A microvascular peritoneal flap based on the deep circumflex iliac artery

Reconstructive surgery following tumor resection or trauma to the oromandibular areas requires one-stage, reliable, functional, and cosmetic results with a low donor site morbidity. In the past 2 decades free vascularized osteocutaneous flaps using the scapular, radial forearm, fibular, and groin flap have shown their advantages [2]. Only recently has the peritoneum been considered part of a vascularized flap to assure primary healing by mucosal defects [1, 3–5]. To show a constant vascular pattern of the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA), 17 dissections on fresh cadavers were performed. The visualization was obtained by blue dye coloration, contrast medium angiography, and intravascular silicone latex injections. The results confirmed that the osteocutaneous part of the composite groin flap is constantly supplied by the main branch and the internal oblique transverse muscle, including peritoneum (approximately 8×10 cm), mainly by the ascending branch of the DCIA.     

Vascularized iliac osteocutaneous flap based on the deep circumflex iliac vessels: experience in 13 cases

We have carried out 13 vascularized iliac osteocutaneous flaps (VIOF) based on the deep circumflex artery (DCIA) and accompanying veins for cases with compound skin and bone defects. Ten of 13 cases obtained bony union at both ends of the iliac crest with only VIOF. Two of the remaining 3 cases obtained bony union at one end only with the VIOF but united at another end with an additional conventional bone grafting procedure. The final case, a traumatic bone defect of the tibia, failed to obtain bony union at either end of the iliac segment. In 5 of 11 patients in which an osteocutaneous flap was used, complete skin flap survival occurred. Of the remaining 6, one flap went on to complete necrosis, and five flaps were complicated by superficial or partial necrosis. The incidence of flap complications was analysed according to the size of flap. Five flaps with complete survival averaged 6.8 x 10.6 cm in size; however, five flaps with superficial or partial necrosis averaged 10.0 x 15.8 cm. These results suggest that the maximal safe skin flap dimension from the DCIA supply alone is probably 10 x 15 cm.     

The Pararectus approach provides secure access to the deep circumflex iliac vessel for harvest of a large sized and vascularized segment of the iliac crest

BackgroundThe feasibility of harvesting a vascularized iliac crest utilizing the Pararectus approach was assessed in cadavers and then this new technique was implemented in a clinical case.MethodsBilaterally in five cadavers the branches of both external iliac arteries were injected with colored silicone to assess their position to each other and to harvest a bone graft vascularized by the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) through the Pararectus approach. This technique was implemented in a 68-years-old female patient, initially admitted to a level-I-trauma center after sustaining multiple injuries by falling from great height. For definitive treatment of a severely contaminated medially open (Gustilo-Anderson Type 3A) calcaneal luxation fracture (Sanders type IIIBC) in this patient a vascularized iliac crest autograft harvest by the Pararectus approach was used for reconstructive surgery.ResultsThe DCIA and the deep inferior epigastric vessels (DIEV: vascularizing the rectus abdominis muscle and main pedicle of the inferiorly based rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap) are very close on the lateral and medial border of the external iliac artery, respectively. As a consequence, the retrograde dissection of the DIEV towards the DCIA through the Pararectus approach made the dissection of the vascularized iliac crest more amenable, preserving both the lateral femoral cutaneous and the genitofemoral nerves. Four months after the surgery the patient was able to fully weight-bear in orthopedic shoes. Radiographs and CT scans showed correct hind foot alignment and bony integration of the vascularized iliac crest graft into the residual calcaneal body.ConclusionThe Pararectus approach allowed for secure collection of large vascularized iliac grafts. The presented technique was successful as a salvage procedure in a clinical case with substantial bone loss after an open calcaneal fracture.     

