A comparison of axial circumference between superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap and other workhorse flaps in dorsal foot reconstruction

Background: Management and reconstruction of dorsal foot defects present various difficulties and challenges. The main purpose of this article is to discuss experiences of using superficial circumflex iliac perforator (SCIP) flap in various defects of the dorsal foot region.

Methods: From August 2012 to February 2015, a total of 13 patients – nine males and four females – received a reconstruction operation for dorsal foot defects using SCIP flaps (the SCIP group). The defects were caused by trauma (n?=?9), diabetes (n?=?3), and malignancy (n?=?1). The mean age was 43.07 years, which ranged between 19–70 years. Additionally, 19 other patients, who underwent reconstruction operation of the foot dorsum using ALT and TDAP flaps during the same study period, were recruited for comparison. The axial circumference of the operated foot and unoperated contralateral foot was measured, and the difference were compared between all patients, as well as between the two groups.

Results: All of the flaps survived after the operation, but secondary procedures were performed in two cases due to partial skin necrosis. The mean follow-up period was 13 months. The mean axial circumference discrepancy of the SCIP group (12.08?±?2.96?mm) was significantly lower compared with ALT (25.21?±?3.16?mm) and TDAP (29.88?±?1.55?mm) groups (p?Conclusions: The authors experienced good results with using the SCIP flap in dorsal foot reconstruction. Reconstruction with the SCIP flap can be a good surgical option, with better postoperative symmetry and minimal donor sequelae, compared to conventional workhorse flaps.     

显微削薄旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣修复成人足背侧创面

目的 分析显微削薄旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣修复成人足背侧创面的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析2014年至2017年滨州医学院附属医院收治的19例伴有骨骼或肌腱外露的足背侧创面患者的临床资料,均通过显微削薄旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣,一期或二期修复创面,供区直接缝合。结果 所有患者均获得随访,平均随访1~5年,足背侧创面获得了有效修复;3例出现局部0.5~1 cm皮瓣边缘坏死,待坏死界线清楚以后切除坏死皮瓣,经重新缝合以后皮瓣愈合良好;1例出现皮瓣下方淤血,皮瓣肿胀,经间断拆线,清理淤血并充分引流以后皮瓣成活;1例出现动脉危象,给予急症手术,探查发现动脉吻合口长度约0.5 cm栓子,取出栓子并重新吻合动脉,皮瓣最终成活良好;足部外形美观,皮瓣柔软,厚薄适中;末次随访时AOFAS踝-后足评分为（91.02±1.74）,功能为优者14例（74%）,良者4例（21%）,AOFAS评分优良率95%,患肢功能恢复良好。结论 应用显微削薄旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣修复成人足背侧创面,皮瓣外形美观,质地柔软,厚薄适中,可达到良好的临床效果。     

Popliteal fossa reconstruction with a medial sural artery perforator free flap using the medial sural vessel as the recipient

Background: Reconstruction of the popliteal fossa using a free flap is challenging. Therefore, to facilitate easier free flap reconstruction of the popliteal fossa, we use a medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) free flap with a medial sural vessel as the recipient vessel, as it provides several advantages based on many reports.

Methods: This report describes the authors’ experience and outcomes with this technique. Between October 2010 and January 2015, 10 patients with medium-sized defects in their popliteal fossa underwent MSAP free flap reconstruction using the medial sural vessel as the recipient vessel. The flap size and thickness were evaluated, as well as the pedicle length, for each case.

Results: The skin flap sizes ranged from 60–112?cm². The average flap thickness was 6?mm (range?=?4–8?mm), and the average pedicle length was 7.5?cm (range?=?6–9?cm). Full flap survival was observed in nine cases, and flap tip necrosis was observed in one case during a mean follow-up of 15 months (range?=?3–36 months). MSAP free flap reconstruction was performed for moderate-sized defects in the popliteal fossa, using the medial sural vessel as the recipient vessel.

Conclusion: The obvious advantages of this technique included simple vascular anastomosis (minimal size discrepancy), no intraoperative position changes, and good aesthetic outcomes (replacing like with like).     

