieved the improvement or even completely disappearance of symptoms (such as numbness, pain, limited movement, etc.). There were 23 patients who had the symptoms unchanged as what before the surgery. Two patients had the symptoms worsened after the surgery. At 3 months after surgery, 95 cases (79.2%) improved, 23 cases (19.2%) were stable, and 2 cases (1.6%) aggravated. According to McCormick classification method, 92 cases were in grade Ⅰ, 15 cases were in gradeⅡ, 10 cases were in grade Ⅲ, and 3 cases were in grade Ⅳ. MRI scans showed that the dural sac were well refluxed, and no recurrence was found.Conclusion:Microsurgery is safe and effective for removal of spinal meningioma, with significant improvement in symptoms with fewer complications.

Repair of soft tissue defect of ankle and foot with propeller flap pedicled with perforating branch of peroneal artery / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of propeller flap pedicled with perforating branch of peroneal artery in repairing soft tissue defects of ankle and foot.Methods:From August 2018 to August 2021, 15 cases of soft tissue defect of ankle and foot were repaired with propeller flap pedicled with perforating branch of peroneal artery in the Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Baoji Third Hospital. Among them, there were 7 cases with soft tissue defect in heel, 6 cases in lateral ankle and 2 cases in front of ankle. The size of defects was 3.0 cm×3.5 cm-5.5 cm×4.0 cm, and the size of flaps was 5.0 cm×4.5 cm-12.0 cm×6.0 cm. In 7 cases, the donor sites were closed directly with the aid of small paddle. The donor sites in other cases were covered with medium thickness skin graft after the wounds were narrowed by pull-up suture. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by follow-up at outpatient clinic and via telephone or WeChat interviews. Functional recovery was evaluated according to the American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) -Marylad.Results:Among the 15 flaps, 2 had distal necrosis and healed after dressing change; One flap was swelling and had venous osculation, but relived 2 weeks later. The rest of the 12 flaps survived smoothly. At the final follow-up: the shape and texture of the flap were good, and the protective feeling was restored; The ankle also recovered the normal flexion, extension and weight-bearing. According to the AOFAS-Marylad, function recovery were excellent in 9 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 2 cases.Conclusion:It is simple, safe and reliable to repair the soft tissue defect of foot and ankle with propeller flap pedicled with perforating branch of peroneal artery. It does not sacrifice the main blood vessels of limb, and the blood supply of the flap is reliable. It is an ideal operation for repairing the soft tissue defects of ankle and foot.

Repair of two wounds in the same or adjacent digits with free ipsilateral double pedicled superficial peroneal artery perforator flap / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the surgical method and clinical effect of harvesting 2 ipsilateral free pedicled perforator flaps from a single donor site of superficial peroneal artery in reconstruction of 2 defects in same or adjacent digits.Methods:From November 2017 to August 2021, 12 patients with 2 defects in same or adjacent digits were treated in the Department of Hand Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital with 2 ipsilateral free pedicled perforator flaps from a single donor site of superficial peroneal artery. Among the patients, 1 had the defect in dorsal and palmar of index finger, 1 in thumb and index finger, 6 in index and middle fingers, 3 in middle and ring fingers, and 1 in ring and little fingers. The size of digit defects was 1.5 cm×0.8 cm-6.0 cm×3.5 cm. The size of flaps was 2.0 cm× 1.2 cm-8.0 cm×4.0 cm. All the patients were included in postoperative monthly follow-up to assess the recovery of recipient and donor sites at outpatient service, by telephone or WeChat.Results:All 24 flaps in 12 patients survived without vascular compromise and achieved 100% of survival rate. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 18 months, with an average of 10 months. Six patients were treated with additional flap thinning and plastic surgery at 4 months after the primary surgery due to slightly bloated flaps. Otherwise, all the flaps in the recipient site had neither pigmentation, obvious hyperplasia nor scar pain. All flaps gained the protective sensations, however the assessment of TPD was not conducted. The flaps were wear-resist and had no ulceration. The texture of the flaps was soft with good elasticity, and the flap did not turn to purple or swelling when in cold. The functional recovery of 23 digits in 12 patients was evaluated according to the total active mobility (TAM) of the digits. It achieved excellent in 3 digits, good in 15 digits, and fair in 5 digits, with an excellent and good rate of 78.26%. A linear scar appeared at the donor site without obvious hyperplasia or scar pain. There were normal sensations around the scar and at the digit-tips. The blood supply to the digit-tips was normal.Conclusion:Harvest of multiple free pedicled perforator flaps from a single donor site of superficial peroneal artery is an effective method in reconstruction of 2 defects in same or adjacent digits at the same time. It has advantages of being a simple surgery procedure by sacrificing only one donor site. It achieves a minimal damage to the donor site and a reliable blood supply of the flap.

