Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty After Pedicled Peri-Hip Bone Flap Grafting: The Chinese Experience.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) after failed peri-hip bone flap grafting (PBFG) and compared them with those patients undergoing primary THA for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2021, 163 Chinese patients (163 hips) were treated by conversion THA after failed PBFG (containing 94 patients who had pedicled vascularized iliac bone flap grafting and 69 patients who had pedicled vascularized greater trochanter bone flap grafting), and 178 Chinese patients were treated by primary THA. The preoperative baseline data and perioperative indicators in both groups were compared. RESULTS: In the conversion group, patients had significantly greater blood loss, a longer length of stay, and greater changes in serum hemoglobin than those in the primary THA group (P < 0.05). The operative room time, transfusion volume, calculated blood loss, changes in serum hematocrit, and increased superficial infection (P > 0.05) in the conversion group were greater compared with the primary cohort; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The mean postoperative Harris Hip Scoring system (HHS) of the PBFG group at the 1-month follow-up was 81, and the control group had a score of 82. Importantly, subgroup analysis of the PBFG group indicated that there was no significant difference between patients who had prior pedicled vascularized iliac bone flap grafting and pedicled vascularized greater trochanter bone flap grafting (P > 0.05), except for the operative room time (P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Hip-sparing surgery of ONFH did not make THA more difficult or lead to more perioperative complications, but increased blood loss and extended hospital stay from a prior PBFG are still notable problems in clinical practice. Thus, it is necessary for surgeons to focus attention on the improvement of the preoperative condition and prepare for any specific intraoperative challenges.

[A new paradigm for the treatment of sternomediastinitis]. / Novaya paradigma lecheniya sternomediastinita.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of simultaneous surgical treatment of sternomediastinitis compared to stage-by-stage approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 27 patients between October 2022 and March 2023. All patients underwent heart surgery through median sternotomy. There were 11 (40.7%) women and 16 (59.3%) men. Mean age of patients was 68.4±9.8 years. All patients were divided into 2 groups: 12 patients underwent partial necrectomy and vacuum wound therapy (or long-term dressings) before surgery (group 1), 15 patients underwent surgery without prior conservative treatment (group 2). RESULTS: The most common causative agent of infection was staphylococcus (48.1%). In all patients, we found histological signs of osteomyelitis. Preoperative clinical status was similar in both groups. There were differences in the following indicators: C-reactive protein upon admission - 74.9±18.6 versus 94.8±23.8 mg/l, procalcitonin - 0.13 [0.02; 1.43] versus 0.21 [0.02; 0.94] ng/ml. Postoperative outcomes were similar in both groups. Mortality was 8.3% (n=1) and 13.3% (n=2), respectively. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous combined surgical treatment (sequestrectomy + muscle flap grafting) demonstrates optimal results in the treatment of sternomediastinitis.

Effects of skin flap grafting combined with vacuum sealing drainage on ulcer area, pain level, and serum inflammation in diabetic foot patients.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of skin flap grafting combined with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) on ulcer area, pain level and serum inflammation in patients with diabetic foot (DF). METHODS: In this retrospective study, 121 patients with DF who were treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Xinyang Vocational and Technical College between April 2018 and April 2022 were included as study subjects, including 50 cases receiving skin flap grafting (control group) and 71 cases receiving skin flap grafting combined with VSD (research group). Information on clinical efficacy, survival rate of the grafted flap, amputation and complications, ulcer area, rehabilitation (granulation tissue formation time, ulcer wound healing time), pain level (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]), and serum inflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and C-reactive protein [CRP]) were collected for comparative analyses. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to screen the risk factors for patients' prognosis. RESULTS: The overall response rate and the survival rate of the grafted flap in the research group were markedly higher compared with the control group, while the amputation rate was significantly lower (all P<0.05). Besides, the research group exhibited an evidently smaller post-treatment ulcer area, lower VAS, IL-6, TNF-α and CRP levels, and shorter granulation tissue formation time and ulcer wound healing time than the control group (all P<0.05). Neither group of patients experienced significant complications. The use of skin flap grafting + VSD was a protective factor for postoperative outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Skin flap grafting combined with VSD is effective in treating DF patients, which can validly reduce ulcer area and inhibit serum inflammation after treatment, thus accelerating rehabilitation.