Thin and superthin free flaps: An innovative approach to pediatric extremity reconstruction

IntroductionPublished standards for the management of open extremity fractures have improved limb salvage, fracture union, and deep infection rates, but the aesthetic and functional importance of our flap choices has been overlooked. Thin and superthin free flaps exhibit advantages over traditional free flaps in some situations but have seldom been reported in children. The aim of this paper is to present our experience of thin and superthin free flaps in pediatric extremity reconstruction.MethodsChildren (≤13 years) who underwent soft tissue reconstruction using a thin and superthin free flap following major extremity trauma are presented.ResultsFive patients (5 flaps) met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 9 (range 6–13). There were 3 Gustilo IIIB open fractures and 2 multiplanar degloving injuries. The median mangled extremity severity score (MESS) was 4 (range 2–6). The median time from injury to definitive soft tissue closure was 72 h (range 28–120 h). Four anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were raised as thin flaps, and 1 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) was raised as a superthin flap. There was one re-exploration owing to venous congestion, and a second venous anastomosis was performed to enhance flap drainage. The same ALT flap exhibited necrosis at one margin, which was debrided and grafted before discharge. There were no other flap complications. No flap-related secondary surgeries were required.ConclusionThin and superthin free flaps are viable options in pediatric extremity reconstruction. They exhibit excellent aesthetic and functional contouring when a slender fasciocutaneous flap is needed, especially when body habitus renders traditional options unfavorable.     

显微修薄股前外侧穿支皮瓣游离移植修复足踝部软组织缺损

目的：探讨显微修薄股前外侧穿支皮瓣游离移植修复足踝部软组织缺损方法及其临床效果。方法 ：自2017年3月至2022年1月,采用显微修薄股前外侧穿支皮瓣游离移植修复足踝部软组织缺损20例患者,男13例,女7例,年龄22～58(36.45±12.36)岁。切取皮瓣面积为8.0 cm×5.0 cm～20.0 cm×12.0 cm。术前先用便携式多普勒探测仪探测股前外侧区穿支血管位置,标记。对于创面缺损宽度<8 cm,11例采用单一皮瓣修复;对于创面宽度>8 cm无法直接缝合,9例采用分叶皮瓣技术,化宽度为长度,供区直接闭合者。所有皮瓣显微镜下以蒂部为中心向周边呈阶梯式修薄。观察皮瓣的成活情况及外形、质地、感觉功能恢复,采用Maryland足功能评定标准评价足部功能恢复情况。结果：移植20例显微修薄股前外侧穿支皮瓣全部成活。其中1例因皮下血肿发生静脉危象,经拆除缝合,清除血肿后危象解除,皮瓣顺利成活。供、受区创面愈合良好,供区仅遗留线状瘢痕。20例术后均获随访,时间3～26个月,皮瓣外形美观,不臃肿,质地优良,游离皮瓣两点辨别觉为9.0～16.0 mm,恢复保护性感觉,踝部屈伸功能...     

胫前动脉穿支螺旋桨皮瓣接力腓动脉终末前穿支螺旋桨皮瓣修复足踝部创面

目的探讨胫前动脉穿支螺旋桨皮瓣接力腓动脉终末前穿支螺旋桨皮瓣修复足踝部创面的疗效。方法2014年10月-2018年10月,收治18例足踝部创面患者。男12例,女6例。年龄8~56岁,平均32.8岁。致伤原因:交通事故伤11例,高处坠落伤3例,重物砸伤4例。创面部位:足背部9例,足跟4例,外踝5例。受伤至皮瓣修复时间7~34 d,平均19 d。创面范围6.0 cm×2.5 cm^11.0 cm×6.0 cm。采用大小为6 cm×3 cm^18 cm×7 cm的腓动脉终末前穿支螺旋桨皮瓣修复足踝部创面,其供区以胫前动脉穿支螺旋桨皮瓣(8 cm×3 cm^16 cm×6 cm)修复。结果术后1例腓动脉终末前穿支螺旋桨皮瓣出现瘀血肿胀,经对症处理后成活。其余皮瓣均顺利成活,供受区创面均Ⅰ期愈合。18例患者均获随访,随访时间6~15个月,平均12.5个月。末次随访时,两皮瓣外形、色泽、质地和厚度与受区基本一致,供区仅遗留线性瘢痕。腓动脉终末前穿支螺旋桨皮瓣两点辨别觉为10~12 mm,平均11 mm。根据美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)评分评价,获优15例、良3例,优良率为100%。结论应用胫前动脉穿支螺旋桨皮瓣接力腓动脉终末前穿支螺旋桨皮瓣修复足踝部创面,不需要牺牲主干血管,还能避免供区植皮,踝关节功能恢复满意。     

