The distal superficial femoral arterial branch to the sartorius muscle as a recipient vessel for soft tissue defects around the knee: anatomic study and clinical applications.

Complex wounds surrounding the knee and proximal tibia pose a significant challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Most of these defects can be managed using local or regional flaps alone. However, large defects with a wide zone of injury frequently require microvascular tissue transfers to aid in soft tissue coverage and closure of large cavities. We describe a unique recipient vessel for microvascular anastomosis for free flap reconstruction involving the knee and proximal tibia through anatomic and clinical studies.

Two unusual anatomic variations create a diagnostic dilemma in distal ulnar nerve compression.

Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies is based upon patterns of functional deficits and electrodiagnostic testing. However, anatomic variations can lead to confounding patterns of physical and electrodiagnostic findings. Authors present a case of ulnar nerve compression due to a rare combination of anatomic variations, aberrant branching pattern, and FCU insertion at the wrist, which posed a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. The literature related to isolated distal ulnar motor neuropathy and anatomic variations of the ulnar nerve and adjacent structures is also reviewed. This case demonstrates how anatomic variations can complicate the interpretation of clinical and electrodiagnostic findings and underscores the importance of thorough exploration of the nerve in consideration for possible variations.

Intercostal muscle flap reconstruction and primary sternal closure for mediastinal abscess.

Poststernotomy mediastinal abscess is a life-threatening complication after cardiac operations. A 21-year-old woman had a late presentation of mediastinal abscess 9 years after ascending aortic graft replacement. Three days after the initial débridement and vacuum-assisted closure treatment, successful reconstruction was performed using an intercostal muscle flap and primary sternal closure, without recurrent infection.

Alternative vascular graft for extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery: descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery.

OBJECT: Arterial bypass is an important method of treating intracranial disease requiring sacrifice of the parent vessel. The conduits for extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery include the superficial temporal artery, occipital artery, superior thyroid artery, radial artery, and saphenous vein (long or short). In an aging population with an increased prevalence of vascular disease, conduits for EC-IC bypass may be in short supply in some patients. Herein, the authors describe a case in which the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (DLCFA) was utilized as a high-flow conduit for an EC-IC bypass. METHODS: This 22-year-old woman presented with irregular menstrual periods, secondary amenorrhea, and hypothyroidism. A giant intrasellar and suprasellar mass was found. Angiography confirmed a 3.5 x 2.1-cm fusiform aneurysm involving the cavernous and supraclinoid segments of the right internal carotid artery. A suitable radial artery conduit was not available. The DLCFA was harvested and anastomosed between the M(2) segment of the middle cerebral artery and the external carotid artery. RESULTS: Durable clinical and angiographic results were apparent at the 2-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The DLCFA's diameter and length were used successfully in a high-flow EC-IC bypass surgery. The DLCFA may be a good alternative to radial artery and saphenous vein grafts for an EC-IC bypass requiring high flow.

The use of dental elastics to control thin and short hair during craniofacial surgery.

Hair may interfere with surgical procedures performed on or through the scalp. A simple technique for controlling sparse and short hair is presented.

Fracture management of civilian gunshot wounds to the hand.

Civilian gunshot wounds to the hand are typically caused by low-velocity weapons, which create a localized pattern of soft-tissue and bone injury that usually allows for early definitive treatment. A retrospective chart review of 72 patients treated for 98 gunshot wound fractures at an urban level I trauma center was conducted to evaluate the results of limited debridement and early definitive fracture fixation of urban gunshot wound fractures of the hand. The incidence of hand fractures, means of fracture fixation, number of operations, occurrence of infection, and level of patient compliance were determined. Twenty-nine fractures were managed definitively with reduction and splinting in the emergency department or intensive care unit. Sixty-eight fractures were treated surgically, at a mean of 2 days after injury. Eleven patients required more than one operation. The overall infection rate was 8 percent and was not influenced by the fracture fixation method. All infections were superficial and resolved with antibiotics alone. Thirty-nine percent of patients were lost to follow-up after hospital discharge and 85 percent of patients were lost to follow-up before documented fracture healing. Twenty-six percent of patients were lost to follow-up with a removable fixation device in place. Limited debridement and early definitive fracture fixation are associated with low rates of complications for typical civilian handgun wound fractures. Cases with extensive injury or contamination do require a staged approach to treatment. Poor patient compliance in the urban trauma setting should be expected and may affect the management plan.

A recurrent foot ganglion managed with extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap coverage.

The case of a 42-year-old woman with a persistent ganglion cyst of the dorsolateral aspect of the foot is presented. After multiple aspirations and 4 attempts at excision, the lesion degenerated into a painful, persistently draining wound with communication to the calcaneocuboid joint. The case was treated with dissection of the lesion to the joint, excision, and coverage of the defect with an extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap. The rationale for this surgical approach and the literature regarding recurrent ganglia are discussed.