[Clinical study of a new biodegradable magnesium internal fixation screw in treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head].

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of a new biodegradable magnesium internal fixation screw for vascularized iliac bone flap grafting in treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods: Patients with ONFH admitted between July 2020 and February 2021 were selected as the research objects, and 20 patients (20 hips) met the selection criteria and were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups ( n=10) by central random method. The iliac bone flap was fixed with a new biodegradable magnesium internal fixation screw in the trial group, and the iliac bone flap was wedged directly in the control group. There was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in gender, age, and side, type, Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage, and disease duration of ONFH between the two groups. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss of the two groups were recorded. Laboratory tests were performed at each time point before and after operation, including white blood cell (WBC), electrolytes (K, Ca, P, Mg), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), lymphocyte ratio (CD4/CD8), immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST). After operation, Harris score was used to evaluate the hip joint function. CT of the hip joint and X-ray films in anteroposterior and frog positions of the pelvis were used to review the iliac bone flap position, fusion, and screw biodegradation in the trial group. Results: The vital signs of the two groups were stable, the incisions healed by first intention, and no adverse events occurred after operation. One patient in the control group refused to return to the hospital for follow-up at 3 months after operation, and 1 patient in the trial group refused to return to the hospital for follow-up at 1 year after operation. The rest of the patients completed the follow-up at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after operation. Laboratory tests showed that there was no significant difference in WBC, electrolytes (K, Ca, P, Mg), BUN, Scr, eGFR, CD4/CD8, IgG, IgM, ALT, and AST between the two groups at each time point before and after operation ( P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss of the trial group were significantly less than those of the control group ( P<0.05). The Harris scores of the two groups at 1 year significantly increased when compared with the values before operation and at 6 months after operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Harris score between the two groups at each time point ( P>0.05). Postoperative CT of hip joint and X-ray films of pelvis showed that the iliac bone flap reached osseous fusion with the fenestration of the head and neck junction of femoral head in the two groups at 1 year after operation, and no loosening or shedding of iliac bone flap was observed during follow-up. In the trial group, there were signs of dissolution and absorption of the new biodegradable magnesium internal fixation screws after operation, and the diameter of the screws gradually decreased ( P<0.05); no screw breakage or detachment occurred during follow-up. Conclusion: In the treatment of ONFH with vascularized iliac bone flap grafting, the new biodegradable magnesium internal fixation screws can fix the iliac bone flap firmly. Compared with the traditional iliac bone flap wedging directly, it has a shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, and can obtain similar joint function.

Vacuum sealing drainage combined with free anterolateral femoral skin flap grafting in 16 cases of pediatric soft tissue damage to the foot and ankle.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the clinical experience and discuss the use of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) combined with free anterolateral femoral flap grafting to treat pediatric foot and ankle soft tissue traumas. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 16 pediatric patients with foot and ankle soft tissue traumas treated with free anterolateral femoral flap grafting from January 2015 to January 2018. After successful debridement and VSD, the clinical efficacy of the procedure was evaluated by observing parameters such as the color, shape, and texture of the flap on the receptor site. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 23-32 months after surgery. Of the 16 patients, six had a flat flap appearance, while the remaining ten patients required flap repair surgery 6-9 months after the procedure. Eight of these ten patients had a satisfactory repair, and the remaining two patients had further repair surgery 9-10 months after the flap grafting. The postoperative results of all patients were satisfactory; no local infection, good flap survival, soft texture, glossy elasticity, and flat appearance. Statistical results showed only one case of local necrosis at the distal end of the flap, and the wound healed at stage II after redebridement and dressing change. CONCLUSIONS: VSD combined with free anterolateral femoral flap grafting is an easy and reliable operation with a good prognosis and excellent clinical utility and feasibility for treating pediatric patients with foot and ankle soft tissue traumas.

