Blood supply to osteocutaneous free fibula flap and peroneus longus muscle: prospective anatomic study and clinical applications.

From January of 1998 to December of 1999, a total of 24 fibula free flaps in 24 patients were evaluated in a prospective clinical study. Once the perforators were identified, they were dissected toward the parent vessel and labeled according to type. The soleus and flexor hallucis longus muscles of the fibula were dissected, and the proximal part of the pedicle was reached. Subsequently, the configuration of all muscular branches to the peroneus muscle was studied. The types of skin perforators of the peroneal artery were noted as septocutaneous, musculocutaneous, or septomusculocutaneous. A total of 86 perforators were identified in 24 legs. The average number of perforators per leg was 3.58 +/- 0.71. Among them, 22 were musculocutaneous, 31 were septomusculocutaneous, and were 33 septocutaneous. The septocutaneous branches were significantly more distal than the musculocutaneous and septomusculocutaneous perforators. Eight perforators were identified 25 cm distal from the fibular head and six were identified at 15 cm. Five perforators were then identified at each distance of 8, 12, 19, and 22 cm distal from the fibular head. The total number of muscular branches to the peroneus longus was 62, with an average of 2.58 +/- 0.45. Most muscular branches were found between 8 and 16 cm distal to the fibular head. Nine branches were identified at 13 cm distal to the fibular head, eight at 9 cm, and seven at 12 cm. The number of dominant branches with the largest diameter was seven at 13 cm distal from the fibular head, five at 12 cm, five at 16 cm, and two at 11 cm. In summary, when designing an osteocutaneous free fibula flap 10 to 20 cm from the fibular head, it is recommended that a soleus and flexor hallucis longus muscle cuff be included to incorporate these perforators. In contrast, when designing a flap 20 to 30 cm from the fibular head, it is possible to elevate the flap without incorporating the soleus or flexor hallucis muscles.

Correction of cleft lip nasal deformity in Orientals using a refined reverse-U incision and V-Y plasty.

A total of 45 patients with cleft lip nasal deformities were operated on between September 1997 and December 1999. We reviewed 35 of them. Out of these, 31 patients had unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities and four patients had bilateral cleft lip nasal deformities. The age range of the patients was from 3 years to 56 years. A reverse-U incision with V-Y plasty was used in 20 patients with mild to moderate unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities. An open rhinoplasty incision combined with the reverse-U incision and V-Y plasty was used in 11 patients with severe unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities. A bilateral reverse-U incision and a trans-columellar incision were used in the four patients with bilateral cleft lip nasal deformities. After advancement of the mucochondrial flap, alar transfixion sutures were used to ensure firm contact between the nasal skin and the redraped reverse-U flap. A composite graft for columellar lengthening was used in six cases of severe unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity and the four cases of bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. Ancillary procedures included correction of a lateral displacement of the alar base, lip scar revision, a cartilage graft for tip augmentation, iliac bone grafting for correction of hypoplasia of the maxilla or for an alveolar cleft and corrective rhinoplasty. A self-made nasal retainer was applied for 6 months in all patients to maintain the corrected contour of the nostril. The follow-up period ranged from 11 months to 26 months, with an average of 18 months. The final results were evaluated based on the degree of symmetry of the nostrils, the redraping of the alar-columellar web and the exposure of the nostrils. Good results were obtained in 29 patients where alar-columellar web deformities were either absent or minimal and a satisfactory symmetry of the nostrils was achieved. Four patients had fair results and two patients had poor results. In conclusion, we suggest that the reverse-U incision with V-Y plasty is a useful method for achieving symmetry of the nostrils in cleft lip nasal deformities in Orientals. In addition, this technique provides ample advancement and repositioning of the mucochondrial flap and simultaneous correction of the nasal vestibular web.

Bimaxillary osteodistraction for the treatment of facial asymmetry in adults.

