Vastus medialis muscle flap and hemi V-Y skin flap for knee extensor and soft tissue reconstruction

Simultaneous reconstruction of extensor mechanism and skin defect of the knee joint is a difficult problem. We present a case of a 55-year-old man with loss of patella and 9 x 6 cm skin defect after total patellectomy for infected open patellar fracture. Vastus medialis muscle flap and hemi V-Y skin flap were elevated. Vastus medialis muscle flap was advanced and sutured to the remaining patellar tendon. Hemi V-Y skin flap covered the skin defect. The wound healed uneventfully. After a follow-up period of 30 months, active range of motion of the knee joint is 0-120 degrees, and extension strength of the knee joint is [4] in a manual muscle test. He can stand on his right leg without any assistance. The combination of vastus medialis flap and hemi V-Y skin flap is a valuable option in knee reconstruction after total patellectomy.     

Single-stage procedures for treatment of traumatic patellar osteomyelitis: A retrospective study of 21 patients

IntroductionWe herein report on a series of 21 patients with traumatic patellar osteomyelitis treated by single-stage surgery, and discuss the specific application of single-stage procedures for traumatic patellar osteomyelitis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 patients with traumatic patellar osteomyelitis treated in our hospital from January 2010 to April 2018. In a single-stage surgery, aggressive debridement was performed together with application of a tissue flap, especially a gastrocnemius flap (for repair of skin/soft tissue defects and treatment of extensor mechanism defects), and internal refixation of the patellar fracture. The knee joint was exercised early after surgery. Long-term follow-up was performed to evaluate the recurrence of osteomyelitis according to clinical and laboratory signs of infection and to measure the active knee range of motion (ROM).ResultsSingle-stage wound treatment was successful in 20 of 21 patients. Treatments included radical debridement together with tissue flap for repair of soft tissue and extensor mechanism defects, and internal refixation of patellar fractures. 14 patients were treated with gastrocnemius flaps. One patient developed recurrent wound infection, which healed after reoperation. At a mean follow-up of 8 ± 2.63 years (range, 3.2–11.4 years), none had developed recurrence. Six patients had nearly full knee ROM (0°–105° to 0°–146°), whereas 11 patients had impaired knee mobility (ROM, 0°–90° to 0°–65°), 3 patients had knee joint stiffness with a ROM of 0°, and 1 patient had knee flexion contracture with a ROM of 78°–130°ConclusionsSingle-stage surgical treatment consisting of various surgical techniques was an acceptable treatment for traumatic patellar osteomyelitis, allowing early exercise of the knee joint. The osteomyelitis did not recur, and most patients’ knee ROM was restored to a certain extent, excluding patients with severe damage to the patellar articular surface and inactive functional exercise.     

Single free anterolateral thigh flap for simultaneous reconstruction of composite hypopharyngeal and external neck skin defect after head and neck cancer ablation

Single flap for complex hypopharyngoesophageal and anterior neck skin defect reconstruction is still a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Herein, we present five patients, with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer and anterior neck skin invasion, which received a single anterolateral thigh (ALT) fasciocutaneous flap for composite inner pharyngeal and outer skin defect reconstruction after wide composite resection. Two ALT flaps were divided into two distinct paddles supplied by two or more separate perforators, one part for reconstructing the inner pharyngeal defect and another for neck skin coverage. Three ALT flaps only supplied by one sizable perforator could not be divided and de‐epithelization of mid‐part had to be done to reconstruct both defects with the single flap. The results revealed survival of all flaps. There were no flap loss, fistulas, or bleeding complications. All patients recovered uneventfully and could eat a soft diet to regular diet postoperatively. In conclusion, one‐staged reconstruction of complex pharyngoesophageal and external skin defects after extensive oncological resection is feasible using a single ALT fasciocutaneous free flap. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.     

膝关节开放性烧伤的修复及功能重建

目的：探讨膝关节开放性烧伤的修复和功能重建。方法：烧伤后早期(3—5天)手术清创彻底切除膝关节周围坏死组织，凿除坏死骨质和软骨等，根据缺损的部位和大小在同侧小腿后侧设计和切取内侧、外侧或全腓肠肌肌皮瓣，利用肌肉远端腱性部分修复髌韧带，强大的肌腹覆盖缺损处代替关节囊、侧副韧带起到加强膝关节稳定性的作用。结果：术后肌皮瓣全部成活，创面愈合良好，局部外形满意。无感染、关节腔狭窄和积液等并发症，经锻炼膝关节活动良好，伸屈自如，修复的膝关节可承受单腿站立或跳跃。结论：腓肠肌肌皮瓣邻近受区，血供丰富，切取容易，操作简单，强大的肌腹和)lJt~t可代替膝关节周围关节囊、侧副韧带和髌韧带起到稳定膝关节的作用，切取腓肠肌后对小腿功能影响不大，修复和重建膝关节效果优于其它肌皮瓣。     

