OBSERVATIONAL PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF DIFFERENT RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY IN ORAL CAVITY CARCINOMA

OBJECTIVES & AIMS:• To evaluate the outcome of different Reconstructive surgery in oral cavity carcinoma• To determine the factors which increase the complication in post op reconstructive surgery(like – diabetes, hypertension, smoking etc.)• The effect of flap transfer on complication or on post op rehabilitation of patients in oralcavity carcinoma.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted at GCS hospital,Ahmedabad between oct. 2021 to June 2022. Sample size is 40 patients with case of oral cavitycarcinoma, out of which some cases underwent for PMMC Flap, Radial forearm free flap, ALTfree flap, fibula flap, forehead rotational flap, deltopectoral flap and local flap.CONCLUSION:Risks have not increased complications in PMMC or Free flap group in our study. Various otherstudies have similar results however a larger patient pool may be needed to assess them. ThePMMC flap is more favorable for patients with possibly lethal pre-op morbidities, when a longoperation is not advisable and a small defect is expected as compared to the longer operationduration of ALT free flap & Radial free flap.Though the flap related complications & donor site related complications are more with foreheadrotational flap as compared to PMMC. ALT & Radial forearm free flap, statistically there is nosignificant difference. Also, in the functional post-op outcomes there is minimally statisticallysignificant difference with PMMC flap, ALT free flap or Radial free flap, local flaps and otherreconstructive surgery.

Aesthetic Reconstruction of Scrotum after Founiers Gangrene using Laterally based Medial Thigh Fasciocutaneous Flap

Introduction : Fournier抯 Gangrene is a rapidly progressive necrotising faciitis affecting the genital region, perineum, perianal region and the abdominal wall. It can have an adverse effect on the functional and psychological aspects of the patient. Many flaps are available for the defect coverage. Aim : The aim of this prospective study was to analyse the effectiveness of laterally based medial thigh flap for scrotal reconstruction. This is a fasciocutaneous flap just below the Scrotum which covers moderate to large sized scrotal defects successfully. Methods and Materials : This study was done at a teaching hospital in South India on patients with major scrotal defects secondary to Fournier抯 Gangrene. Ten patients with major scrotal defects secondary to Fournier抯 gangrene were subjected to reconstruction of scrotum by medial thigh fasciocutaneous flap. Results and Conclusions : All ten flaps survived and provided a durable and aesthetic cover for exposed testes. Only one flap had necrosis of distal 2cm, which was successfully managed by secondary suturing. The donor areas were primarily covered with placement of a small graft near the base of the flap, which healed well with an inconspicuous scar. In conclusion, the laterally based medial thigh fasciocutaneous flap provides excellent closure for extensive scrotal skin loss. It is a robust flap, easy to mobilise, rarely undergoes necrosis, provides a sensate cover with excellent aesthetic results. The technique is simple, less time consuming and can be easily incorporated by plastic Surgeons and General Surgeons