Nine patients with hemifacial microsomia or facial asymmetry were treated between April 1998 and November 1999. The ages of the patients ranged from 21 years to 45 years (mean: 24.6 years); six were female and three were male. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 24 months (mean: 15.3 months). The operative procedure was based on Ortiz Monasterio's simultaneous mandibular and maxillary distraction technique. This technique frees only the pterygo-maxillary junction of the affected side, thereby leaving the nasal septum and the pterygo-maxillary junction of the unaffected side intact. It also uses an external corticotomy on the mandible. In contrast, we modified Ortiz Monasterio's method by using a complete LeFort I osteotomy with both a complete separation of the pterygo-maxillary junction and a mandibular osteotomy to avoid any resistance during distraction. In one patient with scleroderma and severe atrophy of the mandible and soft tissue on the right side of the face, a free scapular osteocutaneous flap was used; 1 month later we performed simultaneous distraction of the maxilla and transfer of the scapula bone to the mandible. In one patient with hypoplasia of the zygoma, zygoma expansion was also performed simultaneously. Bidirectional distraction was performed in one patient and intraoral devices were applied in three patients. After a latent period of 5 days, distraction was performed at a rate of 1 mm per day. After a consolidation period of 6-8 weeks, the intermaxillary fixation and distraction devices were removed. Preoperatively, the deviation of the occlusal plane ranged from 8degrees to 13 degrees (mean: 10.5 degrees); the distraction distance ranged from 7 mm to 17 mm (mean: 13 mm). In two patients there was radiologic evidence of relapse 6 months after distraction, but no significant change in facial appearance was observed. Seven patients maintained a stable preoperative occlusal relationship and the preoperative lateral open bite was improved postoperatively in two patients. The postoperative occlusal plane was between 0 degrees and 1 degree in every case.

Distraction osteogenesis after membranous bone onlay grafting in a dog model.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this experiment was to study the possibility of distraction osteogenesis in a membranous bone onlay graft to the mandible and to clarify the histology of the bone repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four dogs, 5 months of age at the beginning of the experiment, were used for this study. The zygomatic arch was exposed in the subperiosteal plane, and a 3-cm long, full-thickness portion of the arch was harvested. The lateral surface of the mandibular body was exposed in the subperiosteal plane, and the bone was fixed to the lateral surface as a membranous onlay graft using screws. A vertical osteotomy through the graft and underlying mandibular body was done postoperatively at week 1 in dog 1, week 2 in dog 2, week 3 in dog 3, and week 4 in dog 4. An external distraction device was applied to the mandibular body, and distraction was started 7 days after the operation at a rate of 1 mm/d for 10 days. After completion of distraction, the device was left in place for 6 weeks to allow for bony consolidation. Radiographs were carried out at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postdistraction. All dogs were killed 6 weeks after distraction. RESULTS: New bone between the native underlying mandibular segments was generated in the distraction zone in all dogs. New bone was not generated between the segments of the membranous bone onlay graft in dog 1, but was generated in dog 2, dog 3, and dog 4. However, in dogs 2 and 3, the new bone between the segments was less firm, with more fibrous tissue, than the bone between the native underlying mandibular segments. Histologically, the distraction gap between the segments of the membranous bone onlay graft in dogs 2 and 3 was composed of considerable fibrous tissue in the central zone and activated osteoblastic cells forming new bone in the margins. In dog 4, there was much more osteoblastic activity in the distraction gap, and the new bone had the appearance of almost normal cortical bone. CONCLUSION: These findings show that distraction osteogenesis is possible in a membranous bone onlay graft and suggest that the distraction should be performed at least 4 weeks after the onlay grafting.

Formation of philtral column using vertical interdigitation of orbicularis oris muscle flaps in secondary cleft lip.

The philtrum in the lip has an important aesthetic significance and is a mark of individual distinction. For patients who have undergone cleft lip surgery, the construction of the philtrum is crucial for restoring a normal appearance to the upper lip. A total of 13 patients with unilateral cleft lip nose deformities were treated for the creation of a philtral column between January of 1998 and February of 1999. Eight of the patients were male and five were female with an age range of 10 to 40 years old. The scar on the philtral column is excised and a full-thickness incision is made down to the orbicularis oris muscle and mucosa. The medial and lateral muscle flaps are then exposed and split into two leaves. The two leaves of each muscle flap are sutured together to create a vertical interdigitation. Any excess skin is not excised but rather closed with 7-0 nylon. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 15 months, with an average of 10 months. Ten of 13 patients were satisfied with their good surgical results. Two had fair results. One patient experienced a widening of the scar and no improvement in the philtral column. A possible cause for this lack of improvement was a partial disruption of the interdigitated muscle flaps due to the early active movement of the muscle before wound healing. In conclusion, the advantages of this procedure include the creation of an anatomically natural philtrum through preserving the continuity and function of the muscle, sufficient augmentation of the philtral column by the vertical interdigitation of the muscle, relief of skin tension, and no donor-site morbidity.

