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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Could Ultrasound-Guided Stimulation of Sural Nerve Affect Nerve Conduction Study?

OBJECTIVE: To determine anatomical variation of the sural nerve (SN) by ultrasonography (US) and compare sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) of the SN obtained by a control method to that obtained with adjusted method using US. METHODS: Eighty legs of 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The location and formation of SN were investigated through US. Two methods of nerve conduction study (NCS) were then performed. In the control method, the cathode was placed 14 cm proximal to the lateral malleolus and the greatest SNAP amplitude was obtained by moving the cathode medially or laterally from just lateral to the calf-mid line. In adjusted NCS, the exact SN union site was stimulated in type 1. In other SN types, the stimulation was done directly over the nerve and the distance from the lateral malleolus was set to be 14 cm. RESULTS: It was found that 73.8% of the SNs were type 1, 22.5% were direct continuation of MSCN (type 2), and 3.8% were MSCN and LSCN without communicating (type 4). However, type 3 was not found. The union point in type 1 SN was 12.6±2.5 cm proximal to the lateral malleolus and 1.4±0.7 cm lateral to the calf-midline. After stimulation adjustment, SNAP amplitude in type 1 SN was significantly increased (20.7±5.5 μV vs. 27.1±6.7 μV). CONCLUSION: Anatomical variation of SN and its location were verified by US. US provides additional information for conducting sural NCS and helps obtain more accurate results.

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

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

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

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

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

Sural Nerve Tuberculoma: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

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

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

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

Application of Shear Wave Elastography in Type 2 Diabetic Sural Neuropathy / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the value of shear wave elastography (SWE) for diagnosis of sural neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods:From September to December, 2017, 119 patients with T2DM were divided into diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) group (n = 61) and non-DPN group (n = 58) according to the diagnosic criteria. In the same period, other 60 healthy volunteers were also recruited as normal group. They were measured the thickness, width, circumference and cross-sectional area of sural nerve, as well as the Young's modulus and shear wave velocity (SWV) with SWE. Based on the results of electrophysiology, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to determine the cut-off of the Young's modulus and SWV to differentiate DPN from non-DPN, and their area under the curve was compared. Results:The thickness of sural nerve was more in DPN group than in the normal group (P < 0.05). There were significant differences among all the groups in width, cross-sectional area, circumference, Young's modulus and SWV of sural nerves (P < 0.05). For SWE image, it was yellow-green for DPN group, dark blue for non-DPN group, and uniform light blue for the normal group. The cut-off was 51.65 kPa for Young's modulus, with the area under the curve of 0.925, sensitivity of 86.9% and specificity of 89.7%; while it was 4.15 m/s for SWV, with the area under curve of 0.923, specificity of 89.7% and sensitivity of 85.2%. The diagnostic efficiency for DPN was similar between Young's modulus and SWV (Z = 0.556, P = 0.579). Conclusion:SWE can provide useful information for clinical diagnosis of sural neuropathy after T2DM.

Peripheral neuropathy and the role of nerve biopsy: A revisit

Background: Nerve biopsy has been widely used to investigate patients with peripheral neuropathy and in many centers, it is still a part of the diagnostic armamentarium. In this study, the histopathological spectrum of the nerve biopsies received is being revisited to analyze the various clinical and pathologic features and also to assess their relevance. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of the data retrieved was done for 74 cases of nerve biopsies. Results: On the basis of the data and histopathological features, broad diagnoses were obtained in 52 cases and further categorized into biopsies being supportive for patient management (including acute and chronic axonopathies and demyelinating neuropathies) and biopsies considered essential for patient management (including vasculitic neuropathies, leprous neuropathies, hereditary neuropathies, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies). Nine nerve biopsies did not show any abnormal histopathological features, while 13 nerve biopsies were found to be inadequate for diagnosis, both these groups were categorized as noncontributory. Conclusion: With advanced nerve conduction studies available, nerve biopsy is losing its relevance. However, in our experience, nerve biopsy did complement the clinical findings and nerve conduction studies, with which a close correlation is required to make the histopathology of nerve biopsy more relevant in terms of guiding further specific workup and management.

