Soft tissue coverage for posttraumatic reconstruction

Posttraumatic foot and ankle reconstruction requires careful preoperative planning to reduce wound complications. Systemic and local factors need to be considered. A careful surgical technique can avoid the need for surgical soft tissue coverage. Recognition of the need for coverage preoperatively improves outcomes. Often, dressings and time allow minor wound complications to heal. More severe wound issues require early soft tissue coverage by local or free flaps to prevent failure of the surgery.     

Definitive mandibular replacement using reconstruction plates

Mandibular defects following radical cancer surgery continue to provide challenges to head and neck surgeons. Twenty-seven patients with advanced oral cancer underwent primary mandibular replacement with metal reconstruction plates without the use of bone. Twenty-one patients (78%) had successful reconstruction with primary soft tissue healing. Six patients required removal of the plate in the postoperative period. Two of these patients had their reconstruction plates replaced as a secondary procedure following soft tissue healing. Thus, 23 of 27 patients (85%) had final mandibular reconstruction and were followed for an average of 19 months. Functional and cosmetic results were satisfactory. For patients with advanced disease, this technique compares favorably with microvascular transfer in terms of operating time and donor defect. Despite problems with plate exposure, the initial and overall success rates of 78% and 85%, respectively, make the use of these plates a reasonable choice for immediate reconstructive needs in patients with difficult tumors.     

Effects of radiotherapy on mandibular reconstruction plates

The radiation dose in the vicinity of metal mandibular implants was measured using lithium fluoride (TLD-100) thermoluminescent dosimeters. Dosimeters were positioned in contact with Vitallium and stainless steel (AO) reconstruction plates. Simple transmission was measured with a solid state detector removed from the implant at a depth of 2.5 cm in a polystyrene phantom. The measurements were made for a 6 mV photon beam from a linear accelerator. At points in front of, but in contact with the metal implants, the dose was greater by 23 percent for Vitallium and 17 percent for stainless steel than that with no implant. At contact behind the implant, the dose was reduced considerably: 14 percent for Vitallium and 13 percent for stainless steel. At remote points behind the implant, the dose was reduced due to attenuation.     

Efficacy of small reconstruction plates in vascularized bone graft mandibular reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Utilization of vascularized bone grafts rigidly fixated with titanium reconstruction plates is the method of choice for reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects. We hypothesized that the use of the newer 2.0-mm locking reconstruction plate (LRP) is not associated with higher rates of complications when compared with larger, previously used plating systems. METHODS: A retrospective case series of 184 patients undergoing 185 vascularized bone graft reconstruction procedures of the mandible was conducted. RESULTS: There were 37 plate complications. There was no significant difference in complication rates for the 2 most used plate types (14.5% with the 2.0-mm LRP and 22.2% with the 2.4-mm LRP). CONCLUSIONS: Use of the smaller 2.0-mm LRP was not associated with an increase in the complications of plate fracture, exposure, infection, or nonunion. Because of its lower profile and ease of application, the 2.0-mm LRP is our plate of choice for mandibular reconstruction.     

Soft tissue coverage in devastating hand injuries

Plastic surgical therapy of mutilating hand injuries represents a multifaceted task to the hand surgeon, where considerations about indication, timing, and structure of the soft tissue coverage play a major role in reconstruction. The concept of early primary reconstruction (including emergency procedures) and fast rehabilitation not only demands thoughtful tissue preparation but also mastering of a bandwidth of plastic surgical techniques. Systematic algorithms based on the reconstructive ladder help in decision making in the complexity of soft tissue coverage but have to be adjusted to the individual case profile. General considerations and strategic planning are explained and illustrated by three clinical cases.     

Soft tissue coverage options for ankle wounds

Soft tissue deficiencies of the ankle are caused by several mechanisms, such as trauma, tumor, and infection. Compounding the reconstructive problems is that soft tissue problems often present in patients who have underlying diseases such as peripheral vascular disease, diabetes or both. For example, a 65-year-old person with diabetes who smokes two packs of cigarettes per day sustains an ankle fracture. After undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture, there is subsequent wound behiscence over the patient's fibular plate. The wound edges cannot be reapproximated, and there is loss of soft tissue. What should treatment be for this soft tissue problem? Another example is a 45-year-old rheumatoid patient who takes 20 mg of steroids a day and undergoes posterior tibial tendon repair after rupture. One month after surgery, the surgical wound dehisces, resulting in exposure of the tendon repair. What is the approach for adequate and effective soft tissue treatment? The purpose of this article is to address such complex problems and to provide an algorithm for soft tissue reconstruction of the ankle.     

Soft tissue coverage in open fractures of tibia

Background:

The treatment of Gustilo Anderson type 3B open fracture tibia is a major challenge and it needs aggressive debridement, adequate fixation, and early flap coverage of soft tissue defect. The flaps could be either nonmicrovascular which are technically less demanding or microvascular which has steep learning curve and available only in few centers. An orthopedic surgeon with basic knowledge of the local vascular anatomy required to harvest an appropriate local or regional flap will be able to manage a vast majority of open fracture tibia, leaving the very few complicated cases needing a free microvascular flap to be referred to specialized tertiary center. This logical approach to the common problem will also lessen the burden on the higher tertiary centers. We report a retrospective study of open fractures of leg treated by nonmicrovascular flaps to analyze (1) the role of nonmicrovascular flap coverage in type 3B open tibial fractures; (2) to suggest a simple algorithm of different nonmicrovascular flaps in different zones and compartment of the leg, and to (3) analyze the final outcome with regards to time taken for union and complications.