Second toe to index finger transfer.

Between April 1994 and May 1998, 15 amputated index fingers were treated based on three classifications: group 1 consisted of patients with index finger defects immediately proximal to, yet including, the distal interphalangeal joint, group 2 were those patients with defects from the proximal part of the distal interphalangeal joint to the distal part of the proximal interphalangeal joint and group 3 comprised patients with more proximal defects than group 2. With a total of six men and nine women, seven cases were included in group 1, five in group 2 and three in group 3. For the patients in groups 1 and 2, only a partial length of the second toe was transferred to the index finger, whereas in group 3 the total length of the toe needed to be transferred. The results can be summarised as follows:1. The two-point discrimination of the reconstructed index tip was 2.2 mm for group 1, 2 mm for group 2 and 2.3 mm for group 3.2. In group 1, the average range of motion in the transferred toe was 43.8>> in the distal interphalangeal joint. In groups 2 and 3, the average range of motion in the transferred toe was 30>> and 30.7>> in the distal interphalangeal joint, and 50>> and 39.3>> in the proximal interphalangeal joint, respectively.3. When compared with the contralateral index finger, the pinching power was measured at 83% in group 1, 70% in group 2 and 60% in group 3.4. Excellent results were obtained in group 1, good results in group 2 and fair results in group 3. Accordingly, the more proximal the defect in the index finger, the less satisfactory the result obtained.

Replantation of avulsed scalps and secondary aesthetic correction.

Five patients with avulsed scalps were treated with replantation between 1992 and 1998. All patients were women age 20 to 36 years. The percentage of the avulsed scalp ranged from 50% to 100% of the whole scalp. The vessels chosen for anastomosis were the superficial temporal artery, occipital artery, and superficial temporal vein. A vein graft harvested from the cephalic vein of the forearm was performed on the venous and arterial sides in 1 patient. Two patients experienced complete survival of the replanted scalp. Three patients showed 40%, 50%, and 80% survival areas, with the remaining defects resurfaced as split-thickness skin grafts. Six months later, the scar areas in the last 3 patients were reconstructed with an expansion of the normal or replanted scalp. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 7 years. In 4 patients a partial return of sensation in the replanted scalp and motor function of the frontalis muscle were observed. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results of their surgery.

Distraction osteogenesis of free interpositional membranous bone: experimental design.

The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of bone formation in distraction osteogenesis of the free interpositional membranous bone. Three canine dogs were used as subjects. Two mandibular osteotomies were made in the mandibular body. The oral soft tissue and periosteum of the segment between the two osteotomies were freed from periosteum and the surrounding soft tissue as a free interpositional bone graft 2 cm wide was created. The free interpositional bone was fixed to the proximal mandibular body with a miniplate. The external fixation device was applied to the proximal mandibular body and the distal mandibular body. Mandibular distractions were performed postoperatively at a rate of 1 mm/day for a total of 10-mm distraction for 10 days. The latency period was 1 week in Dog 1, 2 weeks in Dog 2, and 3 weeks in Dog 3. Three dogs were killed 6 weeks after distraction, and interpositional bone specimens were obtained. In Dogs 1 and 2, the free interpositional bone showed severe resorption and had no new bone formation at the distracted area. However, in Dog 3, new bone developed along the distracted gap. Our study demonstrated the possibility of distraction osteogenesis in the free interpositional membranous bone and suggested that free interpositional membranous bone be allowed, under rigid fixation device, to have enough revascularization from surrounding tissue to have osteogenesis for at least 3 weeks or even more.

Dorsalis pedis tendocutaneous delayed arterialized venous flap in hand reconstruction.

