Mandibular reconstruction in children using the vascularized fibula.

In this study, the authors review their experience with vascularized fibula transfers for mandibular reconstruction in children. They outline the indications for such reconstruction, their method of contouring the fibula to accurately resemble the resected mandible, reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint, and the use of vascularized muscle for the management of associated soft-tissue deficiencies. Ten consecutive patients, 5 to 17 years of age and undergoing this procedure, were assessed from a medical, dental, radiographic, and photographic standpoint. The fibulae were elevated via a lateral approach, osteotomized, as required, and fixation was achieved with titanium miniplates and screws. All transfers survived, with viability confirmed by early postoperative bone scanning. Five patients had temporomandibular joint reconstruction, and five patients required simultaneous reconstruction of soft-tissue defects with associated vascularized muscle. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 to 30 months The occlusion of the remaining dentition, mandibular symmetry and projection, adequacy of lining and skin cover, and maximal mouth opening were reassessed. Occlusion was class 1 in all patients, and free-flap stability and function were in the normal range. However, soft-tissue contour was a problem. All wounds healed primarily without donor-site complications and with minimal recipient-site complications.

Tissue expansion in the pediatric patient.

Although tissue expansion has many advantages over other reconstructive options, potential complications require consideration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the experience of tissue expansion in the infant and child. During the 6-year period from 1985 to 1990, a total of 147 expanders were placed in 76 patients. Age of the patients at the time of insertion of the expanders ranged from 1 to 18 years (median, 8 yr). Twenty of the 76 patients studied suffered from complications, a rate of 26%. Despite the high complication rate, complications did not compromise the final result because they occurred near the end of the expansion period and usually involved one of the many implanted expanders. With the appropriate selection of patients, tissue expansion has proved extremely valuable as a reconstructive option in the pediatric patient.

Management of major penetrating glass injuries to the upper extremities in children and adolescents.

Penetrating glass injuries are a common cause of severe neurovascular damage, both in adults and in children. Frequently, an innocent skin wound disguises the extensive nature of the injuries beneath. Nineteen children and adolescents (ages 3-16 years) with a mean age of 9 years who sustained upper extremity penetrating glass wounds were evaluated retrospectively in order (1) to determine the incidence of unappreciated significant neurologic, musculotendonous, or vascular injury; (2) to provide indications for intraoperative evaluation under anesthesia; and (3) to further define the role of microneurorrhaphy in this population. Twelve patients sustained injuries above the elbow and seven patients injuries distal to the elbow. Above the elbow, the structures injured in order of frequency were the median nerve (75%), the brachial artery (58%), the ulnar nerve (50%), the musculocutaneous nerve (33%), sensory nerves of the arm and forearm and venae commitantes (42% each), the radial nerve (25%), and the chords of the brachial plexus (8%). Distal to the elbow, the ulnar nerve was the most frequently involved (71%), followed by the ulnar artery (57%), the flexor carpi ulnaris (57%), the superficialis and profundus flexor tendons (43%), the median nerve (43%), and the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis (14% each). Early exploration is critical to successful management. Vascular repairs and or microneurorrhaphy were necessary in all cases. A detailed follow-up evaluation to assess the results of these repairs was carried out from 4 to 9 years postsurgery. There were no clinical problems related to the vascular reconstructions. The results of the nerve repairs in this small series of children and adolescents were remarkably good.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The relative risk of tissue expansion in the pediatric patient with burns.

Tissue expansion has been successfully used for reconstruction after burn injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative risk of complications of tissue expansion in the pediatric population. Children with burns who underwent reconstruction with tissue expansion were studied (37 expanders in 14 patients). Patients without burns who were also treated with tissue expansion served as a comparative group. The patients without burns included children with congenital anomalies (70 expanders in 37 patients) and acquired problems (40 expanders in 25 patients). Complications occurred in 10.8% of the expanders in the burn group, in 11.2% of the expanders in the congenital anomalies group, and in 7.5% of the expanders in the acquired problems group. No significant difference between the groups was noted. We conclude, therefore, that the child with burns is at no greater risk of complications from tissue expansion than are other children.