Free quadruple paddled posterior interosseous artery flaps combined with free hallux nail flap in repair of defects of 5 digits in one hand: A case report / 中华显微外科杂志

A patient who suffered soft tissue defects of all 5 digits of left hand was referred to the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China in January 2020. A quadruple paddled posterior interosseous artery flaps was used to cover the defect in index, middle, ring and little fingers and a free hallux nail flap was used to repair the defect in thumb. Two years after operation, the appearance and texture of the flaps of all digits in the left hand were good. The function of the digits was good as well. There were slightly noticeable scars left in both the donor sites of left forearm and right foot.

Pulp defect of thumb and finger repaired by the medial plantar artery flap: Report of 10 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of using the free medial planar artery flap(MPAF) pedicled by the superficial branch of the medial plantar artery in repair of pulp defect of thumb and finger.Methods:Ten patients with pulp defect of thumb and finger were repaired with MPAF of foot in the Department of Hand Surgery of the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University from November 2020 to January 2022. There were 3 cases of cutting injury, 2 cases of chainsaw injury, 2 cases of extrusion injury and 3 cases of avulsion injury. Digits injuried: 4 index fingers, 3 thumbs, 2 middle fingers, and 1 ring finger. After admission, Doppler ultrasound was performed to understand the running course of medial plantar artery. Emergency surgeries were performed to repair the pulp defects of thumb and finger with free MPAF, and donor sites were repaired by skin grafting. The area of soft tissue defects was 2.0 cm×2.5 cm-3.0 cm×4.5 cm, and the size of flap was 2.5 cm×3.0 cm-3.5 cm×5.0 cm after debridement. Postoperative effect was assessed over the follow-up at outpatient clinics by same group of surgeons. Functional recovery was evaluated according to the Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association.Results:All 10 free MPAFs pedicled by the superficial branch of medial plantar artery survived. After the transfer, the colour, texture and thickness of the flaps were matched with the digit with pulps realistic appearance. Secondary flap thinning surgery was not required. Two cases had blisters at the distal end of the flap, and healed after fluid extraction and dressing change. All patients had 3 to 18 months of follow-up. The TPD of the flap was 4-7 mm. The skin grafts in the donor sites survived well. At the last follow-up, the upper limb function was evaluated according to the Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, with the results of 8 cases in excellent and 2 in good.Conclusion:Free MPAF pedicled by the superficial branch of medial plantar artery can repair the pulp defect of thumb and finger with reliable blood supply, excellent texture and good appearance. And there is no damage to the main vessels in the donor site.

Replantation of severed auricle distal to helix with microsurgical technique: Report of 5 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To summarise the clinical experience in replantation of the severed auricle distal to helix with microsurgical technique.Methods:From December 2018 to October 2021, a total of 5 patients with severed auricle injury were treated in the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. They were 4 males and 1 female with 23-62 years old. After complete debridement of the auricular pinna, the retrograde replantation method was used. For arteries: a dorsal vein of the foot was used to bridge the posterior auricular artery. For veins: 2 patients had the veins directly anastomosed, 2 had the arteriovenous bridging to the posterior ear vein with dorsal foot veins, and the veins in 1 case were not anastomosed. Among the patients, 2 developed venous occlusions after severed auricle, and were treated with bloodletting through small incision at the skin margin. Two patients who received the arteriovenous of the severed auriclse achieved good blood supply. All the patients underwent treatments including anti-freezing, anti-spasm and anti-infection after the emergency surgery. The follow-ups were conducted regularly by telephone and by display photos via WeChat after surgery.Results:All 5 severed auricles were successfully replanted and survived. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 months to 2 years, with an average of 10 months. In the 2 cases with venous crisis, the auricles had mild atrophy. All auricles had no obvious pigmentation, and had the sensation recovery back to normal in 1 year after surgery.Conclusion:The pre-judgment of blood vessel quality and high-quality microsurgery skills are the necessary pre-conditions for auricle replantation. For replantation of severed auricle, it is the key to prevent vascular crisis by having the injured blood vessels thoroughly removed.