We report two patients whose acute soft-tissue and tendon defects in the hand were treated with a dorsalis pedis tendocutaneous delayed arterialized venous flap between 1994 and 1997. The surviving surface area was 100 percent in both patients. The flap sizes were 10 x 10 cm and 6 x 6 cm. At 2 weeks postoperatively, active flexion and passive extension commenced, and progressive resistance exercises were performed for an additional 5 weeks. Flaps showed a similar color match and skin texture compared with the normal skin of the hand. Advantages of the tendocutaneous delayed arterialized venous flap are that a larger flap can be obtained than when using a pure venous flap or arterialized venous flap; the survival rate of the arterialized venous flap increases, which permits the use of a composite flap; the main artery of the donor site is preserved; thin, nonbulky tissue is used; and elevation is easy, without deep dissection. The disadvantages are the two-stage operation, donor-site scarring, and weak extension of the toes.

Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with a tubed free radial forearm flap.

Various attempts at reconstruction of pharyngoesophageal defects after ablative surgery have been made to restore the function of the pharyngoesophagus. A tubed free radial forearm flap was used to reconstruct the pharyngoesophagus in 23 patients after resection of neoplasms from May 1989 to October 1995. Nineteen were males and four were females, the average patient age was 62.2 years. The follow-up ranged from 10 to 64 months (mean: 18 months). Oral intake within 3 weeks was possible in 18 patients (78 percent) The immediate postoperative complications were hematoma (n = 1), bleeding (n = 2), infection (n = 3), fistula (n = 4), and venous thrombosis (n = 1). A late complication was stricture of the lower anastomosing site (n = 3). The tubed free radial forearm flap has advantages over free jejunal transfer, including the larger caliber of the vascular pedicle, longer possible ischemic time, no laparotomy with less morbidity of the donor site, and better toleration of radiotherapy. Troublesome disadvantages include stricture and fistula formation at the suture sites. The authors modified the conventional free radial forearm flap to reduce complications. A small monitoring flap supplied by the septocutaneous branch of the radial artery was elevated to check the survival of the flap. During tubing, the vertical suture line was overlapped with a deepithelialized skin flap, and double layer sutures were done to prevent fistula. Two small triangular flaps were designed and inserted at the distal anastomotic site to prevent circular contracture. The outer-layer sutures were anchored to the surrounding rigid structure to withstand shrinkage and circular contraction. With this modification, the incidence of stricture and fistula formation was reduced to 13.0 percent and 17.4 percent, respectively, and these complications could be treated conservatively.

The effects of surgical and chemical delay procedures on the survival of arterialized venous flaps in rabbits.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a surgical delay procedure and a combined surgical and chemical delay procedure on the survival of arterialized venous flaps. Experimental groups included (1) a control group, (2) a surgical delay (4-day and 7-day delay) group, and (3) a combined surgical and chemical (doxazosin mesylate, nitroglycerine patch) delay group. These groups were further divided into subgroups (n = 10) depending on the delay period and the chemical agents. An arterialized venous flap was created on one ear of each rabbit. In the arterialized venous flap, arterial inflow was provided by anastomosis of the central auricular artery to the anterior branch of the central auricular vein and a venous outflow through the anterior marginal vein. In the control group, the arterialized venous flaps without any delay procedure showed complete necrosis of all flaps. In the surgical delay group, the mean percentage survival of arterialized venous flaps was 36.6 percent in the 4-day delay group and 59.7 percent in the 7-day delay group. In the combined surgical and chemical delay group, a 3-day chemical delay followed by a 4-day simultaneous surgical and chemical delay resulted in mean percentage survival of the arterialized venous flaps of 81.1 percent in the doxazosin mesylate group, 72.8 percent in the nitroglycerine patch group, and 92.9 percent in a combination group of doxazosin mesylate and nitroglycerine patch. A 3-day chemical delay followed by a 7-day simultaneous surgical and chemical delay resulted in mean percentage survival of the arterialized venous flaps of 94 percent in the doxazosin mesylate group, 90.2 percent in the nitroglycerine patch group, and 99 percent in a combination group of doxazosin mesylate and nitroglycerine patch. In conclusion, the surgical delay procedure increased the percentage survival of the arterialized venous flaps in proportion to the delay period. The combination group of surgical and chemical delay procedures had a significantly greater percentage survival than that of the surgical delay group (p < 0.001), and the delay period could be shortened.

