Treatment of complex hand trauma using the distal ulnar and radial artery perforator-based flaps

SUMMARY: The clinical value of distal ulnar or radial artery adipofascial perforator flaps is shown in a series of 30 patients with severe hand and wrist injuries and major soft tissue defects requiring coverage. There were 22 men and 8 women, aged 16-73 years. The defects were dorsal and/or palmar, with or without transpalmar or transcarpal amputation, or amputation of the thumb and/or the digits. Tendon injuries have been treated primarily or secondarily, or reconstructed using silicon rods. In all cases, after surgical debridement of the wound, reconstruction of the defect was done using distal ulnar (21 patients, in 3 patients primary reconstruction) and distal radial artery (11 patients; in 2 patients primary reconstruction and in 2 patients after necrosis of distal ulnar perforator flap) adipofascial perforator flaps. Minimum follow-up was 6 months. Two ulnar flap showed partial necrosis and were revised successfully by distal radial adipofascial perforator flaps. One radial and one ulnar flap showed 50% and 60% necrosis, respectively, and were revised by groin flaps. All donor sites healed uneventfully. Functional and cosmetic result was very good in 15 patients and good or satisfactory in the remaining. Range of motion of the wrist and hand joints was almost within normal limits (less than 25 degrees extension or flexion deficits). Distal ulnar and radial artery adipofascial perforator flaps for traumatic defects of the hand and wrist offer several advantages compared to other local flaps; they are easy to obtain and cover effectively both dorsal and palmar defects without significant functional deficits or donor site complications to the upper limb.     

Combined multi-lobed flaps: A series of 39 extensive hand and multi-digit injuries one-staged reconstructions using modified designs of ALT,DPA and chimeric linking flaps

IntroductionThe use of multiple small flaps linked in a “chain-linked” flap microanastomosed chimeric system is recommended in distal hand and digital defects reconstruction. The aim of this study is to demonstrates our experience utilizing microsurgical fabrication, multi-lobed and linking combined flaps for the reconstruction of hand degloving injuries with complex multidigit soft tissue defects.MethodsMicroanastomosed chimeric flap systems using ALT and DPA modified designed flaps were combined in five selections to cover extensive soft tissue defects involving the hands and multiple digits of 39 patients (M:F − 36:3) from October 2009 to February 2013. Five different microsurgical combined chimeric flap systems utilised in extensive hand and multidigit injuries; innervated ALT flaps, multilobed DPA flaps, innervated ALT flap with multilobed DPA flap, innervated ALT flap with sensate ALT flap and bilobed ALT flap with multilobed DPA flap. All DPA donor sites were reconstructed using free ALT flap and anterior tibial artery propeller flap.ResultsThirty-nine combined free flap extremities reconstructions on 39 patients (M:F − 36:3) with average age 28.5 (18–45) years sustained traumatic degloving injuries, 24 from road traffic accidents and 15 from industrial devices. Five different designs of combined multi-lobed flaps have be successfully used without any peri-operative complications. Average follow-up of 12 months, all flaps survived without complications. Operated extremities showed favorable functional recovery with restoration of the diminished protective sensation on the flap through reinnervation. All flaps survived uneventfully with coverage matching the texture and color of the recipients. Donor sites healed without complication.ConclusionThe microsurgical fabrication of chimeric ALT flaps and multilobed DPA flaps is a valuable alternative for the reconstruction of hand degloving injury with complex multidigit soft tissue defects.Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.     

Reconstruction of a fingertip with a thenar perforator island flap

We raised thenar island flaps that were supplied by perforators that originated in the superficial palmar arch or the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery for the reconstruction of fingertip defects in eight patients. The flap was so well-vascularised that a large flap with increased mobility could be raised. The donor site was covered with well-vascularised thick tissue, and skin grafting of the donor site was avoided in all cases. No patient developed a complication, and all flaps survived. Functional and cosmetic results of both fingertips and donor sites were excellent. A perforator island flap from the thenar eminence can be raised easily without injuring any digital and palmar arteries. They have a good colour and texture that matches the fingertips and donor site defects on the palm.     