Caso Clínico: Cirugía Reconstructiva de Tobillo / Case Report: Reconstructive Ankle Surgery

INTRODUCCIÓN: La diabetes mellitus es un importante problema de salud pública, según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, 422 millones de adultos en todo el mundo en 2014. En 2012 provocó 1.5 millones de muertes a nivel mundial; es la primera causa de amputación no traumática en miembros inferiores y las infecciones del pie ocurren con alta frecuencia en pacientes mal controlados. Este caso muestra la reconstrucción de defectos de partes blandas en el tercio inferior pierna, talón, maléolos y pie a través de la descripción del colgajo sural reverso. En este estudio se discuten las ventajas y desventajas de la utilización de esta técnica. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de sexo femenino 56 años de edad con antecedentes de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 mal controlada, que sufrió una fractura de tobillo izquierdo tratada con osteosíntesis; durante el postoperatorio acudió a emergencia, por presentar dolor de gran intensidad en tobillo izquierdo, fiebre, dehiscencia de herida quirúrgica, acompañada de secreción serosa. EVOLUCIÓN: La paciente luego de varias limpiezas quirúrgicas y cambios de terapia de cierre asistido por presión negativa, se consigue controlar la infección, con persistencia del defecto de cobertura ósea y del material de osteosíntesis. Se presentaron complicaciones adicionales como la rigidez articular, atrofia muscular; se decidió realizar reconstrucción del tercio distal del pie usando colgajo fasciocutáneo sural de flujo reverso, que evolucionó satisfactoriamente, consiguiendo cubrir el defecto con tejido biológico. CONCLUSIÓN: El colgajo sural de flujo reverso, es una técnica reproducible, que permite cubrir defectos de cobertura en tercio distal de pierna y tobillo; acortar los tiempos de hospitalización, especialmente cuando hay exposición ósea o de material de osteosíntesis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem, according to the World Health Organization, 422 million adults worldwide in 2014. In 2012, it caused 1.5 million deaths worldwide. Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputation in lower limbs and foot infections occur with high frequency in poorly controlled patients. This case shows the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the lower third leg, heel, malleoli and foot through the description of the reverse sural flap. In this study the advantages and disadvantages of the use of this technique are discussed. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old female patient with a poorly controlled history of Diabetes Mellitus type 2, who suffered a fracture of the left ankle treated with osteosynthesis, and who during the postoperative period attended emergency orthopedics and traumatology, due to severe pain in the left ankle, fever, dehiscence of surgical wound, accompanied by serous secretion. EVOLUTION: The patient, after several surgical cleanings and changes in closure therapy assisted by negative pressure, manages to control the infection, with persistence of the bone coverage defect and the osteosynthesis material. There were additional complications such as joint stiffness, muscle atrophy; it was decided to reconstruct the distal third of the foot using a reverse flow sural fasciocutaneous flap, which evolved satisfactorily, managing to cover the defect with biological tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The sural flap of reverse flow is a reproducible technique that allows to cover coverage defects in the distal third of the leg and ankle; shorten hospitalization times, especially when there is bone exposure or osteosynthesis material.

Intraoperative Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Repair of a Ruptured Achilles Tendon: A Comparative Study with Open Repair / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided percutaneous repair (USPR) and open repair in a ruptured Achilles tendon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The outcomes of 12 patients with USPR (group A) and 18 patients with open repair (group B) from January 2015 to February 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The postoperative clinical evaluations were performed using the Arner-Lindholm scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS), and visual analogue scale for the overall satisfaction and cosmetic satisfaction with the scar, and the starting time of single heel raises. The complications were also evaluated. RESULTS: The Arner-Lindholm scale, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, ATRS, starting time of single heel raises were similar in both groups (all p>0.05). Group A showed a significantly higher overall patient's satisfaction and cosmetic satisfaction in than group B (all p < 0.05). Two cases of Achilles tendon elongation were encountered in group A, and 1 case of re-rupture with deep infection and 1 case of superficial infection were experienced in group B. CONCLUSION: USPR showed good clinical outcomes and high satisfaction as well as a low rate of complications, such as sural nerve injury. Therefore, USPR can be considered as an effective surgical treatment option for Achilles tendon ruptures.