Reduction malarplasty using sliding setback osteotomy.

A prominent malar complex results in a triangular facial shape. When combined with a prominent mandibular angle, the face appear to be aggressive and masculine. Surgical procedures to correct these features are commonly requested by Asian women. Baek introduced reduction malarplasty by under-positioning of the "osteotomized" zygoma. We modified Baek's procedure by sliding the osteotomized zygoma superoposteriorly. The posterior surface is not separated from the soft tissue to preserve the blood supply to the zygoma. Ten patients with prominent zygomas underwent reduction malarplasty from March 1994 through July 1996. Seven patients were female and 3 patients were male. All patients were satisfied with their results. A symmetrical appearance was achieved in all patients. This method provides for precise malar reduction under good exposure. Symmetry of the zygoma is easily achieved. There is no effect on the survival of the malar bone after the procedure because the osteotomized zygoma has its own blood supply on the posterior surface. The masseteric origin is preserved, which ensures minimal cheek drooping after reduction.

Treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with free vascularized fibular transfer.

Thirty-one free vascularized fibular bone grafts were performed for treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in 26 patients. Twenty-four men and 2 women ranged in age from 16 to 48 years (mean, 32 years). Twenty-one patients had unilateral disease. Five patients had bilateral disease and underwent staged bilateral free vascularized fibular grafts 3 months apart. Associated etiological factors included alcohol (9 patients), steroid use (7 patients), and trauma (1 patient). The condition was considered idiopathic in the remaining 9 patients. Radiological staging by Ficat included stage I in 1 hip, stage II in 15 hips, stage III in 14 hips, and stage IV in 1 hip. A skin island flap was used for monitoring purposes to check the patency of blood flow to the grafted fibula. One flap failed by venous occlusion and was left as a nonvascularized bone graft. Thirty hips were followed. Pain was relieved in 28 hips (93.3%) and aggravated in 2 hips (6.7%). On radiographic evaluation, 26 hips (86.7%) demonstrated excellent preservation of the femoral head contour. Progressive collapse of the femoral head (>1-2 mm) occurred in two hips, with 1-mm depression in one hip with stage III disease and 2-mm collapse in one hip with stage IV disease. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 40 months (mean, 21 months). In conclusion, even in this relatively short follow-up period, the free vascularized fibular bone graft is an excellent treatment modality for preserving the femoral head and relieving symptoms in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Use of laser Doppler flowmetry for estimation of the depth of burns.

The trend for treatment of deep second degree burns and third degree burns is toward early excision and skin grafting. The ability to predict burn depth accurately as early as possible is important for early excision and skin grafting. This study, prospectively evaluated the ability of laser Doppler flow measurements, obtained within 72 hours after burn injury, to predict the depth of burn wounds. A Periflux system 4001 laser Doppler flowmeter was used to measure the cutaneous microflow circulation of 100 selected points of burn wounds on 44 inpatients and of 1680 selected points on 120 volunteers from March of 1993 to February of 1994. The mean value of superficial second degree burns checked by laser Doppler was 194.6 perfusion units (PU). The value of deep second degree burns was 59.7 PU, and the value of third degree burns was 5.1 PU. The mean normal cutaneous blood flow of 120 volunteers (control group) was between 4 and 9 PU, except on the head, neck, hand, and foot. Blood flow of more than 100 PU correctly predicted (90.2 percent of cases) a superficial second degree burn. Blood flow between 100 and 10 PU correctly predicted (96.2 percent of cases) a deep second degree dermal burn. That of less than 10 PU correctly predicted (100 percent of cases) a third degree burn. There was also a significant correlation between initial flow measurements and the depth of burn wounds. We conclude that laser Doppler flow measurements performed early after burn injury are useful in predicting the depth of burn wounds. Laser Doppler flowmetry has the advantage of being easy to use and noninvasive and of providing immediate results for early determination of burn depth. Laser Doppler flowmetry is useful in selecting patients for early excision and grafting of burn wounds.