Reconstruction of a fingertip with a thenar perforator island flap

Abstract

We raised thenar island flaps that were supplied by perforators that originated in the superficial palmar arch or the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery for the reconstruction of fingertip defects in eight patients. The flap was so well-vascularised that a large flap with increased mobility could be raised. The donor site was covered with well-vascularised thick tissue, and skin grafting of the donor site was avoided in all cases. No patient developed a complication, and all flaps survived. Functional and cosmetic results of both fingertips and donor sites were excellent. A perforator island flap from the thenar eminence can be raised easily without injuring any digital and palmar arteries. They have a good colour and texture that matches the fingertips and donor site defects on the palm.     

Reconstruction of distal lower extremities defect using the free peroneal artery perforator vessel based flap

Soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremities are challenging. The purpose of this paper is to present our experiences with the free peroneal artery perforator flap for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremity. Nine free peroneal artery perforator flaps were used to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the lower extremities between April 2006 and October 2011. All flaps were used for distal leg and foot reconstruction. Peroneal artery perforator flaps ranged in size from 2 cm × 4 cm to 6 cm × 12 cm. The length of the vascular pedicle ranged from 2 to 6 cm. Recipient vessels were: medial plantar vessels in seven cases, the dorsalis pedis vessel in one, metatarsal vessel in one. All flaps survived completely, a success rate of 100%. Advantages of this flap are that there is no need to sacrifice any main artery in the lower leg, and minimal morbidity at the donor site. This free perforator flap may be useful for patients with small to medium soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremities and feet. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:629–632, 2014.     

Flow-through flaps: a review of current knowledge and a novel classification system

Flaps have long been recognized as an essential tool for soft-tissue reconstruction. Flaps range in complexity from local to free and perforator flaps and can include a variety of composite tissues. The concept of a flow-through flap, in which both the proximal and the distal ends of the vascular pedicle of a free flap are anastamosed to provide blood flow to distal tissues, was first described by Soutar et al. in 1983. An uninterrupted arterial flow was established by Soutar et al. between the external carotid and distal facial artery via a radial forearm flap for head and neck reconstruction (Soutar et al., Br J Plast Surg 1983;36:1-8). Shortly thereafter, Foucher et al. were the first to report the reconstruction of an extremity with a simultaneous vascular defect by utilizing a radial forearm flow-through flap (Foucher et al., Br J Plast Surg 1984;37:139-148). The utility of the flow-through flap is now well established, and its indications for use continue to grow. The principle advantage of this flap is that it provides the opportunity for a single stage composite reconstruction of both soft tissue and vascular defects, making it particularly useful in the reconstruction of ischemic extremities and defects from oncologic ablations. Improvements in microsurgical equipment and techniques are making early difficulties with these flaps irrelevant, giving plastic surgeons opportunities to become more creative in the choices and uses of flow-through flaps. The literature consists mostly of case reports and series. The nomenclature used to describe the types of flow-through flaps is confusing and inconsistent. The purpose of this article is to provide an organized review of flow-through flaps and to classify these flaps based on their inflow, outflow, and the nature of their vascular conduit. Additionally, we have included a discussion on the physiology of these flaps, reviewed the current literature, and summarized the various types of flow-through flaps in a reference guide that can aid in flap selection.     

游离桡动脉掌浅支皮瓣再造手指末节指腹

目的探讨游离桡动脉掌浅支皮瓣再造手指末节指腹的治疗方法及效果。方法回顾性分析2017年1月-2018年6月收治的20例手指末节指腹缺损的患者临床资料,20例均采用游离桡动脉掌浅支皮瓣再造手指末节指腹。经过6~12个月随诊评估游离桡动脉掌浅支皮瓣再造手指末节指腹的治疗效果。结果所有患者皮瓣均成活,供区均Ⅰ期愈合,仅留有线性瘢痕,腕关节屈伸功能较术前未见异常。受区皮瓣质地柔软、外观好、功能佳,带有正中神经掌皮支的皮瓣,术后受区感觉恢复良好。皮瓣两点辨别觉达6~9 mm,平均7 mm。按中华医学会手外科学会手功能评定试用标准评定:优15例,良5例。结论游离桡动脉掌浅支皮瓣具有手术操作简便、皮瓣质地柔软、外观好、功能佳,供区损伤较小且隐蔽等优点,是再造手指末节指腹的理想方法之一。     

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.     