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 bilateral lateral pre-decompression of distal and proximal digits in replant of degloving injury / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical application of distal and proximal bilateral lateral pre-decompression in replant of digit degloving injury.Methods:From March 2012 to May 2021, 14 patients with 29 digits had replantation surgery of degloved soft tissue and severed digits in Section II, Department of Orthopaedics, Changzhou Medical District of 904th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force. There were 2 types of injuries: degloving injury of soft tissue but with intact digital tip, and digital tip degloving injury with intact distal phalanx and nail bed. With the technique of distal and proximal bilateral lateral pre-decompression, pre-decompression incisions were made to the subdermal on both sides of the degloved skin over the proper palmar digital arteries. From where, the distal stump of the proper palmar digital arteries and nerves for anastomosis were found and had them anastomosed with the proximal proper palmar digital arteries and proper palmar digital nerves, then anastomosed digital pulp and digital dorsal veins (11 cases were direct anastomosis and 3 cases were bridged anastomosis). Follow-up was carried out by outpatient consultation, telephone and WeChat APP. The appearance of the digit body, the shape of digital pulp, the nails grow and the motions of the digits were observed, and the Evaluation Standard of Replantation of Severed Fingers by the Society of Hand surgery of Chinese Medical Association was used to evaluate the recovery of function.Results:All 29 segments of degloving digit survived. Small necrotic areas was found in 4 digits and healed after the change of dressing. The followed-up time was lasted for 3-36 months. There was no obvious atrophy found in all the digits. Appearances of digit pulp and nails were satisfactory with good sensational recovery for TPD at 6-10 mm, 7 mm in average. Motions of all the repaired digits were good. According to the Evaluation Standard of Replantation of Severed Fingers by the Society of Hand surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 23 digits were in excellent, 4 in good and 2 in poor, with a satisfactory rate at 93.1%.Conclusion:For a distal digit injury with intact distal soft tissue and relatively mild injury of blood vessels and nerves, using the method of distal and proximal bilateral lateral pre-decompression can help to achieve good appearance in survived digital pulp, good sensational recovery and good nail growth. An individualised treatment intra-and-after the surgery could offer an ideal therapeutic effect.

Repair of digit tip soft tissue defect with free proximal perforator flap of proper palmar digital artery / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the surgical method and therapeutic effect of repairing digital tip defect with free flap of proximal perforating branch of proper palmar digital artery.Methods:From March, 2009 to January, 2021, 15 patients with soft tissue defects at the tip of 16 digits were repaired with free perforator flap of proper palmar digital artery. The flap was obtained from the ulnar side of an index finger, on both sides of a middle finger and on the proximal side of the radial side of the ring finger. The size of flaps was 1.8 cm × 1.2 cm - 4.5 cm × 2.2 cm. The flap carried dorsal branch of proper palmar digital nerve and 0.5-4.5 cm of arteriae digitales palmares propriae. The donor digital artery was re-anastomosed in 3 cases 3 digits, transferred and anastomosed in 2 cases and un-anastomosed in 10 cases 11 digits. The dorsal branch of the proper palmar digital nerve in the flap was anastomosed with the proper palmar digital nerve of the finger stump at the recipient site to restore the sensation of flap, and the donor sites at the wrist transverse stripes or elbow transverse stripes were directly sutured. Regular follow-up via outpatient visit, telephone or WeChat interviews was conducted to observe the appearance, sensation and recovery of the flap and finger joint function.Results:After surgery, the flaps and donor site skin grafts of 15 cases with 16 digits were all survived, with first stage healing. A 4 months to 12 years follow-up showed that the flaps were in good texture and full shape with TPD at 7 - 11 mm. The joint function of digits was recovered well, and there was no complaint about uncomfortable donor site. According to the Michigan Hand Function Questionnaire, all 15 patients were satisfied with the overall appearance and function of the hands. According to TAM evaluation standard, all the digits of 15 patients were in excellent.Conclusion:Free flap of the proximal perforating branch of proper palmar digital artery is an ideal in the repair of digital tip soft tissue defect, as it has the advantages of an anatomical constant vessel, hidden donor site, less trauma caused, simple flap resection and good therapeutic effect.