Surgical correction of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity.

Fifty-five patients with unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities were operated on from March 1992 to June 1996. Thirty-one patients were male and 24 were female. Three patients were 2 to 5 years of age, 7 patients were 6 to 10 years old, 12 patients were 11 to 15 years old, 13 were 16 to 20 years old, and 20 were greater than 21 years of age. The average follow-up period was 16 months. Combined operative procedures, depending on the severity of the cleft lip nasal deformity, were the following: (1) a reverse-U incision and Z-plasty for a mild vestibular web, (2) a reverse-U incision and V-Y plasty for a moderate vestibular web, (3) open rhinoplasty incision combined with a reverse-U incision and V-Y plasty for severe flattening or buckling of the cleft lower lateral cartilage, (4) lower lateral cartilage suspension or repositioning with or without an onlay cartilage graft, (5) alar base advancement, (6) bone graft on the piriform aperture, (7) septoplasty and corrective rhinoplasty, and (8) columella lengthening with an auricular composite graft. A nasal splint was applied for 3 to 6 months in every patient to maintain the corrected nostril contour. Most patients were satisfied with their surgical results. We suggest that to achieve a good contour of the nose, bony and cartilaginous deformities should be corrected simultaneously with correction of the soft tissue.

Use of the free innervated dorsalis pedis tendocutaneous flap in composite hand reconstruction.

We used the free dorsalis pedis flap including the extensor digitorum longus or the extensor hallucis brevis, and/or the superficial peroneal nerve to reconstruct composite loss of skin and tendons on the dorsum of the hand. Between February 1992 and February 1996 we treated 7 patients with composite tissue loss on the dorsal hand caused by trauma or burn. Six men and 1 woman had an average age of 26 years (range, 19-42 years). Flap size ranged from 3 x 4 cm to 9.5 x 9 cm. The follow-up period ranged from 10 to 44 months. At 1 week postoperatively, active flexion and passive extension commenced, and progressive resistance exercises were performed for an additional 5 weeks. Two-point discrimination of the transferred flaps averaged 25 mm. Recovery rates for range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joints in the operated fingers ranged from 83% to 99% (average, 91.4%). All transferred flaps showed similar color match and skin texture compared with the normal skin of the hand. The advantages of this procedure are mass action reconstruction with multiple tendons, provision of similar skin texture, sensory reinnervation, one-stage operation, faster healing with less adhesion formation, and early mobilization. The disadvantages are donor site scarring and weak extension of the toe.

Severe blepharoptosis: correction by orbicularis oculi muscle and orbital septum resection and advancement.

Using a concept based on cadaveric dissections that the orbital septum could suspend the tarsal plate statically and that the shortened orbicularis oculi muscle would then transmit the frontalis muscle action more effectively, the orbicularis oculi muscle and the orbital septum were advanced to the tarsal plate as a single flap for the correction of blepharoptosis with poor or absent levator function. The redundant portion of the distal flap was resected. From March 1991 to December 1994, 17 patients (24 eyelids) underwent surgery for blepharoptosis with this procedure. Eleven patients were male, and 7 patients had bilateral blepharoptosis. All patients had less than 3 mm of levator function. Patient follow-up ranged from 17 to 52 months, with an average of 35 months. The postoperative result was arbitrarily defined as good when the amount of ptosis was less than 2 mm, fair when the amount of ptosis was 2 to 3 mm, and poor when the amount of ptosis was more than 3 mm. Twelve patients (71%) had good results and 2 patients had fair results. The remaining 3 patients (18%) showed poor results, and reoperation was done with good results in 1 patient and fair results in the other 2 patients. This procedure has several remarkable merits. It is a simple technique with good operative exposure through a single incision at the upper tarsal margin, and it preserves the function of both the frontalis and orbicularis oculi muscles. The main drawback was mild drooping of the upper eyelid for a period of time, so some overcorrection was necessary.

Blepharoptosis repair by selective use of superiorly based muscle flaps.