Innervated reverse dorsal digital island flap for fingertip reconstruction

PURPOSE: Various methods of fingertip reconstruction with a sensory flap have been reported. Digital island flaps or cross-finger flaps have to be used for large defects; however, the digital artery is sacrificed when creating conventional homodigital island flaps and 2 surgeries are required for the cross-finger flap. We describe our experience with an innervated reverse dorsal digital island flap that does not require sacrifice of the digital artery. METHODS: We used innervated reverse dorsal digital flaps for fingertip reconstruction in 8 patients. The flap was supplied by the vascular network between the dorsal digital artery (the terminal branch of the dorsal metacarpal artery) and the dorsal branch of the digital artery. Venous drainage was through the cutaneous veins and the venous network associated with the dorsal arterial network. The flap was designed on either the dorsal proximal or the dorsal middle phalangeal region. The flap was harvested with the dorsal branch of the digital nerve (for the dorsal middle phalanx), the dorsal digital nerve (for the dorsal proximal phalanx), or the superficial branch of the radial nerve (for the thumb), which was anastomosed to the distal end of the digital nerve. After flap transfer the donor site was covered with a full-thickness skin graft. RESULTS: Of the 8 flaps, 6 survived completely, 1 had partial epithelial skin necrosis, and 1 showed central compression skin necrosis. Three flaps showed congestive changes from the first to the fifth day after surgery, which resolved by massage. All patients achieved satisfactory recovery of sensation; the static 2-point discrimination ranged from 3 mm to 5 mm and the Semmes-Weinstein test results ranged from 0.036 g to 0.745 g. CONCLUSIONS: The innervated reverse dorsal digital island flap provides another option for homodigital tip coverage. The advantages are that the digital artery is not sacrificed and only 1 surgery is needed. A disadvantage is the potential for venous congestion for the first 4 or 5 days after surgery.     

Fingertip reconstruction using a volar flap based on the transverse palmar branch of the digital artery

A new homodigital neurovascular island flap for fingertip reconstruction, called a volar digital island flap, is described. The flap is perfused from the proper digital artery through the transverse palmar branch, and is drained through the tiny venules and capillaries contained in the perivascular soft tissue. Between 1997 and 2000, 25 fingers from 23 patients with defects of the middle and distal phalangeal areas were reconstructed using this flap. All flaps survived well. Patient age ranged from 17 to 65 years (average age, 32.5 years). Long-term follow-up for more than 6 months was possible in 15 fingers from 14 patients. Light touch and temperature sensation could be detected in all the flaps evaluated. The mean value of the static two-point discrimination test was 4.2 mm. Although this flap requires the sacrifice of important volar skin, it provides excellent padding and sensation for fingertip reconstruction. The authors think that this new flap is an alternative choice for coverage of fingertip defects.     

Microvascular soft tissue reconstruction of the digits.

INTRODUCTION: Composite tissue loss to digits following trauma may require flap coverage. Local reconstruction techniques are popular but can result in a functional limitation at the donor site. Small free flaps though complex, may provide a superior alternative. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the case-notes of all patients who had a small free flap to a digit following trauma. The time period was 4 years (2000-2004). Sixteen patients with 18 digital free flaps were identified. These comprised of 10 venous flow-through flaps, one lateral arm flap, one great toe to thumb pulp transfer, three first web space flaps from the foot, one medial plantar flap and two free posterior interosseous flaps. All 16 patients were invited for clinical review at an out-patients clinic. Ten patients (11 flaps) attended follow-up. Standardised assessment of outcome in terms of scar quality at both the recipient and donor sites, sensibility, range of motion and function of the hand was completed. RESULTS: Overall the average follow-up period was 14 months, with 16 out of 18 flaps surviving. Of the patients that attended for clinical review, the majority recovered excellent function of the hand (quick-DASH--av. 5.7) with satisfactory aesthetics, minimal pain or limitations in range of motion. The flaps were all soft and durable. Ten flaps recovered protective but not discriminative sensation (only one flap was innervated). The three patients whose donor site was the first-web space of the foot developed significant hypertrophic scarring. CONCLUSION: Small free flaps provide an acceptable method of reconstructing digital defects. Venous flow-through flaps provided the best overall results in this series. The donor site for first-web space flaps is probably unacceptable.     