Patterns of Nerve Conduction Abnormalities in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus According to the Clinical Phenotype Determined by the Current Perception Threshold

BACKGROUND: Clinical manifestations of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) vary along the course of nerve damage. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) have been suggested as a way to confirm diagnoses of DPN, but the results have limited utility for evaluating clinical phenotypes. The current perception threshold (CPT) is a complementary method for diagnosing DPN and assessing DPN symptoms. We compared NCS variables according to clinical phenotypes determined by CPT measurements. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent both NCS and CPT tests using a neurometer. CPT grades were used to determine the clinical phenotypes of DPN: normoesthesia (0 to 1.66), hyperesthesia (1.67 to 6.62), and hypoesthesia/anesthesia (6.63 to 12.0). The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) was used to determine a subjective symptom score. DPN was diagnosed based on both patient symptoms (MNSI score ≥3) and abnormal NCS results. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients (117 men and 85 women) were included in the final analysis. The average age was 62.6 years, and 71 patients (35.1%) were diagnosed with DPN. The CPT variables correlated with MNSI scores and NCS variables in patients with diabetes. Linear regression analyses indicated that hypoesthesia was associated with significantly lower summed velocities and sural amplitudes and velocities, and higher summed latencies, than normoesthesia. Sural amplitude was significantly lower in patients with hyperesthesia than in patients with normoesthesia. CONCLUSION: NCS variables differed among patients with diabetes according to clinical phenotypes based on CPT and decreased sural nerve velocities was associated with hyperesthesia.

Sural Nerve Entrapment and Tenosynovitis of Peroneus Longus by Hypertrophied Peroneal Tubercle: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

A hypertrophied peroneal tubercle can present as a bony prominence at the lateral aspect of the foot and a peroneal tenosynovitis or tear. We report a case of a 52-year-old man complaining of lateral foot tingling pain and numbness. The sural nerve entrapment and peroneus longus tenosynovitis by hypertrophied peroneal tubercle were confirmed. Good results were obtained after excision of the hypertrophied peroneal tubercle and sural nerve release.

Free chimeric vascularized fibular graft and sural flap for reconstruction of composite extremity defects / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To report clinical application of free chimeric vascularized fibular graft combined with sural flap for reconstruction of composite extremity defects after open fracture.Methods From June 2010 to July 2014,free chimeric vascularized fibular grafts and sural flaps were used to treat 4 patients with composite extremity defects at Department of Orthopaedics,The Sixth People's Hospital.They were 3 men and one woman,aged from 39 to 61 years(average,48.5 years).There were 2 cases of soft tissue defects on the forearm complicated with radial defect,one case of soft tissue defects on the forearm complicated with ulnar shaft defect,and one case of soft tissue defects on the leg complicated with tibial defect.The length of bone defect ranged from 8 cm to 18 cm (average,13.0 cm);the size of soft tissue defects ranged from 22 cm × 6cmto23cm × 15 cm (average,22.3cm × 9.7cm).Results The area of flap ranged from 25 cm × 9 cm to 26 cm × 18 cm (average,25 cm × 13 cm);the length of fibular graft ranged from 8 cm to 18 cm (average,13 cm).The 4 patients were followed up for 8 to 42 months (average,20.5 months).All the chimeric flaps survived.All the fractures united after an average of 8.5 months.The last follow-ups revealed no refracture.All the patients were satisfied with the outcomes.Conclusion Free chimeric vascularized fibular graft combined with sural flap is a reliable choice for reconstruction of composite extremity defects after open fracture.

Per-oral cross-facial sural nerve graft for facial reanimation / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Cross-facial nerve graft is considered the treatment of choice for facial reanimation in patients with unilateral facial palsy caused by central facial nerve damage. In most cases, a traditional parotidectomy skin incision is used to locate the buccal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve. METHODS: In this study, cross-facial nerve graft with the sural nerve was planned for three patients with facial palsy through an intraoral approach. RESULTS: An incision was made on the buccal cheek mucosa, and the dissection was performed to locate the buccal branch of the facial nerve. The parotid papillae and parotid duct were used as anatomic landmarks to locate the buccal branch. CONCLUSIONS: The intraoral approach is more advantageous than the conventional extraoral approach because of clear anatomic marker (parotid papilla), invisible postoperative scar, reduced tissue damage from dissection, and reduced operating time.