Free Myocutaneous Flap Assessment in a Rat Model: Verification of a Wireless Bioelectrical Impedance Assessment (BIA) System for Vascular Compromise Following Microsurgery.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular tissue transfer is a common reconstructive procedure. We designed a bioelectrical impedance assessment (BIA) system for quantitative analysis of tissue status. This study attempts to verify it through the animal model. METHODS: The flaps of the rat model were monitored by the BIA system. RESULTS: The BIA variation of the free flap in the rat after the vascular compromise was recorded. The non-vascular ligation limbs of the same rat served as a control group. The bio-impedance in the experimental group was larger than the control group. The bio-impedances of both the thigh/feet flaps in the experimental group were increased over time. In the thigh, the difference in bio-impedance from the control group was first detected at 10 kHz at the 3rd and last at 1 kHz at the 6th h, after vascular compromise. The same finding was observed in the feet. Compared with the control group, the bio-impedance ratio (1 kHz/20 kHz) of the experimental group decreased with time, while their variation tendencies in the thigh and feet were similar. CONCLUSIONS: The flap may be monitored by the BIA for vascular status.

Comparison of free vascularized iliac bone flap grafting versus pedicled iliac bone flap grafting for treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

BACKGROUND: A high incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), a commonly seen and intractable disease, has been reported. This retrospective study aims to compare the reconstructive outcomes by free vascularized iliac bone flap (FVIBF) with those by vascularized pedicled iliac bone flap (PIBF) to determine which one is better for ONFH patients. METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2017, 35 patients (40 hips) were treated by PIBF grafting, and 32 patients (36 hips) were treated by FVIBF grafting. The two groups were then compared in terms of the preoperative baseline conditions, intraoperative data, and postoperative Harris hip score (HHS). RESULTS: In the PIBF group, the operating time was significantly longer than the FVIBF group (195.5 ±â€¯26.4 vs 147.2 ±â€¯17.7 min, respectively), and the intra-operative blood loss was significantly heavier (330.0 ±â€¯63.9 vs 240.3 ±â€¯37.5 ml, respectively). Meanwhile, the recipient site morbidity rate in the PIBF group outnumbered that in the FVIBF group (27.5% vs 8.3%, respectively), and a higher rate of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury was observed in the PIBF group than in the FVIBF group (27.5% vs 8.3%, respectively). No difference was found in postoperative HHS score between the two groups. In both groups, the recovery effect of the patients in stage II was better than that in stage III. CONCLUSION: While maintaining a similar clinical effect, the FVIBF grafting exhibited a distinct advantage over the PIBF grafting, in terms of shorter operative time, less blood loss, and lower risk of LFCN injury.

Large Tracheocutaneous Fistula Successfully Treated With Bronchoscopic Intervention and Flap Grafting: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) is the most common related post-operative complication after tracheotomy. Treatments such as surgery and flap grafting are usually applied to close TCFs. We report a case of a large TCF with an area of ~3.0 cm × 1.0 cm. Here, we describe a relatively convenient approach for the management of a patient with a large TCF. In our treatment strategy, a coverd tracheal stent was used to cover the defect by bronchoscopy, the bronchial defect was closed with a local turnover flap, the structure was reinforced with biodegradable material (RapidSorb Plate 2.0), and then transplantation of a deltopectoral flap was performed. It is worth noting that the patency of the trachea was maintained during the whole surgery course. No recurrence or complications occurred after the 12-month follow-up. The large TCF was successfully treated with bronchoscopic intervention, biodegradable material and flap grafting, and without cartilage grafting.