Materials and Methods:

One hundered and fifty one cases of Gustilo Anderson type 3B open fracture tibia which needed flap cover for soft tissue injury were included in the study. Ninety four cases were treated in acute stage by debridement; fracture fixation and early flap cover within 10 days. Thirty-eight cases were treated between 10 days to 6 weeks in subacute stage. The rest 19 cases were treated in chronic stage after 6 weeks. The soft tissue defect was treated by various nonmicrovascular flaps depending on the location of the defect.

Results:

All 151 cases were followed till the raw areas were covered. In seven cases secondary flaps were required when the primary flaps failed either totally or partially. Ten patients underwent amputation. Twenty-two patients were lost to followup after the wound coverage. Out of the remaining 119 patients, 76 achieved primary acceptable union and 43 patients went into delayed or nonunion. These 43 patients needed secondary reconstructive surgery for fracture union.

Conclusion:

open fracture of the tibia which needs flap coverage should be treated with high priority of radical early debridement, rigid fixation, and early flap coverage. A majority of these wounds can be satisfactorily covered with local or regional nonmicrovascular flaps.     

Soft tissue reconstruction of theupper extremity

Soft tissue coverage of the upper extremity requires careful analysis of each defect by the surgeon to establish an appropriate plan for reconstruction. Each anatomic area of the upper extremity has unique reconstructive requirements. Also, patient characteristics including age, compliance, and medical history play a role in the management of upper extremity wounds. The surgeon must incorporate all of these elements to select a suitable reconstructive option that will maximize function and aesthetics as well as minimize morbidity.     

Soft tissue reconstruction of the nose

Soft tissue repair of skin defects of the nose-being in the middle of the face-is very demanding with regard to its functional and aesthetic outcome to allow successful rehabilitation of the patient concerned. In the majority of these cases, soft tissue reconstruction using local and regional flaps is indicated after individual therapy planning considering location and size of the defect, the patient's age, and his or her wishes. Flaps from nasal skin, glabella, forehead, as well as nasolabial fold provide good possibilities to cover the defect externally and ensure matching color and texture. Full-thickness skin grafts and healing by secondary intent are second-choice therapies. In the case of partial amputation of the nose, a nasolabial rotation flap can be used for inner lining, if necessary supported by septal cartilage or a composite graft building a stable nasal scaffold from the inside for the outside. The possibilities of facial plastic surgery, the exact knowledge of vascular supply, and flaps adjusted to individual requirements allow achievement of an outcome that is aesthetically and functionally satisfying for the patient.     

Soft tissue coverage options for dorsal foot wounds

The soft tissue of dorsum of the foot consists of a thin pliable surface that allows for significant excursion and tendon gliding. Reconstructive options must preserve these important functions and allow for reasonable contour so the patient may wear a shoe postoperatively. Special attention must be given to the mechanism of injury and overlying pathophysiology involved with each wound. Local flaps can provide adequate wound coverage in settings in which the vasculature and subcutaneous structures have been preserved. In wounds in which the regional vascularity is compromised or in which tendon and bone have been lost, a free-tissue transfer can provide for more substantial coverage. The multiple options available with free-tissue transfer allows for the possibility of composite tissue transfer, including vascularized bone or tendon, and the ability to create a sensate flap with excellent contour.     

Soft tissue expanders in hand reconstruction

Eight cases in which soft tissue expanders have been used as an adjunct to reconstruction in the hand are reported. Cases involved reconstruction after skin grafting for burns and crush injuries as well as skin resurfacing in the management of the painful hand. Patient tolerance was excellent and the final result was significantly aided by the use of this technique. The technical details of expansion as well as complications are discussed.     

Soft tissue coverage of the knee joint following burns

Full-thickness burns around the knee joint are usually associated with exposure of bone, tendon or ligaments. Following excision of the deep burns, there is no viable wound bed to which skin grafts can be applied. Although vacuum-assisted closure has been used to encourage granulation tissue, exposure of the tendons and ligaments following excision usually requires muscle flaps or fasciocutaneous flaps.     

Soft tissue reconstruction of the diabetic foot

Treatment of wounds in the diabetic foot presents a set of difficult problems that requires "out of the box" thinking. The traditional approach of off-loading these wounds is often expensive, time-consuming, and in some cases seemingly never ending. The literature speaks loudly for a change in the philosophy of treating chronic wounds. When developing a team to treat chronic diabetic wounds, a reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon trained in these techniques is an appropriate addition to the team.     

Soft tissue reconstruction about the proximal femur

The outcome of proximal femur reconstruction after resection of malignant tumors was studied in 45 patients.Clinical results, according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score, were rated good to excellent in 56% of patients. Patients with primary tumors survived an average of 44.5 months and patients with secondary tumors for 32 months, with a 5-year survival rate of 20%. Aseptic loosening and tumor recurrences were not a problem for these patients. Most complications were related to material and stability. The major problem after reconstruction was lack of strength of the gluteal muscles which resulted, in part, in joint instability and impaired function. Of all reconstruction methods of the abductor mechanism, metal armed fixation devices (ie, screws, hooked plate) were found to be the best in terms of strength and overall function, and are recommended for this type of reconstruction.     

Soft tissue reconstruction after total pelvic exenteration

Total pelvic exenteration leaves a major defect in pelvic-perineal region. Delayed healing, bowel fistulae, occlusion or protrusion and infection are frequent complications of this procedure. During 2000-2006, in General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Fundeni, 73 patients with advanced pelvic cancer and invasive recurrences were operated. For 42 patients, various procedures for pelvic and vaginal reconstruction (omental flap, muscular and musculo-cutaneous flaps--rectus abdominis and gracilis) were performed in order to fill the pelvi-perineal defects and restore form and function. Technical principles, indications, contraindications, advantages and disadvantages of these procedures are outlined. We found that complications related to total pelvic exenteration dramatically decreased and primary healing of the perineal wound was superior, facts that correlate with the literature data.