The distally pedicled gracilis flap for salvage of complex knee wounds

IntroductionSoft tissue defects around the knee joint resulting from trauma or because of wound breakdown after total knee arthroplasty present a challenge in a group of patients that often suffer from other co-morbidities. A pedicled gastrocnemius muscle flap remains a workhorse for this kind of wound. However, where the defect lies in the supero-lateral aspect of the proximal knee area, an alternative solution is required. The distally based pedicled gracilis flap has been described as an option for these cases where free-tissue transfer may not be an option and the pedicled gastrocnemius is not sufficient or has already been used. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the usefulness of this flap in the nine cases in which we have utilized it in our unit.MethodsNine patients underwent reconstruction of complex proximal knee wound defects with a distally based pedicled gracilis muscle flap. The mean age was 62 years (range 23–83). Five patients had wound breakdown following total-knee arthroplasty (TKR) and four patients had wound complications after road traffic accidents (RTA). Three of the nine flaps were delayed.ResultsEight of the nine patients had successful salvage of the knee with the use of the distally based gracilis flap. Although four of the flaps suffered partial loss, this did not compromise the joint salvage. The patients were moderately satisfied with the reconstruction and achieved a mean range of movement of 75° (±12°).ConclusionThe distally based pedicled gracilis flap can be a salvage solution for complex soft tissue defects with exposed knee joint, patella or proximal part of knee or exposed knee prosthesis in cases where a pedicled gastrocnemius muscle is inadequate or the patient is not suitable for a free flap.Evidence Level IV.     

Intraoperative flap design using ICG monitoring of a conjoined fabricated anterolateral thigh/tensor fasciae latae perforator flap in a case of extensive soft tissue reconstruction at the lower extremity

In this report, we present a case of the use of a conjoined fabricated free anterolateral thigh (ALT)/tensor fascia latae (TFL) perforator flap for reconstruction of the lower extremity with intraoperative flap design using intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) monitoring. The flap was used for reconstruction of a 16 cm × 28 cm sized defect of the lower leg in a 24‐year‐old man. The defect was caused by a third degree open fracture to the tibia. Upon dissection of the ALT perforators, ICG monitoring showed that both dominant ALT perforators did not yield a sufficient perforasome (～16 cm × 17 cm) for the larger flap needed. An adjacent TFL perforator also supplied a large perforasome (～15 cm × 11 cm), so a conjoined fabricated flap was harvested and transplanted to cover an extensive lower leg defect. The artery of the TFL perforator pedicle was being in‐flap anastomosed to a side branch of the ALT pedicle. Postoperative course was uneventful and there were no complications. Length of follow‐up was 6 months, aesthetic and functional outcome was good. The patient was very satisfied with the aesthetic outcome. Both legs were fully mobile after intensive physiotherapy for the reconstructed leg. The leg where the flap had been harvested showed full strength in knee joint flexion. This case could show that identification of the supplying vessels may be possible by ICG monitoring. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:684–688, 2016.     

Pedicled medial sural perforator flap for the reconstruction of knee defects

Soft tissue defects exposing the patellar tendon or bone are common in patients who have experienced trauma or implant infection. The purpose of this article is to present our experience of six patients who underwent reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the knee using a pedicled medial sural perforator flap. Between November 2013 and November 2015, six patients who presented with a soft tissue defect overlying the knee were admitted to our hospital. After adequate debridement or wide excision of the tumour, these patients underwent pedicled medial sural perforator flap placement to resurface the complex soft tissue defects and to provide a gliding surface for the exposed patellar tendon. The patients' age, comorbidity, aetiology, defect size and location, flap size, perforator numbers and lengths, outcome and follow‐up period were reviewed. The six medial sural perforator flaps survived completely, and the wounds healed satisfactorily over a mean follow‐up of 21·5 months (range, 6–51 months). Donor sites were closed primarily or covered with a split‐thickness skin graft. The medial sural perforator flap is a reliable flap for coverage of defects overlying the knee. The thin and pliable flap, long pedicle length and less donor site mobility benefit patients. Thus, the medial sural perforator flap may be a valuable alternative for defect reconstructions overlying the knee, which produces satisfactory results both functionally and cosmetically.     