旋髂浅动脉岛状皮瓣修复会阴部创面

目的探讨旋髂浅动脉岛状皮瓣修复会阴部创面的可行性及临床效果。方法 2004年7月至2009年3月,设计旋髂浅动脉轴型皮瓣,旋转180°后修复各种原因所致会阴部创面8例,供区植皮或局部皮瓣转移后闭合创面。术后定期随访,观察皮瓣成活情况及供瓣区愈合情况。结果 1例皮瓣出现静脉回流障碍,经拆除蒂部的部分缝线后缓解;1例皮瓣掀起后远端血运欠佳,遂改行皮瓣延迟术,二期转移修复会阴缺损;其余皮瓣均一期成活,未出现切口裂开、感染、皮瓣下血肿和皮瓣坏死等并发症。术后随访8个月至5年,移植皮瓣外观及形态良好,无明显臃肿、色素沉着;供瓣区无明显继发畸形。结论旋髂浅动脉轴型皮瓣血供可靠、供区易修复,可大范围转移,是修复会阴部原发或继发创面的理想方法。     

Deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) free flap without DCIA: report of a unique case

The iliac crest free flap is a reliable source of cancellous bone, muscle, and skin. The vascularization of this flap arises from the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) which allegedly is always present. The authors report a unique case of successful microvascular transplantation of an iliac crest osteomyocutaneous free flap in a patient in whom the DCIA and DCIV were absent.     

改良带蒂旋髂浅动脉皮瓣修复手部及前臂创面

目的探讨改良带蒂旋髂浅动脉皮瓣修复手部及前臂大面积皮肤软组织缺损的疗效。方法 2008年6月-2011年6月,收治13例手部及前臂大面积皮肤软组织缺损患者。男9例,女4例;年龄23～64岁,平均41岁。致伤原因:机器绞轧伤2例,钢绳轧伤4例,交通事故伤3例,重物压伤2例,高压电击伤1例,蛇咬伤1例。新鲜创面10例,感染坏死创面3例。创面均伴骨及肌腱外露,皮肤软组织缺损范围为7 cm×3 cm～22 cm×6 cm。8例采用带蒂旋髂浅动脉皮瓣修复,5例采用带蒂旋髂浅动脉复合组织瓣修复。术中切取皮瓣蒂部携带2～4 cm宽皮条及3～5 cm宽软组织筋膜蒂;皮瓣切取范围为12 cm×4 cm～27 cm×8 cm。结果术后1周1例皮瓣部分撕脱出血,4周后断蒂;其余皮瓣均于术后3周断蒂;皮瓣均成活。供区切口Ⅰ期愈合。11例患者获随访,随访时间6～36个月,平均20个月。皮瓣色泽、质地好;其中3例皮瓣外形较臃肿,于术后3～6个月行皮瓣修薄术后外形满意。术后6个月皮瓣均恢复保护性感觉。术后6个月根据中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定手指总主动活动度(TAM),获优9例,良1例,差1例。结论改良蒂部的带蒂旋髂浅动脉皮瓣可修复手部及前臂大面积皮肤软组织缺损,且手术操作简便,供区损伤小。     

Indications and long-term assessment of 10 cases of cross-leg free DCIA flaps

Compound fractures of the lower limb with skin and bone loss are difficult repair problems, especially in multiple level injuries. With bone loss between 6 and 12 cms, the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap is usually the flap of choice in reconstruction; the aim is to carry out microvascular anastomosis of the flap vessels to vessels on the damaged leg. However, this may be difficult or even impossible. Experience of 10 cross-leg DCIA flaps is outlined, with indications and surgical technique. The long-term bone healing is compared with 13 cases with anastomosis based on the same leg. There appears to be no difference in callus formation and remodelling of bone, indicating that despite subsequently dividing the original main vascular supply the bone in the DCIA flap remains vascularized and behaves as such.     

骨外固定架与髂骨皮瓣移植联合应用治疗小腿骨及软组织缺损

目的探讨骨外固定架与髂骨皮瓣移植I期联合修复胫骨缺损伴小腿软组织缺损的方法和临床效果。方法对28例胫骨及其周围软组织缺损早期应用骨外固定架与髂骨皮瓣移植治疗。皮肤缺损面积：5cm×5cm～9cm×20cm;手术切除皮瓣面积：5cm×7cm～12cm×23cm;切取髂骨块5cm×3.5cm～10cm×3.5cm。对于较大面积的骨皮组织缺损,应用同时携带旋髂深及旋髂浅双血管蒂的髂骨皮瓣移植治疗。结果髂骨植骨骨性愈合时间31周,无不愈合病例。骨皮瓣全部存活,无感染、坏死,外形及功能恢复满意。结论早期应用单侧外固定支架与髂骨皮瓣移植联合是修复合并骨及软组织缺损的小腿严重创伤的一种良好方法,双血管蒂为骨皮瓣的存活提供了可靠保障。     