Progress in application of digital medical technology assisted fibular flap transfer in repair of mandibular defects / 中华显微外科杂志

Free vascularised fibular flap has many advantages in repair of mandibular defects, and it has become the main method in the mandibular reconstruction. However, the traditional free fibular flap used to repair the mandibular defect is lack of individualised design and precise surgical guidance, and it is difficult to achieve accurate repair and the effect of reconstruction. The concept of personalised and accurate functional reconstruction and the clinically application of digital medical technology provides a new approach to solve the problems. The application of digital medical technology in the repair of mandibular defects with fibular flap is one of the hotspots of current research. This article introduces the application characteristics of digital medical technology, such as 3-dimensional reconstruction technology, virtual surgery planning (VSP) technology and 3D printing technology, in the repair of mandibular defects with fibular flap transfer.

Repair of two soft tissue defects on the same finger by a pedicled tandem flap with first dorsal metatarsal artery-second toe tibial artery in series / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the technique and clinical effect of repairing 2 soft tissue defects on the same finger with a pedicled tandem flap of the first dorsal metatarsal artery and the second toe tibial artery.Methods:From March, 2018 to May, 2020, 8 patients, which were 5 males and 3 females, with 2 soft tissue defects in the same finger, were repaired with the first dorsal metatarsal artery flap in series with the second toe tibial flap. The causes of injury: 4 by crush, 2 by heavy object, and 2 by thermal press. There were 4 defects on index fingers, 2 on middle fingers and 2 on ring fingers. The defects ranged from 2.0 cm×2.5 cm to 2.5 cm×3.0 cm. All defects had exposed bone or tendon at varying degrees and 3 with phalanx fractures. Three patients underwent emergency surgery, the other 5 had sub-emergency surgery which were performed 3 to 5 days after the injury. The size of the flaps was 2.0 cm×2.5 cm to 3.0 cm×3.5 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly in 3 patients and 5 patients received skin grafting. The regular follow-up was performed. The survival of flaps, character, feeling and Total active motion(TAM), recovery of the foot donor area and complications were observed.Results:The operation time ranged from 2.0 to 5.5 hours, with an average of 3.5 hours. No vascular crisis occurred and all flaps survived after the surgery. All patients entered follow-up for 3-20 months, with an average of 8 months. The flaps had a good plump appearance, soft texture, good elasticity, and with a high similarity to the surrounding skin. The TPD of the flaps was 6-15 mm, with an average of 8 mm. The fingers had good flexion and extension functions. The incision in the donor site of the foot healed by first intention. The walking, running and jumping were normal without pain or discomfort.Conclusion:The first dorsal metatarsal artery-second toe tibial artery tandem flap has been used to repair 2 soft tissue defects in same finger. It simplifies the revascularisation of the flap together with exact surgical curative effect.

Augmented reality technology combined with Doppler ultrasound in repair of soft tissue defect around ankle with posterior tibial artery perforator flap / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of augmented reality (AR) technology combined with Doppler ultrasound in repairing soft tissue defects around ankle with posterior tibial artery perforator flap.Methods:From June, 2017 to June, 2020, 13 patients with soft tissue defects around ankle were repaired with the posterior tibial artery perforator flap sized 3.0 cm×7.0 cm-5.0 cm×10.0 cm. Preoperative CTA scan was performed to obtain the 3-dimensional image of the blood supply of the donor site. The origin and direction of blood supply, length of pedicle, diameter and the location of perforator were determined. An image fusion software based on Android mobile phone was used from the body surface to realize the navigation by AR, and to mark the locations of the points where blood vessels ran and passed by. At the same time, Doppler ultrasound was employed to confirm the navigation. The optimal puncture fulcrum was used as the flap rotation point in design of the flap. After the flap had been designed, the flap was harvested and the defect was repaired. Outpatient clinic follow-up was performed to evaluate the survival of flap and the function of ankle.Results:All 13 flaps survied without vascular issues. After 6-16 (average 10) months follow-up, all flaps survived. The flaps appeared soft with good blood supply. The colour of the repaired sites were basically the same as normal skin. According to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) , the ankle function was excellent in 9 patients and good in 4 patients. There was no obvious scar formation on the donor sites.Conclusion:The application of AR technology combined with Doppler ultrasound in the surgical planning of posterior tibial artery perforator flap has advantages in easy to operate in clinical practice. It can reduce the risk of surgery, and has significance in clinical practice.