Combined application of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and iliac bone flap in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the lower extremity.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (stage I) combined with iliac bone flap (stage II) in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the lower extremity. METHODS: Clinical data of 18 patients undergoing latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in combination with iliac bone flap grafting were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 2 patients developed chronic osteomyelitis of the lower segment of the femur, 4 were diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis of the tibial plateau, and 12 with chronic osteomyelitis of the lower segment of the tibia. RESULTS: All the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps survived in 18 patients. After the corresponding surgery, primary wound healing was achieved in 11 patients, and delayed wound healing was obtained in 7 cases. All wounds were completely healed with postoperative 2 months. Following the iliac bone flap grafting, primary would healing was accomplished in all cases. All dorsal window chambers survived. The bone defects were properly restored within 4-12 postoperative months. Functional training was performed after removal of the internal and external fixators. Postoperative follow-up was endured from 6 months to 10 years. All patients were satisfied with the bone healing and flap texture without the incidence of osteomyelitis and sinus tract. No contraction was observed in the grafting area of 2 patients receiving latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap grafting. Residual linear scars were noted in the dorsal and iliac donor sites. CONCLUSION: Combined usage of stage I latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and stage II iliac bone flap grafting is an efficacious and safe surgical technique in clinical practice.

[Tissue flap combined with sequential bone lengthening technique for repairing severe soft tissue and bone defects of lower extremity after burn injury].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of tissue flap grafting and sequential bone lengthening for repairing severe soft tissue and bone defects of the lower extremity after burn injury. Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2015, 11 cases of large segmental bone and soft tissue defects in the leg were treated. There were 10 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 28 years (range, 19-37 years). The causes included traffic accident in 8 cases, high voltage electric burn in 2 cases, CO poisoning burn in 1 case. The time from injury to admission was 3-14 days (mean, 6.5 days). The bone defect length was 8-18 cm (mean,14 cm); the skin soft tissue defect ranged from 13 cm × 8 cm to 25 cm × 19 cm. After complete removal of necrotic tissue and lesions of the femur or the tibia, the tissue flaps were used to repair soft tissue defect of the lower extremity in one-stage operation; bone defect was treated by Orthofix single side external fixation or Ilizarov ring external fixation in two-stage operation. Results: Eleven flaps survived completely, primary healing of incision was obtained in the others except for 1 patient who had necrotic bone infection, which was cured after removing necrosed femoral bone and filling with antibiotic bone cement spacer. During bone lengthening, pin tract infection occurred in 1 patient, and infection was controlled after dressing change. Bone lengthening ranged from 8 to 18 cm, with an average of 14 cm. After prolonged extension, the external fixator was retained for 4-12 months (mean, 6.5 months). All bone defects were repaired with bone healing time of 12-22 months (mean, 17 months). All patients were followed up 8-24 months (mean, 15 months). No vascular and neurological complication occurred during operation; no osteomyelitis or re-fracture occurred after operation, and the recovery of the lower extremity function was good. Conclusion: Tissue flap grafting combined with bone lengthening is an effective method to repair severe bone and soft tissue defects of lower extremity.

Method for microsurgical repairing of tendo calcaneus and complex tissue defect / 中华显微外科杂志