Reconstruction of Large Area of Deep Wound in the Foot and Ankle with Chimeric Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical application and surgical efficacy of the chimeric perforator flap pedicled with the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the lateral thigh muscle flap for the reconstruction of the large area of deep wound in foot and ankle.MethodsClinical data of 32 cases who underwent chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator flap to repair the large area of deep wound of the foot and ankle from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The sizes of the defects ranged from 18 cm × 10 cm to 35 cm × 20 cm, with exposed tendon and bone and/or partial defects and necrosis, contaminations, accompanied by different degrees of infection. Following the radical debridement and VSD, chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator flap was employed to repair the deep wounds according to the position, site and deep‐tissue injury of the soft‐tissue defects. The skin flap and muscle flap were fanned out on the wound, and single‐ or two‐staged split‐thickness skin grafting was performed on the muscle flap. The operation time and blood loss were recorded. The survival and healing conditions of the operational site with chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator flap were evaluated post‐operationally. Complications at both recipient site and donor site were carefully recorded.ResultsThe mean time of the operation was 325.5 min and average blood loss was 424.8 mL. Among the 32 cases, two cases developed vascular crisis, which were alleviated with intensive investigation and treatment; Four cases suffered from partial necrosis of the flap or skin graft on the muscle flap or on the residual local wound, which were improved after treatment of further dressing change and skin grafting. Another four cases experienced post‐traumatic osteomyelitis accompanied by bone defect were treated with simple bone grafting or Mesquelet bone grafting at 6–8 months after wound healing. Postoperatively, the wounds were properly healed, and the infection was effectively controlled without sinus tract forming. Overall, all 32 cases received satisfactory efficacy, without influencing subsequent functional reconstruction, and observed infection during the 12–36 months post‐operational follow‐up.ConclusionThe chimeric perforator flap pedicled with the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the lateral thigh muscle flap provides an effective and relative safe procedure for the repair of a large area of deep wound in the foot and ankle, particularly with irregular defect or deep dead space.     

股前外侧皮瓣游离移植修复下肢及足部皮肤软组织缺损的临床应用

目的 探讨股前外侧皮瓣游离移植修复下肢及足部软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法 选取2014年4月至2015年5月间,使用股前外侧皮瓣游离移植治疗下肢及足踝部软组织缺损的8例患者。术前通过B超及CT血管造影（computed tomography angiography, CTA）定位穿支血管的位置,术中对比血管定位位置后进行血管蒂分离。皮瓣切取面积为15 cm×15 cm～25 cm×15 cm。本组患者由于受区感觉神经缺损,均未进行受区感觉神经的修复。术后随访3个月以上,观察患者皮瓣外观及功能。结果 8例患者中,7例患者皮瓣术后存活,皮瓣对患处覆盖良好并有较好的外观及功能。1例患者术后第2天出现动脉危象,行探查术后再次出现静脉危象导致皮瓣部分坏死,清除坏死皮瓣组织,进行植皮换药后伤口愈合良好。结论 股前外侧皮瓣游离移植是游离皮瓣修复下肢及足踝部皮肤缺损中的经典术式,不仅可以减少患者的供区损伤,受区也可以得到良好的功能修复,但是在治疗过程中必须注意神经功能恢复及患肢的骨性功能恢复。     

Free gluteal artery perforator flap with a short,small perforator

The introduction of supermicrosurgery has led to the development of a new gluteal perforator flap nourished only by a musculocutaneous perforator of the superficial gluteal artery system. This flap has a perforator that is short (3-4 cm in length) and small (less than 1 mm). The successful transference of a free gluteal perforator flap for the coverage of soft-tissue defects in the foot and face in two patients is described in this article. With this flap, deeper and longer dissection for a pedicle vessel is unnecessary, flap elevation time is shorter, thinning of the flap with primary defatting and creation of an adiposal flap with customized thickness for tissue augmentation are possible, the donor site is in a concealed area with minimal donor site morbidity, and application of the flap as a scarred flap for previous operations in the gluteal region is possible. The disadvantages of this flap are necessity of dissection for a smaller perforator and of anastomosis of small-caliber vessels of less than 1.0 mm.     

Lumbar artery perforators: an anatomical study based on computed tomographic angiography imaging

Background: The free lumbar artery perforator flap has recently been introduced as a potentially valuable option for autologous breast reconstruction in a subset of patients. Up to date, few anatomical studies, exploring the lumbar region as a donor site for perforator- based flaps, have been conducted.

Methods: An anatomical study of the position of the dominant lumbar artery perforator was performed, using the preoperative computed tomographic angiography images of 24 autologous breast reconstruction patients. In total, 61 dominant perforators were determined, 28 on the left and 33 on the right side. A radiologist defined the position of the perforator as coordinates in an xy-grid.

