Flow-through anastomosis using a T-shaped vascular pedicle for gracilis functioning free muscle transplantation in brachial plexus injury

OBJECTIVE: In gracilis functioning free muscle transplantation, the limited caliber of the dominant vascular pedicle increases the complexity of the anastomosis and the risk of vascular compromise. The purpose of this study was to characterize the results of using a T-shaped vascular pedicle for flow-through anastomosis in gracilis functioning free muscle transplantation for brachial plexus injury. METHODS: The outcomes of patients with brachial plexus injury who received gracilis functioning free muscle transplantation with either conventional end-to-end anastomosis or flow-through anastomosis from 2005 to 2013 were retrospectively compared. In the flow-through group, the pedicle comprised a segment of the profunda femoris and the nutrient artery of the gracilis. The recipient artery was interposed by the T-shaped pedicle. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients received flow-through anastomosis, and 25 patients received conventional end-to-end anastomosis. The surgical time was similar between the groups. The diameter of the arterial anastomosis in the flow-through group was significantly larger than that in the end-to-end group (3.87 mm vs. 2.06 mm, respectively, p<0.001), and there were significantly fewer cases of vascular compromise in the flow-through group (2 [4.35%] vs. 6 [24%], respectively, p=0.019). All flaps in the flow-through group survived, whereas 2 in the end-to-end group failed. Minimal donor-site morbidity was noted in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Flow-through anastomosis in gracilis functioning free muscle transplantation for brachial plexus injury can decrease the complexity of anastomosis, reduce the risk of flap loss, and allow for more variation in muscle placement. .

Transposição do enxerto vascularizado da fíbula pro fêmur diafisário sem microanastomoses / Vascularized fibular graft transposition to upper femur avoiding microsurgery

OBJETIVO: O estudo descreve uma maneira nova e simples de transplantar o enxerto ósseo vascularizado da fíbula pro fêmur diafisário sem necessidade de microcirurgia, demonstra o caso clínico operado com bom resultado quanto a vascularização e consolidação óssea e, por último, especula sobre possíveis outras aplicações dentro da cirurgia reconstrutiva. MÉTODOS: A fíbula vascularizada é transportada até o fêmur sem necessidade de microcirurgia, alcançando até sua metáfise proximal através das comunicações das perfurantes do músculo gêmeo lateral com as septais fibulares via retalho de pele póstero-lateral da perna que intersecciona os dois sistemas. RESULTADOS: O paciente operado evoluiu sem infecção. Cintilografia esquelética precoce demonstrou vascularização óssea. CONCLUSÃO: O retalho gêmeo fibular é nova arma no arsenal do cirurgião. Sua técnica é factível, reprodutível, seu tempo cirúrgico reduzido e o princípio de construção com ponte através de ilhas de pele e perfurantes poderá ser aplicado na construção de novos retalhos.

OBJECTIVE: The study describes a new and simple way to transplanttranspose a vascularized fibular graft from the fibula to the femur diaphysis without the need for microsurgery, demonstrates a successful clinical case with good results with regards to vascularization and osseous consolidation, and speculates about other applications of this flap procedure in reconstructive surgery. METHODS: A stalked vascularized fibular bone graft was transferred without microsurgery. The bone reached the proximal diaphysis of the femur. Communication between the lateral gastrocnemius arterial system and fibular artery through a skin flap and it's perforating arteries allowed good vascularization to the graft. The concept of "perforating artery-to-perforating artery" was established with their vascular territories intersecting the skin island flap. RESULTS: The patient operated on healed without infection. Bone scintigraphy showed periosteal bone vascularization. CONCLUSION: The Cutaneous Gastrocnemius-Fibular Flap is a new weapon for the reconstructive surgeon. Itïs practical and reliable, and its reduced surgery time and its principle of construction will be applicable to the creation of other flaps.