带旋髂深血管的游离髂骨瓣移植修复胫骨骨不连

目的：探讨应用带旋髂深血管的游离髂骨瓣移植修复胫骨骨不连的临床疗效。方法2003-2013年对30例胫骨骨不连患者,治疗组15例应用带旋髂深动静脉的髂骨瓣或髂骨皮瓣移植修复,对照组15例采用单纯髂骨移植。结果长期随访发现,治疗组的髂骨瓣均成活,胫骨骨不连骨性愈合时间最早6个月;对照组移植骨再生时间最早9个月,骨髓腔再通时间最早1年。结论采用显微外科技术吻合带旋髂深血管的游离髂骨瓣修复胫骨骨不连,对比单纯髂骨移植,愈合时间明显缩短,疗效可靠。     

An extended dorsal island skin flap with multiple vascular territories in the rat: A new skin flap model

BACKGROUND: The use of various animal skin flap models can lead to difficulty in the interpretation of experimental findings. Establishment of an axial-pattern flap model with predictable necrosis is desirable for the study of the flap pathophysiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty rats were injected with a lead oxide, gelatin, and water mixture through the carotid artery to investigate the cutaneous vascular anatomy. Each cutaneous perforator on the rat dorsum was dissected to its source artery. The skin was removed and radiographed to define its vascular architecture. On the basis of the initial angiographic data, an extended dorsal island skin flap (based on the unilateral deep circumflex iliac artery) measuring up to 8 x 9 cm was designed in 10 rats to assess the viability of the flap. The boundaries of the flap are defined by anatomical landmarks to standardize the flap for rats of different sizes. The upper margin was located at the level of the tip of the scapula and the lower margin at a level 2 cm below the iliac crest. All flaps were observed for 7 days postoperatively and the surviving flap area was calculated as a percentage of total flap dimensions using the paper template technique. RESULTS: Most of the skin of the rat dorsum is supplied by three arteries: the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA), the posterior intercostal arteries (PIA), and the lateral thoracic artery (LTA). The DCIA anastomoses with the ipsilateral PIA and the contralateral PIA and DCIA. The average percentage survival of the skin flap is 70.5 +/- 4.8% (mean +/- SD). CONCLUSIONS: The extended dorsal island skin flap has a consistent vasculature and has a predictable distal necrosis area. This new model is felt to be appropriate for skin flap physiological studies.     

带旋髂深动脉髂骨瓣与腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复跟骨及软组织缺损

目的探讨带旋髂深动脉髂骨瓣、腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复跟骨及软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法采用游离带旋髂深动脉髂骨瓣联合腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复6例跟骨及软组织缺损患者。结果 6例皮瓣骨瓣全部成活。3例皮瓣发生部分边缘性坏死,经换药后创面愈合;1例因跟腱修复失败,二期行踝关节融合术。患者均获得6~20个月随访。术后小腿及足部均有良好外形及部分感觉,部分患者经锻炼后恢复承重功能。结论以带旋髂深动脉髂骨瓣联合腓肠神经营养血管皮瓣修复跟骨及软组织缺损可行,临床疗效满意。     

双血管蒂髂骨皮瓣移植修复小腿骨软组织缺损

目的探讨双血管蒂髂骨皮瓣移植修复小腿骨及其周围软组织缺损的方法及临床效果。方法2001年5月至2006年3月，应用同时携带旋髂深及旋髂浅双血管蒂的髂骨皮瓣移植治疗23例胫骨骨软组织缺损，切取髂骨块大小4cm×3．5cm～9cm×3．5cm，皮瓣面积最小5cm×8cm，最大12cm×23cm。结果23例骨皮瓣全部存活，6周可见移植髂骨与受区胫骨断端间有少量骨痂形成，平均骨性愈合时间6个月。全部病例术后随访6个月～3年，行走负重良好，外形满意。结论此术式是治疗胫骨骨软组织缺损的一种良好方法，双血管蒂为骨皮瓣尤其是皮瓣的存活提供了可靠保障。     