Results: Dominant perforators were shown to originate from the lumbar arteries at the level of lumbar vertebrae three or four. Remarkably, approximately 85% of these lumbar artery perforators enter the skin at 7–10?cm lateral from the midline (mean left 8.6?cm, right 8.2?cm).

Conclusion: This study concludes a rather constant position of the dominant perforator. Therefore, preoperative-computed tomographic angiography is not always essential to find this perforator and Doppler ultrasound could be considered as an alternative, thereby carefully assessing all advantages and disadvantages inherent to either of these imaging methods.     

Combined transfer by several perforator skin flaps to cover an extensive and multiplanar wound on the foot and ankle

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using combined transfer by two or three large skin flaps to cover a single extensive and multiplanar wound on the foot and ankle to achieve full coverage of the wound and primary donor-site closure.Patients and methodsSeventeen patients with extensive wounds around their foot and ankle were treated. The flap could either be anterolateral femoral perforator (ALTP) flap, deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, or thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap. According to the dimensions and shape of the wound and the availability of donor sites, we classified the reconstruction into three different types. Based on the type, the soft-tissue defect was divided into two or three parts to guide the corresponding perforator skin flaps to be harvested within the maximum width and length of the donor sites.ResultsAll 17 patients were successfully reconstructed, with a total of 35 flaps in 37 paddles. Vascular compromise occurred in one patient and was saved by venous thrombectomy. In total, four flaps experienced a partial loss and were treated either conservatively or by a skin graft. No ulceration due to abrasion occurred on any flap during the entire follow-up. All donor sites were directly closed and healed uneventfully, except for one needing coverage by a skin graft and another experiencing dehiscence and scar widening.ConclusionCombined transfer by several skin perforator flaps is a flexible reconstructive option for resurfacing extensive and multiplanar wounds on the foot and ankle. The benefit lies in a well-reconstructed contour, an anti-frictional property, a permission of a normal shoe wearing in the reconstructed foot, and meanwhile a primary closure on donor site.     

Technical refinements of the free medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap in reconstruction of multifaceted ankle soft tissue defects

BackgroundPeri-ankle defects are difficult to reconstruct due to sharp contours, thin skin, aesthetic value, function and footwear impact. The medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAP) is increasing in popularity as a thin and pliable flap. This study aims to demonstrate its versatility in reconstructing defects around the ankle area and our approach to insetting these flaps in difficult areas around the ankle without the need for subsequent flap revisions.MethodsA retrospective review of the senior author’s series of peri-ankle reconstructions using the MSAP flap was undertaken.ResultsBetween 2011–2015, 15 patients underwent peri-ankle reconstruction with the MSAP flap. There were 4 dorsal foot, 4 medial malleolar, 4 lateral malleolar, and 3 tendo-achilles defects. All flaps in this series survived. There was one episode of partial flap necrosis in one patient and no incidences of donor site dehiscence. All patients returned to full ambulation and none required subsequent flap revision.ConclusionsThe MSAP flap offers the benefits of a fasciocutaneous flap, whilst providing a thin, pliable, single stage and robust reconstruction for peri-ankle defects, with a cosmetically ideal donor site.     

内踝前穿支蒂隐神经营养血管皮瓣的临床应用

目的 报道内踝前穿支蒂隐神经营养血管皮瓣修复足踝部皮肤软组织缺损的临床效果.方法 在解剖学研究的基础上,采用内踝前动脉穿支蒂隐神经营养血管皮瓣10例,轴点在内踝尖上1～3 cm处,平均为2 cm,皮瓣切取的面积:4.0 cm×3.0 cm～8.0 cm×6.0 cm.结果 所有皮瓣均成活.术后有2例远端少部分皮肤坏死,但其皮下有肉芽组织生长,用中厚皮植皮愈合.所有病例均经1.5～6.0个月以上随访,患肢行走步态正常,有痛觉.结论 内踝前动脉穿支蒂隐神经营养血管皮瓣修复足踝部皮肤软组织缺损,近踝旋转点,转移可修复至中前足背,邻近转移,切取方便,血液供应可靠,是足踝部皮肤软组织缺损修复的良好供区.     