Objectives To approach the method and clinical effect on tendo calcaneus and complex tissue defect with microsurgery repair.Methods Retrospective summary the methods of 356 cases with tendo calcaneus and complex tissueserious defect,which repaired by different microsurgery from June 1994 to March 201 1.Two type were divided on account of different degree of serious tendo calcaneus and complex tissue defect.Type A:the length of tendo calcaneus defect was less than 3 cm,and cutaneous deficiency is less than 3 cm × 20 cm.Direct suture (166 cases) or Abraham retrograde V-Y method (72 cases)was used to repair endo calcaneus defec,anfregional flap metastasis was used to repair cutaneous deficiency.Two hundred and thirtyeight cases were used by those methods,including of lateral heel flap repair(23 cases),medial plantar island flap(58 cases),instep island flap(40 cases),above medial malleolus flap(48 cases),above ateral malleolus flap (24 cases),sural nerve nutrient vessel flap (29 cases) gastrocnemius muscle flap (16 cases).Type B:the length of tendo calcaneus defect was more than 3 cm,and cutaneous deficiency was more than 3 cm × 20 cm.Direct suture could not repair tendo calcaneus,the complex tissue flap free grafting was used to primary repair tendo calcaneus and complex tissue defect.One hundred and erghteen cases were used by those methods,including of tensor fasciae latae flap free grafting (52 cases),lateral above knee complex tissue flap free grafting (26 cases),latissimus dorsi muscle fascia flap free grafting (24 cases),rectus abdominis muscle front sheath flap free grafting (16 cases).Three hundred and fifty-six cases were repaired by these methods,including 238 cases of regional flap transfer 118 cases of tissue flap free grafting.Results In 238 cases of regional flap transfer,two hundred and twenty-six cases were successful,and 12 cases were partly success,which were wound healing by change dressings.In 118 cases of tissue flap free grafting,one hundred and nine cases were successful,and blood vesse articulo were happened to 8 casess,which were success by operations research,and 1 case was failure which had to use another tissue flap.Follow-up visit was dane from 1.0 year to 4.5 years after operation (average 3.2 years).Functional assessment according to the Thermann ralted the results as excellent in 240 csaes,good in 86 cases,common in 22 cases and worse in 8 cases.The fineness rate was 91.6％.Conclusion Microsurgical repair is a good method to tendo calcaneus and complex tissue defect,different method and strategy selected actively by tissue defect degree of tendo calcaneus and complex tissue can achieve satisfactory functional rehabilitation purpose.

Flow-through anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of Gustilo type Ⅲ C open fractures in upper and lower extremities / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To analyze the outcome of the flow-through anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction in the Gustilo type Ⅲ C traumatized extremities.Methods From June 2008 to June 2011,sixteen flow-through anterolateral thigh flaps were used for limb salvage.All in this series suffered from Gustilo type Ⅲ C open fractures in upper (4 cases) or lower extremities (12 cases).All patients had the presence of wide segmental soft tissue defects and segmental artery defects with compromised circulation.Four patients received primary operations and 12 patients received debridement combined with vacuum sealing drainage and secondary operations.Results All patients were followed up from 12 months to 40 months (average of 22 months).The mean age was 37.5 years old (from 18 to 62 years).The mean timing of free flap transfer was 6.7 days after injury (from 5 hours to 16 days).The mean artery defect was 12 cm in length (from 6 to 16 cm).All the flaps survived completely with a soft tissue texture.After operation,infection occurred in one patient,venous thrombosis occurred 1 day post-operatively in one patient,local flap necrosis occurred in two patients.No donor site morbidity was noted.In the last follow-up,according to Johner-Wruhs and Berton scores,the overall excellent/good rate for lower and upper extremities were 83.3％ and 75.0％ respectively.Conclusion Flow-through anterolateral thigh flaps provide for reconstruction of both the vessels and soft tissue simultaneously.Because of avoiding sacrificing one of the major vessels,it particularly indicates for only one major artery survival in the extremity.The clinical results show that the above reconstruction technique is useful for upper and lower extremities salvage.

Clinical application of anterolateral thingh flap with vascular anastomosed / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To stady the clinical effects of repairing soft tissue defects on body surface by grafting free anterolateral thigh flaps. Methods 11 patients were treated for soft tissue defects on body surface by grafting free anterolateral thigh flaps from October,1986 to January,2002. Results all flaps in the 11 patients survived.Follow-up survey in the (6～18) months after the operation showed satisfactory results. Conclusions Free anterolateral thigh flap is well supplied with blood,and it is in a concealed area of the body,where flaps of large size can be cut off.It is the ideal flap to repair large areas of soft tissue defects on body surface.