第二跖趾关节复合组织瓣移植治疗掌指关节背侧复合组织缺损

目的 探讨跖趾关节复合组织瓣移植治疗掌指关节背侧复合组织缺损的方法及临床效果.方法 应用有血运的第二跖趾关节复合趾伸肌腱、皮肤的组织瓣,通过关节重建,移植修复16例掌指关节背侧复合伸肌腱皮肤缺损.结果 16例全部成活,未出现血管危象.15例伤口一期愈合,1例因皮瓣切取过小,术后侧背方小面积皮肤缺损,经游离植皮后二期愈合.14例获得随访,时间6个月～3年,关节功能恢复较满意;X线片显示:骨结合部愈合良好,未见关节退化.结论 跖趾关节复合组织瓣移植是修复掌指关节背侧复合组织缺损较有效方法.     

Patellar reconstruction using distal femoral autograft in a patellectomized patient undergoing total knee arthroplasty

Patellectomized patients have less satisfactory clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty because of a decreased extensor mechanism efficiency and potential instability attributable to loss of anterior restraint. We report a patient, with a prior history of patellectomy, who underwent simultaneous patellar reconstruction using distal femoral autograft during the total knee arthroplasty. The patient has been followed up for 24 months with excellent postoperative knee scores with radiographically established graft viability.     

A minimally invasive medial patellofemoral ligament arthroscopic reconstruction

The medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction is recognized as a good choice for patients with recurrent patellar dislocation. Most techniques of the medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction are open surgeries. Recently, we present a minimally invasive medial patellofemoral ligament arthroscopic reconstruction technique as a possible alternative method for recurrent patellar dislocation. The aim of the study was to describe a safe and effective technique to perform medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. The graft was prepared in shape to “Y.” Two 5-mm incisions were made in the skin above the medial edge of the patella. Two docking bone tunnels were drilled from medial edge to the center of the patella, mimicking the wide patellar insertion of the medial patellofemoral ligament, and a bone tunnel was made at the femoral insertion site. Two free ends of the graft were fixed into the patellar tunnels by lateral cortical suspension, and the folded end was fixed into the femoral tunnel by bioabsorbable interference screw. Average patellar tilt and the congruence angle were 30.7° ± 7.5° and 52.7° ± 7.3° and were reduced to 12.8° ± 0.9° and 2.3° ± 11.5° after treatment. The Kujala score was increased from 63.0 ± 9.0 to 91.0 ± 7.0. The minimally invasive medial patellofemoral ligament arthroscopic reconstruction in this paper seems to be helpful to increase safe of operation and treatment effect and reduce complications.     

Effect of an Endoprosthetic Reconstruction Tube and Medial Gastrocnemius Flap on Extensor Mechanism Function After Oncologic Prosthesis Reconstruction of the Proximal Tibia

BackgroundExtensor mechanism reconstruction after the proximal tibial resection and implantation of a megaprosthesis is challenging. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the Trevira tube and medial gastrocnemius flap in restoring extensor mechanism following the resection of proximal tibial tumor and implantation of megaprosthesis.MethodsForty patients who underwent endoprosthetic implantation following the resection of proximal tibial tumor and patellar tendon reconstruction with the Trevira tube and medial gastrocnemius flap were included. The outcome measures were knee range of motion, extensor mechanism function, patellar position, and limb function subjectively evaluated through Toronto Extremity Salvage Score and objectively through Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score. The mean follow-up of the patients was 6.1 years.ResultsThe patellar position was normal in 28 (70%) patients, patella baja in 3 (7.5%) patients, and patella alta in 9 (22.5%) patients. The mean active knee range of motion was 98.9 ± 17° (range: 85°-125°). Extension lag was present in 7 (17.5%) patients (range: 5°-20°). The mean Toronto Extremity Salvage Score of patients was 92.1 ± 6.9% (range: 85-100). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of the patients was 87.7 ± 13 (range: 73.3-100). Postoperative complications included aseptic wound dehiscence (2 patients), aseptic loosening of the tibial component (1 patient), periprosthetic fracture in the femur (2 patients), and wound infection (1 patient).ConclusionTrevira tube combined with gastrocnemius flap augmentation is a suitable procedure for restoring extensor mechanism after proximal tibial resection and megaprosthesis implantation.     