Outcome of free digital artery perforator flap transfer for reconstruction of fingertip defects

Background:

Fingertip defect can be treated with many flaps such as random pattern abdominal flap, retrograde digital artery island flap, V-Y advancement flap, etc. However, swelling in the fingertip, dysfunction of sensation, flexion and extension contracture or injury in the hemi-artery of the finger usually occurs during the recovery phase. Recently, digital artery perforator flaps have been used for fingertip reconstructions. With the development of super microsurgery techniques, free flaps can be more effective for sensory recovery and durability of the fingertip.

Materials and Methods:

Six cases (six fingers) of fingertip defects were treated with free digital artery perforator flaps of appropriate size and shape from the proximal phalanx. During surgery, the superficial veins at the edge of flap were used as reflux vessels and the branches of the intrinsic nerve and dorsal digital nerve toward the flap were used as sensory nerves. The proximal segment of the digital artery (cutaneous branches) towards the flap was cut off to form the pedicled free flap. The fingertips were reconstructed with the free flap by anastomosing the cutaneous branches of digital artery in the flap with the distal branch or trunk of the digital artery, the flap nerve with the nerve stump and the veins of the flap with the digital artery accompanying veins or the superficial veins in the recipient site.

Results:

Six flaps survived with successful skin grafting. Patients were followed up for 6-9 months. The appearance and texture of the flaps was satisfactory. The feeling within the six fingers recovered to S4 level (BMRC scale) and the two point discrimination was 3-8 mm.

Conclusion:

Free digital artery perforator flap is suitable for repairing fingertip defect, with good texture, fine fingertip sensation and without sacrificing the branch of the digital artery or nerve.     

应用穿支皮瓣治疗下肢远端慢性骨髓炎并皮肤缺损

目的 探讨游离或带蒂穿支皮瓣在治疗下肢远端慢性骨髓炎并皮肤缺损创面修复中的应用价值.方法 应用穿支皮瓣游离或带蒂移位修复胫前及足踝部慢性骨髓炎并皮肤缺损28例.游离移植13例:采用股前外侧穿支皮瓣修复胫前2例,踝前3例,足背2例,足跟2例;小腿外侧腓动脉穿支皮瓣修复足背4例.带蒂移位15例:胫后动脉穿支皮瓣修复胫前4例,修复内踝2例;腓动脉外踝后上穿支皮瓣修复足跟6例,外踝及足背各1例;第1跖背动脉穿支皮瓣修复近节(足母)趾背侧1例.抗生素液灌流伤口7例,万古霉素明胶海绵残腔填塞8例.结果 1例胫后动脉穿支皮瓣出现静脉回流不足,表浅坏死,自行愈合,其余皮瓣无坏死.随访6个月～2年,2例复发,分别经1次和2次手术后愈合,其余均一期愈合,皮瓣外形满意.3例行二期骨移植.最后一次随访时,患者可行走,患肢完全负重,按足部疾患治疗效果标准评定平均为84.5分.结论 游离或带蒂穿支皮瓣血供良好,可用于治疗残腔不大的慢性骨髓炎并皮肤缺损.     

前臂背桡侧穿支皮瓣游离移植修复手指软组织缺损

目的 报告前臂背桡侧穿支皮瓣的手术方法和临床疗效.方法 设计前臂背桡侧穿支皮瓣游离移植,修复手指皮肤软组织缺损,临床应用17例20指.结果 20块皮瓣全部存活.12例获得3～12个月的随访,5例失访.皮瓣外观不臃肿;修复指背者,皮瓣色泽接近受区,但修复指腹者皮瓣色泽与受区有差异.修复指腹并缝合指神经者9例10指.其中获得9～12个月随访者6例,皮瓣感觉恢复均达S3,两点分辨觉为8～12mm .所有供区创面均直接缝合,仅遗留线状瘢痕.结论 前臂背桡侧穿支皮瓣血管人皮点恒定,血管蒂口径能满足吻合的要求.修复手指外观满意,通过缝合指神经能恢复良好感觉.     