Thirty-three patients with severe blepharoptosis were treated by the superiorly based orbicularis oculi muscles, interdigitated orbicularis oculi-frontalis muscle flaps, or frontalis muscle flaps. The superiorly based muscle flaps are modifications of direct transplantation of the frontalis muscle to the tarsal plate on the basis of anatomic study that the frontalis muscle and its fascia are connected with the orbicularis oculi muscle at the eyebrow region. The selection of muscle flaps is based on the extent of levator function of patients. When eyelid excursion is moderate (3 to 5 mm), the orbicularis oculi muscle flap technique was effective. For patients with weak eyelid excursion (2 to 4 mm), the interdigitated orbicularis oculi-frontalis muscle flap was the procedure of choice. For patients with minimal eyelid excursion (less than 2 mm), frontalis muscle flap technique is indicated. The majority of patients recorded as satisfactory results according to the criteria of Souther and Jordan after an average follow-up period of 18.5 months. Even though four patients showed undercorrection, there has been no complete failure or laxity of the advanced flaps in our series. The orbicularis oculi muscle technique or the interdigitated orbicularis oculi-frontalis muscle flap technique offers several advantages over the conventional frontalis muscle flap technique, such as being a simple technique with a good operative field, single incision on supratarsal fold, no depression on the forehead, no risk of neurovascular injury, and relatively easy technique with less complication. The frontalis muscle flap technique is better in patients with less than 2-mm eyelid excursion to avoid recurrence even if the superiorly based frontalis muscle flap technique has some inherent shortcomings.

Clinical applications of the delayed arterialized venous flap.

Arterialized venous flaps have been used clinically but still have limited applications for coverage of small surface defects. Varying degrees of necrosis of the larger, arterialized venous flaps remain an unsolved problem. We have treated 13 patients, with acute soft-tissue defects in 9 patients and scar contracture in 4 patients, with surgically or surgically-chemically delayed arterialized venous flaps from 1993 to 1995. There were 9 males and 4 females. The average age of the 13 patients was 34.7 years. Donor sites were the medial calf in 4 patients, the volar surface of the forearm in 6 patients, the dorsum of the foot in 2 patients, and the medial thigh in 1 patient. Before arterialization, surgical delay was done in 9 patients and a combined surgical-chemical delay in 4 patients. There were 12 skin flaps and one composite tendocutaneous flap. The follow-up period ranged from 5 to 28 months, with an average of 15 months. The surviving surface area of the arterialized venous flap was 100% in 10 patients, axial 70% in 1 patient, axial 50% in 1 patient, and total necrosis in the remaining patient. Among the 10 flaps with total survival, the minimal flap size was 6 x 8 cm and the maximal flap size was 14 x 16 cm. Advantages of the delayed arterialized venous flap are (1) developing a larger flap than can be obtained with a pure venous flap or arterialized venous flap and (2) the increased survival rate of the arterialized venous flap, which permits the possibility of using a composite flap. This delayed arterialized venous flap also has all the advantages of the pure venous flap, such as preservation of the main artery of the donor site; thin, nonbulky tissue; and easy elevation without deep dissection. The disadvantage is the requirement of a two-stage operation.

Free latissimus dorsi muscle transfer using an endoscopic technique.

Endoscopic techniques in plastic surgery have involved aesthetic procedures such as facelift, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and placement of tissue expanders. Recently, endoscopic harvest of the donor tissue for free flap transfer has included the omentum, jejunum, latissimus dorsi muscle, and rectus abdominis muscle. Ten patients with a soft-tissue defect in the lower extremity were successfully reconstructed from December 1994 to October 1995 with a free muscle transfer after endoscopic harvest of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Nine patients were male and 1 patient was female. A 5- to 6-cm incision was initially made along the posterior axillary line, allowing direct identification of the thoracodorsal vascular pedicle. The latissimus dorsi muscle was dissected posteriorly until the limits of open dissection were reached, and then the dissection was continued under endoscopic visualization. The largest harvested muscle was 15 x 25 cm in size. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 15 months. We believe that plastic surgeons can take advantage of endoscopic techniques to obtain reliable and safe results, with smaller scars and reduced postoperative donor site morbidity such as pain and wound-healing problems. This technique may prove particularly applicable to women, children, and patients who are prone to hypertrophic scars.