Extensor mechanism reconstruction: a novel technique for bone patella allograft post partial patellectomy failure

Extensor mechanism disruption, whether due to patella fracture or tendon rupture, generally occurs after low-energy trauma and frequently involves an indirect mechanism. When the fracture is comminuted and reconstruction is impossible, a partial or total patellectomy may be indicated. Although some authors advocate total patellectomy, partial patellectomy remains the standard treatment, especially for young and active patients. In the rare instance of a failed tendon repair after partial or total patellectomy, inadequate tissue is usually available for adequate restoration of the extensor mechanism. Extensor mechanism allograft, using the tibial tuberosity, patellar tendon, patella, and quadriceps tendon in continuity or the Achilles' tendon with calcaneal bone-block in continuity has been reported for extensor mechanism repair after total knee arthroplasty in patients who did not undergo patellectomy. We present a novel technique, using the bone patellar tendon bone allograft to reconstruct a posttraumatic defect of the extensor mechanism in a 28-year-old, active patient with a failed partial patellectomy following fracture of his patella. Union of the allograft was seen on x-ray after 4 months. After 6 months, the patient reached full range of motion and returned to his previous sporting activities.     

Investigation of the Relationship Between Flatfoot and Patellar Subluxation in Adolescents

Patellar subluxation is common in adolescents, and a variety of factors are related to this condition, with valgus of the knee joint an important factor. The results of many studies suggest that flatfoot can cause an abnormality of the lower limb power line. Structural abnormalities of the foot caused by the high stresses exerted by body weight can lead to structural deformity of the knee and can also cause knee valgus. Screening for foot problems can help determine the risk of patellar subluxation, and early intervention can lessen the incidence of this condition. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of flatfoot on the structure and function of the knees and, especially, the risk of patellar subluxation. A total of 72 participants were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The mean age at examination was 15.4 ± 4.0 (range 9 to 22) years. The measured parameters were heel valgus angle, arch index, and quadriceps angle (Q-angle). Overall, the mean values of the heel valgus angle, arch index, and Q-angle were 5.9° ± 2.4° (range 1° to 11°), 0.33 ± 0.07 (range 0.23 to 0.46), and 19.1° ± 3.5° (range 9° to 26°), respectively. The Q-angle was directly associated with the heel valgus angle (r = 0.818, p < .001) and arch index (r = 0.655, p < .001). We found that flatfoot can affect the morphology of the knee joint and increase the risk of patellar subluxation.     

Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defect using an eccentric perforator‐based pedicled anterolateral thigh flap: A case report

Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects is a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. In this report, a case of reconstruction of a large abdominal wall defect using an eccentric perforator‐based pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is presented. A 30‐year‐old man presented with recurrent desmoid‐type fibromatosis in the abdominal wall. The recurrent tumor was radically excised, and the en bloc excision resulted in a full‐thickness, large abdominal wall defect (25 cm × 20 cm). An eccentric perforator‐based pedicled ALT flap, including wide fascial extension, was transferred to the abdominal defect; fascial portions were sutured to the remnant abdominal fascia. Plication of the fascia along the sutured portion was performed to relieve the skin tension between the flap and the marginal skin of the abdominal defect. Eight months after surgery, the reconstructed abdomen had an acceptable esthetic appearance without tumor recurrence or hernia. The use of an eccentric perforator‐based pedicled ALT flap may be an alternative method for the reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:482–486, 2013.     

逆行股前外侧岛状皮瓣修复膝关节周围软组织缺损

【摘要】目的 探讨采用股前外侧逆行岛状穿支皮瓣修复膝关节周围严重创伤性软组织缺损的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2008年至2012年,我院采用股前外侧逆行岛状穿支皮瓣修复膝关节周围严重创伤性皮肤软组织缺8例,术后观察皮瓣存活情况和恢复情况。结果 除了1例病例边缘小部分坏死,通过换药愈合外,其余皮瓣全部存活,皮瓣质地弹性好,外形满意。术后无明显感染及并发症。结论 采用股前外侧逆行岛状穿支皮瓣修复膝关节周围严重创伤性软组织缺损,具有血供可靠,血管蒂较长等优点,术后疗效满意。     