The experience of the free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery perforator flap application

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to retrospect and summarize clinical efficacy and experience of the free perforator flap base on the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery for tissue defect reconstruction in hand.Method17 patients who underwent tissue defect in hands reconstruction by the free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (SPBRA) perforator flaps in our department from July 2014 to October 2018 were reviewed.ResultsAll the flaps in our series application were survival uneventful except one, which was necrosis because of venous thrombosis postoperative 5 days, and then the abdominal pedicle flap was executed to recover the defect in second stage. The first dorsal metacarpal artery flap and the arterial venous flap were utilized to cover the defect in one right index finger and one right ring finger due to the absence variation of the SPBRA. 2 cases presented tension vesicle of superficial skin and 1 case occurred venous congestion. All donor sites were closed primarily. The follow-up period means 13.5 months (range, 4–50 months). The static 2 point discrimination test mean 7.53 mm (range, 4–11 mm). All flaps acquire protective feeling at the latest follow-up. The self-assessment of patients: 13 cases in good, 4 cases in fair.ConclusionThe goal of physiological reconstruction and esthetic effect can be achieved for hand tissue defect by the free SPBRA perforator flap, multiple tissues of the flap can be contained according to the defect. Even though the SPBRA is variation, arterial venous flap could be applied thanks to abundant superficial cutaneous veins.     

Sensate superficial inferior epigastric artery flap innervated by the iliohypogastric nerve for reconstruction of a finger soft tissue defect

In the era of perforator flaps, lower‐abdominal/inguinal perforator flaps such as superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap and superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) perforator flap are becoming popular with its longer vascular pedicle and usefulness in various reconstructions. SIEA flap's region is innervated by the T12 nerve and the iliohypogastric nerve (IHN), but no sensate SIEA flap has been reported so far. In this report, we present a case in which a sensate SIEA flap innervated by the IHN was used for reconstruction of a finger soft tissue defect. A 55‐year‐old male suffering from the volar skin necrosis of the right ring finger underwent the volar soft tissue reconstruction using a free sensate SIEA flap because of hypoplastic SCIA. The SIEA flap included the IHN anterior branch, and neuroraphy was performed between the IHN and the third common digital nerve in an end‐to‐side manner after vascular anastomoses. The reconstructed volar skin could sensate 14 weeks after the surgery. At postoperative 6 months, Semmes‐Weinstein test and moving 2‐point discrimination revealed 3.64 and 8 mm in the proximal portion of the SIEA flap where the IHN was supposed to innervate. The IHN may be included in a SIEA flap, and a sensate SIEA flap may be a useful option when a SCIP flap is not available. Further anatomical and clinical studies are required to clarify anatomy and clinical usefulness of the IHN. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:324–327, 2015.     

Perforator Propeller Flap “Relay” for Distal Lower Extremity Soft Tissue Reconstruction

The peroneal artery perforator propeller flap is commonly used for distal lower extremity reconstruction; however, closure of the donor site defect can limit the utility of this flap. To overcome this limitation, we introduced a perforator propeller flap relay technique to reconstruct the donor-site defect. Between July 2015 and February 2019, the propeller flap relay technique was applied in 9 patients. In each case, a peroneal artery perforator propeller flap was transferred to repair a defect in the distal lower leg or the foot. In addition, a neighboring perforator propeller flap was transferred to close the donor-site defect. The peroneal artery perforator propeller flaps ranged from 14 × 4 to 29 × 8 cm² in size. Donor-site closure was accomplished using the relaying propeller flaps based on perforators from the peroneal, medial sural, and lateral sural arteries. Normal contour of the lower leg was preserved with acceptable scars. Additional time for the second flap procedure was less than 1 hour in each case. One peroneal artery perforator flap presented with partial flap necrosis. Other flaps survived completely without complication. Coverage of the donor-site defects of the peroneal artery perforator flaps can be achieved using various perforator propeller flaps. The perforator propeller flap relay technique allows surgeons to harvest a large peroneal artery perforator flap without being limited by significant donor-site morbidity. This technique can reconstruct defects at distal lower extremity with low morbidity and improved overall reconstructive results.     