Clinical application of Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap in repair of complex calf soft tissue defects / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effectiveness of Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap transplantation in the treatment of complex calf soft tissue defects.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of the patients with complicated calf soft tissue defects, who were treated with Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap (study group, 23 cases) or bridge anterolateral thigh flap (control group, 23 cases) between January 2008 and January 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. All complex calf soft tissue defects in the two groups were caused by trauma or osteomyelitis, and there was only one major blood vessel in the calf or no blood vessel anastomosed with the grafted skin flap. There was no significant difference between the two groups in general data such as gender, age, etiology, size of leg soft tissue defect, and time from injury to operation ( P>0.05). The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was used to evaluate the sufferred lower extremity function of the both groups after operation, and the peripheral blood circulation score of the healthy side was evaluated according to the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society's functional evaluation standard for replantation of amputated limbs. Weber's quantitative method was used to detect static 2-point discrimination (S2PD) to evaluate peripheral sensation of the healthy side, and the popliteal artery flow velocity, toenail capillary filling time, foot temperature, toe blood oxygen saturation of the healthy side, and the incidence of complications were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#No vascular or nerve injury occurred during operation. All flaps survived, and 1 case of partial flap necrosis occurred in both groups, which healed after free skin grafting. All patients were followed up 6 months to 8 years, with a median time of 26 months. The function of the sufferred limb of the two groups recovered satisfactorily, the blood supply of the flap was good, the texture was soft, and the appearance was fair. The incision in the donor site healed well with a linear scar, and the color of the skin graft area was similar. Only a rectangular scar could be seen in the skin donor area where have a satisfactory appearance. The blood supply of the distal limb of the healthy limb was good, and there was no obvious abnormality in color and skin temperature, and the blood supply of the limb was normal during activity. The popliteal artery flow velocity in the study group was significantly faster than that in the control group at 1 month after the pedicle was cut, and the foot temperature, toe blood oxygen saturation, S2PD, toenail capillary filling time, and peripheral blood circulation score were significantly better than those in the control group ( P<0.05). There were 8 cases of cold feet and 2 cases of numbness on the healthy side in the control group, while only 3 cases of cold feet occurred in the study group. The incidence of complications in the study group (13.04%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (43.47%) ( χ 2=3.860, P=0.049). There was no significant difference in LEFS score between the two groups at 6 months after operation ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap can reduce postoperative complications of healthy feet and reduce the impact of surgery on blood supply and sensation of healthy feet. It is an effective method for repairing complex calf soft tissue defects.

Muscle strength and psychometric properties of the health-related quality of life in patients with soft tissue sarcoma resection in the thigh

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of STS resection in the thigh on MS and the HRQoL. Methods: Fourteen adults patients with STS in the thigh who underwent wide resection and limb preservation were evaluated. The patients were submitted to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A hand-held dynamometer was used to measure the MS the flexors, adductors, abductors, and extensors muscles of the operated and non-operated thighs and between the dominant and non-dominant operated sides. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) and Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) questionnaires were applied to quantify the psychometric properties of the HRQoL. The data were submitted to statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test (MS), and Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation (MSTS and SF-36) (α = 0.05). Results: There was no significant difference in MS between the operated side and the non-operated side, and between the dominant and non-dominant operated side (ρ > 0.05). The MSTS presented a significant difference in the emotional acceptance for patients submitted to radiotherapy (ρ = 0.029). The SF-36 showed significant differences in the emotional aspect for patients submitted to chemotherapy (ρ = 0.027) and in the social aspect between the dominant and non-dominant operated side (ρ = 0.024). Conclusions: The HRQoL of adult patients is hampered after the treatment of STS even when MS is maintained.

Effects of thigh perforator flap on repair of oral and maxillofacial head and neck defects / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical experience of different types of femoral perforator flaps in the reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial head and neck defects.Methods:From January 2018 to January 2021, 573 patients with oral and maxillofacial head and neck defects reconstructed by femoral perforator flap were collected in the Department of Maxillofacial Oncology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University (age range of 21-76 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.23∶1). According to the type of perforator flap, the patients were divided into ALT group, AMT group, TFL flap group and free muscle flap group. The incidence of postoperative complications, wound healing time and drainage volume in femoral area were compared among the 4 groups.Results:The ALT flap was used in 527 cases: 22 flaps had vascular crisis, 14 flaps had infection, 8 flaps had necrosis, 519 flaps survived; the mean healing time of the wound was (14.50±3.19) days, and the mean drainage volume was (49.9±21.3) ml. 28 cases were repaired with AMT flap: 2 flaps had vascular crisis and 1 had infection. All the flaps survived; the mean healing time of the wound was (14.18±2.75) days, and the mean drainage volume was (50.3±23.0) ml. 11 cases were repaired by TFL flap: 1 flap had vascular crisis and 1 had infection. All the flaps survived. The mean healing time of the wound was (14.09±2.66) days, and the mean drainage volume was (54.1±25.0) ml. 7 cases were repaired by free muscle flap survived without vascular crisis, infection and other postoperative complications; the mean healing time of the wound was 14.14±1.86, and the mean postoperative drainage volume was (49.9±21.1) ml. There was no significant difference in complication rate (flap necrosis, vascular crisis, infection, etc.) and repair effect among 573 patients with different flap types. The postoperative follow-up was conducted for 6-24 months, and the donor area was smooth and good in appearance, without obvious scar or functional influence. The repair effect of the affected area was satisfactory.Conclusions:Although there is a certain proportion of perforator vessel variation in the femoral perforator flap, the flap can be designed freely according to different types of variation. The thigh perforator flap has an essential application value in the repair of oral and maxillofacial head and neck defects.