Modified distally based peroneal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of foot and ankle

The distally based sural fasciocutaneous flap has been used widely for reconstruction of foot and ankle soft-tissue defects. Here we report on a series of cases of foot and ankle reconstruction with a modified distally based sural flap. The vascular pedicle of the flap includes an axial perforator branch of the peroneal artery and two concomitant veins. This modified distally based perforator flap, measuring around 17 x 6 cm to 30 x 10 cm in size, was transferred for coverage of foot and ankle soft-tissue defects in 7 cases. All flaps survived completely. Neither arterial ischemia nor venous congestion was noted. As compared to other distally based sural flaps with neuro-veno-adipo-fascial pedicles, this modified sural flap with a thin perforator pedicle is easily rotated. The flap can obtain abundant blood supply through both axial perforator and longitudinal chain-linked vascular plexuses, and does not have the venous reflow problem. In conclusion, the invention of this perforator fasciocutaneous flap provides a valuable tool for repair of foot and ankle soft-tissue defects.     

Foot and ankle reconstruction: An experience on the use of 14 different flaps in 226 cases

The aim of this report was to present our experience on the use of different flaps for soft tissue reconstruction of the foot and ankle. From 2007 to 2012, the soft tissue defects of traumatic injuries of the foot and ankle were reconstructed using 14 different flaps in 226 cases (162 male and 64 female). There were 62 pedicled flaps and 164 free flaps used in reconstruction. The pedicled flaps included sural flap, saphenous flap, dorsal pedal neurocutaneous flap, pedicled peroneal artery perforator flap, pedicled tibial artery perforator flap, and medial plantar flap. The free flaps were latissimus musculocutaneous flap, anterolateral thigh musculocutaneous flap, groin flap, lateral arm flap, anterolateral thigh perforator flap, peroneal artery perforator flap, thoracdorsal artery perforator flap, medial arm perforator flap. The sensory nerve coaptation was not performed for all of flaps. One hundred and ninety‐four cases were combined with open fractures. One hundred and sixty‐two cases had tendon. Among 164 free flaps, 8 flaps were completely lost, in which the defects were managed by the secondary procedures. Among the 57 flaps for plantar foot coverage (25 pedicled flaps and 32 free flaps), ulcers were developed in 5 pedicled flaps and 6 free flaps after weight bearing, and infection was found in 14 flaps. The donor site complications were seen in 3 cases with the free anterolateral thigh perforator flap transfer. All of limbs were preserved and the patients regained walking and daily activities. All of patients except for one regained protective sensation from 3 to 12 months postoperatively. Our experience showed that the sural flap and saphenous flap could be good options for the coverage of the defects at malleolus, dorsal hindfoot and midfoot. Plantar foot, forefoot and large size defects could be reconstructed with free anterolateral thigh perforator flap. For the infected wounds with dead spce, the free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap remained to be the optimal choice. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:600–604, 2013.     

应用胫后动脉穿支皮瓣修复足踝部复杂开放性骨折创面

目的：探讨胫后动脉穿支皮瓣在足踝部创面修复中的临床应用。方法应用胫后动脉穿支皮瓣逆行转移修复足踝部复杂开放性骨折创面6例。皮瓣切取面积：5.0 cm＆#215;6.0 cm～10.0 cm＆#215;15.0 cm。结果本组4例皮瓣全部成活,2例皮瓣边缘部分坏死,经换药及游离植皮后愈合。术后随访5～24个月,皮瓣外形满意,血供良好,无感染病例发生,足踝部骨折均骨性愈合,患肢均能负重行走。结论胫后动脉穿支皮瓣具有血供良好、操作简单、皮瓣供区破坏小等优点,适合修复足踝部皮肤软组织缺损。     

Der Saphenusperforatorlappen

Objective

Replacement of full thickness soft tissue defects in the lower leg and ankle, appropriate to the defect and following the course of blood vessels feeding the skin of a distally hinged fasciocutaneous flap most reliably based on the individual anatomy of distal perforators of the posterior tibial artery.

Indications

Full thickness soft tissue defects, up to 12 cm in length and up to 8 cm in width. Sufficient vascularization of the foot required, in osteomyelitis, and when joints, fractures, implants and tendons are exposed and when a split skin graft, a local flap, a suralis perforator flap or a free flap is not indicated.

Contraindications

For patients, in whom a 1–2 h operation is not possible; necessity of angioplasty; decollement or scars around the distal perforators of the posterior tibial artery; local infection or necrosis of soft tissues and/or bone, which cannot be totally excised.