Neuronavigation-assisted microsurgical operation via keyhole approaches for distal intracranial artery aneurysms / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the value of neuronavigation system in the keyhole microsurgical operation for distal intracranial artery aneurysms(DIAA).@*Methods@#The clinical data of 16 cases with DIAA who were treated by via keyhole approaches, from January, 2013 to December, 2018, were analyzed retrospectively. Ten aneurysms located in anterior cerebral artery(ACA), 3 in posterior inferior cerebellum artery(PICA) and 3 in perforator artery(PA). The optimal skin incision and craniotomy were designed with assistence of neuronavigation system preoperatively, and lesions were located precisely under the guidance of neuronavigation system during microsurgery before clipping or resection. Angiography was performed before discharge, and clinic followed-up was conducted monthly till 6 months after surgery.@*Results@#The systematic error of neuronavigation system ranged from 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, with an average of 0.6 mm. All 16 aneurysms were explored and managed successfully with the guidance of neuronavigation system without aneurysm premature rupture nor neuronavigation-related complications. Absolute occlusion of all aneurysms was documented angiographically after surgery. Of all cases, 2 experienced shunt procedure due to delayed hydrocephalus. During 6 months follow-up period, all 16 cases recovered well.@*Conclusion@#Neuronavigation system can precisely locate the deep-seated DIAA, contribute to the preoperative planning of microsurgery via keyhole approaches and avoid evitable injury during excessive manipulation. The noninvasive, rapid and contrast-enhanced CT images of head was an ideal data source for the neuronavigation system.

The application of turbocharging technique in repairing large defect with free perforator flap / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the feasibility and clinic outcome of the turbocharging technique in repairing large defect with free perforator flap.@*Methods@#From January 2017 to December 2018, 6 patients with defect of over length or large size were repaired with free perforator flaps, anterolateral thigh(ALT) flap in 3 cases and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator(DIEP) flap in 3 cases in Department of Hand Surgery, Ningbo No.6 Hospital. There were 4 males and 2 females, aged from 29 to 54 years old, with an average age of 41 years old.It was found that the size of the flap beyond the perforasome, while multiple perforators in the flaps were not from the same pedicle. The turbocharging technique was applied in the operation. The distal perforator of the flap was anastomosed with the proximal pedicle branch. The flap size ranged from 20 cm×8 cm to 25 cm×12 cm. The donor sites were closed directly for 3 cases and skin grafting for 3 cases.@*Results@#All the flaps survived successfully, no distal necrosis occurred. The patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months, with an average of 9 months. All flaps survived well with satisfactory appearance and pliable texture. The healing of skin graft was satisfactory in 3 cases in donor site. No graft skin contracture occurred. The donor sites closed directly in 3 cases had linear scar in donor site, no obvious contracture occurred. The flap sensation returned to S2-S3.@*Conclusions@#If the size of the flap is super long or large, beyond the perforasome, while multiple perforators in the flaps were not from the same pedicle, the application of turbocharging technique can avoid partial necrosis of the flap and improve the survival rate of the flap, which is an ideal alternative.

Neuronavigation-assisted microsurgical operation via keyhole approaches for distal intracranial artery a鄄neurysms / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the value of neuronavigation system in the keyhole microsurgical opera鄄tion for distal intracranial artery aneurysms (DIAA). Methods The clinical data of 16 cases with DIAA who were treated by via keyhole approaches, from January, 2013 to December, 2018, were analyzed retrospectively. Ten a鄄neurysms located in anterior cerebral artery(ACA), 3 in posterior inferior cerebellum artery(PICA) and 3 in perforator artery (PA).The optimal skin incision and craniotomy were designed with assistence of neuronavigation system preop鄄eratively, and lesions were located precisely under the guidance of neuronavigation system during microsurgery before clipping or resection. Angiography was performed before discharge, and clinic followed-up was conducted monthly till 6 months after surgery. Results The systematic error of neuronavigation system ranged from 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, with an average of 0.6 mm.All 16 aneurysms were explored and managed successfully with the guidance of neuronav鄄igation system without aneurysm premature rupture nor neuronavigation-related complications. Absolute occlusion of all aneurysms was documented angiographically after surgery. Of all cases, 2 experienced shunt procedure due to de鄄layed hydrocephalus.During 6 months follow-up period, all 16 cases recovered well. Conclusion Neuronavigation system can precisely locate the deep-seated DIAA, contribute to the preoperative planning of microsurgery via key鄄hole approaches and avoid evitable injury during excessive manipulation. The noninvasive, rapid and contrast-en鄄hanced CT images of head was an ideal data source for the neuronavigation system.