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.

Repair of scalp defect with anterolateral thigh perforator flap after revascularisation of moyamoya disease: a report of 7 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

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.

Anatomy of rectus femoris muscle flap and anterolateral thigh muscle flap and their application in reconstruction of postoperative defects of oral malignant tumour / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the anatomy of rectus femoris muscle flap and the anterolateral thigh muscle flap and their clinical application in reconstruction of large soft tissue defects after the removal of oral malignant tumour.Methods:From December 2006 to June 2009, 8 specimens of Chinese adult cadavers fixed in 10% formaldehyde were dissected to perform anatomy of anterolateral thigh region at the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University. Anatomical images were analysed using Image-Pro Plus 6.0. Then, a retrospective study was performed on 19 patients who had postoperative defects after oral malignant tumour surgery and the defects were reconstructed with the rectus femoris muscle flap and the anterolateral thigh muscle flap from March 2020 to July 2022 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital, Kunming Medical University. The postoperative defects of the 19 patients ranged from 3.0 cm×6.0 cm to 5.0 cm×10.0 cm. Ten rectus femoris muscle flaps, 8 anterolateral thigh muscle flaps and 1 combined rectus femoris muscle flap and anterolateral thigh muscle flap were used. The muscular flaps sized from 4.0 cm × 8.0 cm to 6.0 cm × 11.0 cm. Regular postoperative outpatient follow-ups were conducted.Results:The lengths of vessels of the harvested rectus femoris muscle flap and anterolateral thigh muscle flap were 63.4 mm± 12.9 mm and 112.5 mm± 19.6 mm, respectively. The starting outer diameters of the lateral circumflex thigh artery, the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex thigh artery and the descending branch of the lateral circumflex thigh artery were 2.92 mm±0.72 mm, 1.88 mm±0.23 mm and 2.29 mm±0.43 mm, respectively. Postoperative follow-up lasted for 7 to 32 months, with 17.5 months in average. Seventeen flaps were completely survived and the rectus femoris muscle flap was completely mucosalised 5 weeks after surgery. However, 2 rectus femoris muscle flaps had necrosis of which one was changed to a tongue flap reconstruction and the other encountered flap necrosis during postoperative radiotherapy and healed after debridement and dressing changes. There was no postoperative complication in the donor sites. Other than the 2 patients, all other 17 patients had satisfactory clinical outcomes.Conclusion:Both of the starting outer diameters and length of vessels of the femoris muscle flap and the anterolateral thigh muscle flap meet the requirements for reconstruction of maxillofacial defects, and both muscular flaps are simple to prepare, in good reconstructive results with few complication, as well as an excellent outcome. They are feasible approaches for reconstruction of large soft tissue defects left after the removal of an oral malignant tumour.

