Application of free posterior tibial artery perforator flap for skin defect on the dorsum of hand or foot / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the technique and therapeutic effect of free posterior tibial artery perforator (PTP) flap for skin defect on the dorsum of hand or foot.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The lower leg was divided into 6 sections equally from the level of tibial tuberosity to the connection of medial and lateral malleolus. The free PTP flap was designed along the inner edge of tibia within the proximal section 2 and 3. The flap was harvested with 2-3 bundles of the saphenous nerve included. The size of skin defects on the dorsum of hand or foot ranged from 3.0 cm x 7.5 cm to 6.0 cm x 12.0 cm.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>From Jan. 2009 to Dec. 2010, 11 cases were treated with free PTP flaps. All the flaps survived completely. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 10 months. The flaps had good color and texture. Two point discrimination recovered to 7-10 mm, leaving linear scar at the donor site. The appearance and function of the hand or foot was satisfactory.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The free PTP flap is thin with good sensation, leaving less morbidity at donor site. The posterior tibial artery can be reserved. It is an ideal method for skin defect on the dorsum of hand or foot.</p>

Mallet finger deformities treated by buried purse-string suture / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy of buried purse-string suture in the treatment of mallet finger deformities.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February 2009 to February 2010, 12 patients with closed non-fracture mallet fingers were treated by buried purse-string suture. The rupture tendons were sutured by purse-string suture with an atraumatic needle, and the knots were buried under subcutaneous tissue. External fixator was used at the extension position of the finger every night within three weeks after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up for 6-12 months, mean 7 months. According to the Patel's evaluation criteria, 2 cases (17%) obtained excellent results, 7 good (58%), 2 fair (17%) and 1 poor (8%). The overall rate of the cases with excellent and good outcomes was 75%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Buried purse-string suture is an easy and effective way to treat mallet finger deformities, with no serious postoperative complications or no need for reoperation.</p>

Surgical treatment of congenital heart diseases in pediatric patients with body weight less than 10 kg / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To report the experience of the surgical treatment of congenital heart diseases (CHD) in pediatric patients with body weight less than 10 kg.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between January 2000 and December 2007, 105 children with CHD, aged 2 months to 3 years and weighing between 3.5 to 10 kg, underwent surgical treatment. Of the 105 patients, 56 were concomitant with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension or repeated pulmonary infections, and 35 with complex cardiac abnormalities. Operations were performed through median sternotomy with moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in 88 cases, with normothermic extracorporeal circulation on beating heart in 14 cases, and with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in 3 cases.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 5 early deaths (4.8%). During a follow-up of 2 month to 3 year, 97 survivors with corrective procedure had no late mortality or complications with NYHA class I of cardiac function, excepting 2 cases with little residual shunt. Three survivors with palliative procedure enjoyed higher quality of life.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The surgical treatment of CHD in pediatric patients with body weight less than 10 kg seems to be feasible and safe, with satisfactory early and long-term results.</p>