Bone-grafting for severe patellar bone loss during revision knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Severe patellar bone loss may preclude adequate fixation of another patellar prosthesis as a part of revision knee replacement. The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical technique and early clinical results of an alternative to the conventional treatment options of either patellectomy or retention of the remaining patellar osseous shell. The goals of this procedure are to restore patellar bone stock and potentially to improve the functional outcome. METHODS: Severe patellar bone loss had left a "patellar shell" that precluded insertion of another patellar implant in nine of 100 consecutive knees undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty. Rather than performing a patellectomy or simply retaining the patellar osseous shell in these nine knees (eight patients), I performed a surgical procedure in which a tissue flap was secured to the patellar rim to contain cancellous bone graft inserted into the patellar bone defect. Final follow-up was at a mean of 36.7 months (range, twenty-four to fifty-five months) after the patellar bone-grafting procedure. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Knee Society scores for function and pain were 39 points (range, 18 to 82 points) and 40 points (range, 20 to 80 points), respectively. At the time of final follow-up, the Knee Society function and pain scores had improved significantly, to a mean function score of 91 points (range, 80 to 98 points) and a mean pain score of 84 points (range, 65 to 100 points) (p<0.05). The point of greatest patellar thickness measured intraoperatively ranged from 7 to 9 mm. Patellar thickness on immediate postoperative Merchant radiographs averaged 22 mm (range, 20 to 25 mm) whereas, at the time of final follow-up, patellar thickness averaged 19.7 mm (range, 17 to 22.5 mm). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast with other treatment alternatives, this surgical procedure imparts the potential for restoring patellar bone stock and may improve functional outcome by facilitating patellar tracking and improving quadriceps leverage. On the basis of satisfactory short-term to mid-term clinical results, this technique of patellar bone-grafting appears to be an important addition to the armamentarium of surgeons performing revision knee arthroplasties.     

Patellar resurfacing for patellofemoral arthritis.

Knee pain referable to the patellofemoral articulation is common in the general population. It remains a troubling problem for the orthopedic surgeon. Frequently, initial therapy, involving activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and isometric quadriceps strengthening, is successful in relieving symptoms. Surgical intervention is normally reserved for those patients with pain that is resistant to these modalities. Unfortunately, none of the various surgical options has proved to be totally dependable, durable, or reproducible. The results of isolated patellar and patellofemoral resurfacing procedures have been guarded. Patellar resurfacing appears to be most beneficial in younger patients with severe anterior knee pain. These individuals should be clearly warned that there is a relatively high likelihood that they will require additional surgical treatment or patellectomy at a later date. Fortunately, patellar resurfacing does not preclude patellectomy from being easily performed. Patellofemoral resurfacing, however, involves more overall involvement of the knee joint. This makes patellectomy less likely to be a successful salvage procedure. Despite our observations that knees with primary patellofemoral arthritis do not do as well after total knee replacement as those with tibio-femoral arthritis, this procedure remains the best treatment option. The durability and predictability of total knee arthroplasty are well documented. Its results far surpass those reported for isolated resurfacing procedures. With regard to patellar resurfacing as part of total knee arthroplasty, we recommend resurfacing all patellae. The literature, although not conclusive, lends support to this practice. Avoidance of metal-backed patellar components and special attention to technical details should decrease the complications associated with patellar resurfacing in future studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Repair of hand defects by transfer of free tissue flaps from toes

Introduction

There are very few reports on the use of a free composite flap from the toe to repair small tissue defects in the hand. Here, we describe our experience using a free composite flap from the great toe and second toe.

Method

Fifteen patients sought surgical treatment for tissue defects of the hand at our medical institution from July 2008 to December 2010. These defects included: dorsal defect of the distal thumb, dorsal-radialis defect of the proximal thumb, degloving injury of distal index finger, pulp defect of the middle finger and these were repaired with toe side pulp flaps. In five subjects, treatment of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) or proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) involved a combined extensor tendon defect with a composite flap with MPJs and PIPJs and the extensor tendon of the second toe. All flaps were transferred as free flaps.

Results

All flaps survived. At 34.8 months of follow-up, the average subjective satisfaction score was 8. Eleven patients (73.3 %) experienced cold intolerance, and one patient (6.7 %) dysesthesia. The Semmes–Weinstein Sensitivity Score was 3.48–4.71 at the flap and 0–4.21 at the donor site. The mean two-point discrimination was 7.13 mm. Grip strength was 10 % less than in the unaffected hand. Mobility loss in the MPJ and PIPJ was <10°. No patients had complications at the donor sites.

Conclusion

Based on the unique characteristics of the free flap from toes, we consider them to be good options for reconstruction of small tissue defects in the hand according to various sizes, shapes, and sites.     

Measurement of change on medial and lateral joint gaps by navigation system in multi-radius PS TKA

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the joint gap kinematics in posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (PS TKA).