Vascular pressurisation and super-reflux techniques applied in free anterolateral thigh flap / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of vascular pressurisation and super reflux on free anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF).Methods:From January 2017 to September 2021, the Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College had treated 31 cases of soft tissue defects of the limbs. The patients were 23 males and 8 females, aged 4-76 years old at 40 years old in average. All the patients received transfer of free ALTFs carrying 2 groups of blood vessels of the descending and oblique branches of lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA). The vascular pressurisation and super-reflux techniques were applied in wound repair. Soft tissue defect area 7 cm × 5 cm-22 cm × 10 cm. The sizes of flaps were 8 cm×6 cm-23 cm×11 cm. All the donor sites were sutured directly. Fifteen patients had inner flap pressurisation (or super-reflux) and the rest of 16 patients had external flap pressurisation (or super-reflux). After surgery, scheduled follow-ups were conducted through outpatient clinic, telephone and WeChat reviews or home visits to evaluate the efficacy of wound repair.Results:All the 31 flaps survived, except 2 flaps that had mild infection after surgery. The wounds of donor and recipient sites healed completely. The time of follow-up was 3-55 months. The skin of flaps achieved good texture, colour, lustre and appearance. TPD of the flaps ranged 7-12 mm.Conclusion:Vascular pressurisation and super reflux technique are stable and reliable in the clinical application of free ALTF to repair soft tissue defects of limbs.

Digital and 3D printing technologies in design of superficial iliac circumflex artery flap for coverage of donor site of anterolateral thigh flap: Report of 8 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the efficacy of digital and 3D printing technologies on design of superficial iliac circumflex artery flap for coverage the donor site of anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF).Methods:Clinical data of 8 patients were studied retrospectively for treatment of soft tissue defects of hand in the Department of Hand Surgery, Wuxi NO.9 People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, from April 2017 to October 2021. The patients were 6 males and 2 females, aged from 29 to 59 years(mean, 45.8 years). Cause of injury: 3 patients were crushed, 2 by hot pressing, and 3 by machine strangulation. Site of injury included: 5 cases were dorsal hand defects and 3 cases were palm defects. All the wounds were contaminated to varying degrees with soft tissue defects. The areas of soft tissue defect ranged from 11 cm×10 cm to 22 cm×14 cm. Four patients had combined injuries of open fracture of metacarpals and phalanges and 3 with tendon defects. All wounds were repaired by free ALTF transplantation. And the donor sites in the thigh were repaired by superficial iliac circumflex artery flaps. The secondary wounds caused by flap harvesting on abdominal wall were closed directly. The targeted perforator vessels were detected preoperatively by CTA combined with CDU. 3D printed models of the affected hand were obtained before operation for individualised repairs according to the shape and area of the wounds. After the operation, all patients entered scheduled follow-ups at the outpatient clinic and via internet by observing the flap shape and testing the recovery of sensory and movement of adjacent joint.Results:The shapes and sizes of the wounds and the flaps were found basically in accordance with those in the preoperative simulative designs. All flaps in 8 patients survived and the wounds healed completely. All patients entered follow-ups for 8 to 24(average, 17.5) months. The donor thighs presented good appearance and colour, pliability without bloating. The range of motion of the hips and knees was not affected. Only linear scars remained in the abdominal donor sites, with natural colour and appearance.Conclusion:Digital and 3D printing technologies in preoperative design of flaps can help to locate the perforator vessels intraoperatively and guide the individualised design of the flaps with improved operation efficiency and satisfactory appearance of the flaps.