Surgical technique

Radical debridement; flap dissection without tourniquet; microdissection; design of the flap on the skin: pivot point ~?10 cm (6–14 cm) proximal of the tip of the medial malleolus; base ~?5 cm in width, between the course of the saphenous nerve and of the great saphenous vein and the Achilles tendon; adipofascial pedicle up to 15 cm in length sited over the septum between soleus and flexor digitorum muscles, following the course of the saphenous nerve, with a central skin stripe, which expands into a proximal skin island; skin island is outlined similar to the defect, but larger by 1 to 2 cm, surrounded by an adipofascial border: adjustment of the planning as well as of the elevation of these flaps according to the individual position and the caliber of perforators requires in each case the search for a perforator at the estimated pivot point. Delay of transposition, if the division of more than one perforator proximal to the pivot point obviously diminishes circulation. No “tunnelling “of the pedicle; defects of skin due to the elevation of the flap are replaced by split and meshed skin grafts or temporary by “artificial skin”. A gap in the bandage over the skin island allows for observation.

Postoperative management

Protocol of controls of vascularization: color and time for revascularization; antibiotic treatment according to bacteriological testing. In case of edema or discoloration of the flap: immediate removal of sutures, administration of leeches, operative revision. Split skin graft 1 week after flap transposition, if the skin had been temporary substituted.

Results

Retrospective uncontrolled study with over 70 saphenous perforator flaps from 1995–2011. Full soft tissue defects 62 times with osteomyelitis, 3 times with endoprothesis, 3 times with fractures, 2 times with exposed tendons. From 1995–2006, 44/50 (88?%) flaps healed completely or at least to 3/4 without the necessity of further flaps; from 2007–2011, 13/20 (65?%) flaps healed completely and 6/20 (30?%) flaps healed at least to 3/4 without the necessity of further flaps, loss of one flap (5?%).     

腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣逆行修复累及前足的足踝部软组织缺损

目的：探讨应用腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣治疗累及前足的足踝部软组织缺损的手术方法及临床效果。方法：自1999年3月至2004年11月应用腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣治疗累及前足的足踝部软组织缺损19例，男17例，女2例；年龄17～49岁，平均31．4岁；左足11例，右足8例。切取皮瓣面积最大30cm×18cm，最小18cm×9cm。结果：术后皮瓣全部成活，1例皮缘坏死，换药愈合。随访6个月～2年，平均18个月，皮瓣外形满意，功能良好。结论：腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣切取简单，成活率高，是修复累及前足的足踝部软组织缺损的有效方法。     

VSD联合股前外侧穿支皮瓣治疗糖尿病足溃疡12例

目的:探讨VSD负压吸引联合股前外侧穿支皮瓣修复糖尿病足溃疡的临床疗效。方法 :回顾性分析2015年6月至2017年12月就诊的糖尿病足12例,男8例,女4例;年龄49～71岁,平均57.4岁;溃疡创面形成时间1～24个月;足背部7例,足趾区5例;溃疡创面面积3 cm×5 cm～7 cm×10 cm。均采用清创VSD负压吸引、中药洗剂冲洗,皮瓣修复治疗,观察皮瓣存活情况、外形、感觉恢复程度。结果:12例患者术后移植皮瓣全部成活,创面修复满意,供区愈合良好。随访6～18个月,12例皮瓣存活良好,皮瓣质地柔软,弹性良好,无明显臃肿,感觉部分恢复。结论:糖尿病足溃疡清创后VSD负压引流联合股前外侧穿支皮瓣移植临床效果满意,值得推广。     

Primary thinning of the anterolateral thigh flap in Caucasians is a safe technique

Background

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap is a well-described and versatile flap, regularly used for resurfacing and reconstructing soft tissue defects, but it is often too bulky to produce an aesthetically satisfactory result. Although primary thinning of the ALT has been successful in Eastern populations, studies have demonstrated that this may be inadvisable in Caucasians. This is the biggest clinical study demonstrating the clinical safety of primary thinning of ALT flaps in Caucasians.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed between January 2009 and August 2011 on 57 patients (mean age 43) undergoing ALT free flap reconstruction by three surgeons. They were all thinned via sharp dissection using loupe magnification except for 1–2 cm around the perforator by removing the larger fat globules of deep fascia and preserving the superficial fat layer. The resultant flap thickness was approximately 6 mm.

Results

In 77 % of cases, the flap was used for lower limb, 16 % for upper limb and 7 % for head and neck reconstruction. The mean flap surface area was 124 cm². There was one flap loss (1.8 %) and three flaps returned to theatre for perioperative complications.

Conclusions

Careful primary thinning of ALT flaps is safe in Caucasian populations and can achieve improved cosmetic results. Level of Evidence: Level IV, risk/prognostic study.