Scalp reconstruction by microvascular free tissue transfer

We report on a series of patients with scalp defects who have been treated with a variety of free flaps, spanning the era of microvascular free tissue transfer from its incipient stages to the present. Between 1971 and 1987, 18 patients underwent scalp reconstruction with 21 free flaps: 11 latissimus dorsi, 3 scalp transfers between identical twins, 3 groin, one combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior, two serratus anterior, and one omentum. These flaps were used to cover scalp defects resulting from burns, trauma, radiation, and tumors in patients ranging from 7 to 79 years of age. Follow-up has ranged from 3 weeks to 7 years. All of our flaps survived and covered complex defects, many of which had failed more conservative attempts at cover. One patient received radiation therapy to his flap without unfavorable sequelae. This experience began with a pioneering omental flap and includes cutaneous and muscle flaps. The latissimus dorsi is our first choice for free flap reconstruction of extensive, complicated scalp wounds because of its large size, predictable blood supply, ease of harvesting, and provision of excellent vascularity to compromised beds.     

股前外侧穿支皮瓣桥接旋髂浅动脉蒂组织瓣组合移植修复四肢骨与软组织缺损

目的 探讨股前外侧穿支皮瓣桥接旋髂浅动脉蒂组织瓣组合移植修复四肢骨与软组织缺损的应用特点.方法 回顾性分析2009年3月至2011年1月,用股前外侧穿支皮瓣制备血流桥接皮瓣串联旋髂浅动脉为蒂的髂骨骨皮瓣、髂骨膜骨瓣或皮瓣修复10例四肢骨与软组织缺损患者资料,男9例,女1例;年龄21～57岁,平均39.7岁;血流桥接髂骨骨皮瓣7例,髂骨膜骨瓣2例,髂腹股沟皮瓣1例;重建手3例,足4例,小腿3例;平均皮肤缺损面积20 cm×9.7 cm.结果 股前外侧穿支皮瓣平均17.8 cm×9.4 cm,髂腹股沟皮瓣平均8.4 cm×4.5 cm,髂骨膜骨瓣平均5.4 cm×2.1 cm×0.8 cm,血管桥平均长10.5 cm.1例髂骨骨皮瓣远端部分坏死,经换药后植皮愈合,余皮瓣顺利成活.10例患者均获得6～36个月(平均12个月)随访.手损伤者平均骨愈合时间3个月,平均臂肩手残疾问卷评分43分;足损伤者平均骨愈合时间4个月,日本外科协会足部疾患治疗效果评分平均71.3分;小腿损伤者平均骨愈合时间4.5个月,Puno等评分平均91分.供区瘢痕颜色白、平软,6例大腿瘢痕增宽,2例瘢痕周围有麻木感,3例髂腹股沟区瘢痕增宽.结论 股前外侧穿支皮瓣桥接旋髂浅动脉蒂组织瓣移植可自由调整组织瓣位置,供区副损伤小,是修复大面积、结构复杂或类型特殊四肢骨与软组织缺损的一种较好方法.     

Versatility of the free anterolateral thigh flap: clinical experience in a series of 20 patients

The main nutrient vessel of the anterolateral thigh flap is the perforator originating from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA). It supplies a large area of skin on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. We present the experience of 20 consecutive anterolateral thigh flaps used for a variety of soft tissue defects. Fourteen flaps were used for lower leg reconstruction, four in the head and neck, and the remaining two in the hand. The largest flap was 30᎗ cm. All flaps survived except two which had partial skin necrosis, but the underlying adipose tissue survived and was grafted. Reexploration was needed for one patient in whom a thrombus blocking the vein was removed, and the flap survived completely. The anterolateral thigh flap has the advantage of a long vascular pedicle, large-caliber vessels, availability of a large skin flap area, and suitability as a flow-through flap.