Free anterolateral thigh flap with reversed arterial flow in repair of foot and ankle wounds in children / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate feasibility and clinical effect of free anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF) with reversed arterial flow in repair of foot and ankle wounds in children.Methods:From October 2014 to February 2021, the free ALTF with reversed arterial flow was used to repair the wounds in 7 children with severe soft tissue injury and main blood vessel injury in the Department of Hand & Foot Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of University of South China. Of the 7 injured children, 5 were caused by traffic accident, 1 by mechanical strangulation and 1 by heavy object. The size of wounds ranged from 6.0 cm×8.0 cm to 9.0 cm×11.0 cm. ALTF were designed to be anastomosed with the blood vessels at the recipient sites by retrograde blood supply. The size of flaps ranged from 6.0 cm×8.0 cm to 10.0 cm×11.0 cm. All flap donor sites were pulled together and directly sutured. Follow-ups were conducted through outpatient clinic visits, telephone call and WeChat reviews in the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th months after surgery. The major contents in follow-up were the shape, colour, texture, sensation of flap and function of ankles.Results:All donor sites healed at I stage. A total of 5 flaps survived successfully; One flap had venous occlusion after surgery, and the flap survived after surgical exploration; One flap had partial necrosis after surgery, and repaired with artificial dermis after further debridement. Postoperative follow-up lasted for 6-24 months, with an average of 10.5 months. All flaps appeared in similar colour and texture to the surrounding soft tissues. Two children underwent flap repair after half a year due to bloated flaps. The Ankle-hind foot Function Score of American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society(AOFAS) was used to evaluate the ankle function. AOFAS achieved 84-94 points, with 5 children in excellent and 2 in good. The sensation recovered to S 3+ in 5 children, S 3 in 1 child and S 2 in 1 child, according to the standard of British Medical Research Council (BMRC). Conclusion:For the children with severe soft tissue injury combined with main vascular injury in foot and ankle, free ALTF with reversed arterial flow can repair the defect and effectively secure the blood supply. It is a feasible method for wound repair.

Utilização de retalho baseado na artéria genicular lateral superior na cobertura de lesões de membros inferiores: relato de casos / Use of a flap based on the superior lateral genicular artery to cover lower limb injuries: case reports

O joelho é uma das principais articulações do corpo humano e, em função de sua conformação e funcionalidade, é facilmente suscetível a lesões. A reconstrução cirúrgica de lesões ao redor do joelho e região proximal da perna representa um grande desafio devido à exposição de estruturas osteoarticulares, tendinomusculares e neurovasculares e tem sido realizada com uso de diversos retalhos musculares e musculocutâneos. Outros retalhos também são descritos para tratamento dessas lesões, embora em menor frequência na literatura, como o retalho cutâneo baseado no pedículo da artéria genicular lateral superior. A seguir, é apresentado o relato de cinco casos de pacientes vítimas de acidentes motociclísticos nos quais realizou-se a cobertura da lesão ao redor do joelho e região proximal da perna com o uso do retalho cutâneo baseado no pedículo da artéria genicular lateral superior, nos quais foram obtidos uma boa cobertura das lesões, alta taxa de sobrevida do retalho, bons resultados clínicos e estéticos. O uso do artéria genicular lateral superior apresenta vantagens estéticas, visto que a cor e a textura do retalho são semelhantes às da região do joelho e conferem uma aparência de melhor qualidade, além de não causarem problemas de mobilidade articular.

The knee is one of the main joints in the human body, and due to its conformation and functionality, it is easily susceptible to injuries. Surgical reconstruction of injuries around the knee and proximal region of the leg represents a major challenge due to the exposure of osteoarticular, tendinomuscular and neurovascular structures and has been performed using various muscle and musculocutaneous flaps. Other flaps are also described for treating these lesions, although less frequently in the literature, such as the cutaneous flap based on the pedicle of the superior lateral genicular artery. Next, It presents a report of five cases of patients who were victims of motorcycle accidents in which the lesion was covered around the knee and proximal region of the leg using a skin flap based on the pedicle of the superior lateral genicular artery, in which good coverage of lesions, high flap survival rate, good clinical and aesthetic results. The use of the superior lateral genicular artery presents aesthetic advantages since the color and texture of the flap are similar to those of the knee region and provide a better quality appearance, in addition to not causing joint mobility problems.

A COMPARATIVE RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF PLASTIC RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY AFTER EXCISION OF ORAL CAVITY CARCINOMA USING PMMC FLAP, RADIAL FREE FLAP, OR ALT FREE FLAP

OBJECTIVES & AIMS: To determine whether the known risk factors such as comorbidities like diabetes &hypertension, or smoking increase the complications of flap transfer. Whether the type of flap transfer has any effect on flap related complications or onpost-operative rehabilitation of patients.METHODOLOGY:This is a retrospective study conducted at GCS Hospital, Ahmedabad, between January 2020to July 2021. Sample size is 63 patients with oral cavity cancer, out of which 21 underwentPMMC flap reconstruction, 21 underwent free ALT free flap reconstruction and 21underwent Radial free flap reconstruction.CONCLUSION:Risks have not increased complications in free flap or PMMC group in our study. Variousother studies have similar results however a larger patient pool may be needed to assess them.Though the flap related complications & donor site related complications are more withPMMC flap as compared to ALT & Radial free flap, statistically there is no significantdifference. Also, in the functional post-op outcomes there is no statistically significantdifference with PMMC flap, ALT free flap or Radial free flap.

Clinical application of the mixed reality technique to assist the location and anatomy of perforator vessels of the anterolateral femoral flap / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To explore the clinical application value of mixed reality technology in locating perforator vessels and assisting perforator vessel dissection to harvest anterolateral thigh flaps.@*Methods@#Six patients who needed anterolateral thigh flap repair after resection of oral and maxillofacial tumors were recruited from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Nanchong Central Hospital from January 2020 to January 2021. Before surgery, the CT angiography data of the lower limbs of the patients carrying the calibration points were imported into the data workstation to perform 3D reconstruction of the perforator vessels and surrounding tissues of the thigh, and the reconstruction results were imported into Microsoft HoloLens 2 glasses. During the operation, calibration was performed at the calibration point of the operative area so that the preoperative reconstruction results were superimposed on the operative area through Microsoft HoloLens 2 glasses. The clinical application value of mixed reality technology assisted perforator vessel location and anatomy of anterolateral femoral perforator flap was discussed from six aspects: whether the perforator vessel was reconstructed preoperatively, intraoperative calibration time, whether the actual position of the perforating vessels passing through the fascia lata fulcrum deviated from the preoperative reconstruction result within 1 cm, time required to harvest the flap, and whether the actual route of the perforator vessel was consistent with the reconstruction result, and whether the postoperative flap survived.@*Results @# The position and course of perforating vessels were successfully reconstructed in 6 cases before the operation. The actual course of perforating vessels during the operation was consistent with the reconstruction results. The deviation between the actual position of the perforating points and the preoperative reconstruction results was within 1 cm, which met the requirements of the actual asisting of the anterolateral thigh flap. The average time of flap harvest was (70.50 ± 7.20) min. The average calibration time was (13.33 ± 5.50) min. All flaps survived.@* Conclusions @# Mixed reality technology projects the reconstruction results of anterolateral femoral perforator vessels directly into the operative area, which provides a new method for asisting localization and anatomy of anterolateral femoral flap perforator vessels and reduces the possibility of injury to perforator vessels.

Treatment and follow-up of a scapular girdle avulsion in a 7-year-old child: A case report / 中华显微外科杂志

In November 2011, a 7-year-old child with shoulder avulsion was treated in the Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Xi’an Fengcheng Hospital with debridement, transfer of free anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF) and decompression with forearm incision. After operation the limb survived. Six months after surgery, the function of right shoulder abduction was reconstructed by transposition of trapezius muscle. At the 11 years after surgery, the length of the limb on the affected side was slightly shorter than that of the healthy side. The circumference of forearm was slightly less than that of the healthy side. The pain, touch and temperature sensations were recovered. The TPD was 15-20 mm, and the skin temperature on both sides of the limb was normal. The shoulder abduction reached 30°. The muscle strength of elbow and wrist flexions reached grade Ⅴ with the recovered wrist pronation and all digit flexions. The affected limb can cooperate with the healthy limb to complete all daily duties.

Repair the large area soft tissue defect of forearm with free bilateral anterolateral thigh flaps in series / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of using free bilateral anterolateral thigh flaps(ALTF) in series to repair large area soft tissue defects of forearm.Methods:The clinical data of 11 patients with large soft tissue defects of forearm admitted in the Department of Plastic(Repair and Reconstruction) Surgery, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University from March 2014 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 8 males and 3 females. Aged 36 to 68 years old, with an average of 48 years old. VSD treatment was performed after debridement, and until fresh removed 3 to 5 days after the operation. Until the wound was fresh. The wound was repaired with free bilateral ALTF in series until fresh. The size of the forearm wound was 18 cm×15 cm-28 cm×13 cm. The cut area of a single flap was 10 cm×8 cm-20 cm×13 cm. The series of bilateral flaps: One of the flaps was used as the proximal flap, and its vascular pedicle was anastomosed with the arteries and veins of the recipient area. The other flap was used as the distal flap, and the arteries and veins between the 2 ALTFs on both sides were anastomosed. The vascular pedicle beyond the distal flap was ligated or anastomosed to the distal end of the ulnar artery or the distal end of the radial artery. The flap and the surrounding skin of the recipient area were sutured immediately. The donor sites of the flap was closed directly. Periodic and regular outpatient follow-up was performed after operation and the clinical efficacy was analyzed.Results:All the flaps successfully survived after the surgery. The postoperative follow-up lasted for 6-18 months, 12 months in average. The flaps survived well with good soft texture, without swelling, the capillary reaction time was normal, without surface ulceration, in rosy colour and restored protective sensations. The hand function of the affected limb recovered well. The wound at donor sites healed well without complications. At the last follow-up, the hand function of the affected limb was evaluated by the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, the result was 7 in excellent and 4 in good. The patients were satisfied with the flap and the therapeutic effect.Conclusion:The free bilateral ALTF in series can be used to repair a wound surface with large area, and the donor site can be closed at the same time. It is an effective method to repair large soft tissue defect of forearm.

Improved three-dimensional CTA reconstruction of perforator area in the application of anterolateral thigh perforator flap and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap / 中华显微外科杂志

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.

Reconstruction of foot soft tissue defects by superthin anterolateral thigh flap harvested with retrograde dissection of the perforator in the interface plane between the superficial and deep layer of superficial fascia / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of superthin anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF) with retrograde dissection of perforator in the interface plane between the superficial and deep layer of superficial fascia for reconstruction of soft tissue defect in the foot.Methods:The study involved 24 Side of 23 patients with foot soft tissue defects in Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Wuxi Ninth People’s Hospital from August 2019 to July 2021. There were 15 males and 8 females with an average of 42(range, 22-59) years old, including 9 in left foot, 13 in right foot, and 1 in both feet. The size of soft tissue defects was 4 cm×4 cm-11 cm×17 cm. The dimension of the superthin ALTF was 4 cm×5 cm-12 cm×18 cm. CTA and high-frequency CDU were used to locate the perforator in the superficial fascia plane. The perforator was exposed and dissected retrograde in the adiposal layer. The superthin ALTF was harvested to repair the foot wound. The donor site was sutured directly. All patients enter follow-up reviews at outpatient clinic or by WeChat. The appearance of flaps were recorded.Results:The superthin ALTF survived in all patients. Two cases had partial epidermal necrosis at the distal part of the flap. The thickness of the flap averaged approximately 4(range 3-6) mm. During 8-16(mean 12) months of follow-up, all superthin ALTF were soft in texture without ulceration. Two flaps required secondary defatting procedures, others showed satisfactory appearance without bulky deformity. Only linear scars left in donor areas.Conclusion:The technique of harvesting superthin ALTF with retrograde dissection of perforator in the superficial fascia plane for repairing foot wounds is reliable and is able to achieve satisfactory functional and esthetic outcome.

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

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

Application of digital technology assisted free ALTPF in reconstruction of large-area soft tissue defect of limbs / 中华显微外科杂志

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.