Reconstruction of the ankle complex wound with a fabricated superficial circumflex iliac artery chimeric flap including the sartorius muscle: A case report

Free flap reconstruction of the foot and ankle can be challenging in that it must fulfill functional and esthetic demands. Injury of this region is often associated with fractures, and muscle flaps are sometimes preferred. Here we present a case of the use of superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) chimeric flap for reconstruction of ankle complex wound. A 78‐year‐old lady sustained open fractures of the left distal tibia, fibula, and talus, with a 10 × 6 cm² soft‐tissue defect over the lateral aspect of her left ankle due to an automobile accident. A 7 × 3 cm² sartorius muscle component was inset to cover the exposed left ankle joint capsule, and a 5 × 10 cm² SCIP skin paddle was used for coverage of the defect. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the sartorius muscle component and the SCIP skin paddle survived completely. Six months after the reconstruction, the flap and the donor site showed pleasing cosmesis, and the patient could ambulate with a supple ankle without crutches. The sartorius muscle component was elevated based on the deep branch of the SCIA, and was chimerically combined with a SCIP skin paddle for reconstruction of a complex ankle injury. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:421–425, 2017.     

Clinical anatomy of the internal oblique muscle

In recent years microvascular free tissue transfer has become a well accepted reconstructive technique. The current trend in flap research seems to be the development of more refined flaps to meet specific needs with minimal donor site morbidity. The internal oblique muscle provides a broad, thin, well-vascularized flap which is ideally suited for restoration of contour with excellent aesthetic results. In addition, the iliac crest may be raised in continuity based on the same vascular pedicle, i.e. the deep circumflex iliac vessels. The purpose of this article is to describe the anatomic details necessary for the clinical application of this versatile flap. Thirty specimens of the internal oblique muscle flap were dissected and studied using Microfil injection techniques, including xerograms. In about 80 percent of the flaps, a single ascending branch of the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) enters the undersurface of the muscle, arborizing within the muscle. In the remaining 20 percent, two or three branches enter the muscle separately, originating on the DCIA. The arc of rotation extends into the ipsilateral groin for coverage of exposed femoral vessels, along the pubis and the anterior perineum. The length of the vascular pedicle is to 6 to 7 cm and the vessel diameter is 2.0 to 3.0 mm, making the flap suitable for free tissue transfer.     

旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣在口腔鳞癌术后修复重建中的解剖基础和临床应用

目的探讨应用旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣修复口腔鳞癌根治术后缺损的解剖基础及临床效果。方法在10具新鲜尸体上进行双侧旋髂浅动、静脉的解剖测量。选择2017年6月至2019年6月,湖南省肿瘤医院肿瘤整形外科收治的口腔鳞癌术后缺损患者,术前使用超声多普勒血流仪探查标记穿支位置,根据口腔内缺损组织的面积设计旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣,制备皮瓣并转移至口腔,显微镜下吻合动、静脉。术后随访6~30个月,观察皮瓣的存活情况及口腔功能的恢复情况。结果10具新鲜尸体完成双侧解剖,共获得20侧旋髂浅动、静脉的解剖数据。旋髂浅动脉直径为(1.94±0.30)mm,浅支直径为(0.94±0.25)mm,深支直径为(1.25±0.27)mm。至少有2条来自深支的肌皮穿支穿过缝匠肌[(2.15±0.37)条],肌皮穿支直径为(0.75±0.15)mm。旋髂浅静脉直径为(1.72±0.14)mm。浅支动脉蒂长度为(6.5±1.2)cm,深支动脉蒂长度为(8.5±1.9)cm,静脉蒂长度为(9.2±2.1)cm。共选择16例口腔鳞癌术后缺损患者,男14例,女2例,年龄31~70岁,平均48.8岁。切取旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣面积6 cm×4 cm~12 cm×6 cm,血管蒂动脉平均长度约6.8 cm,静脉平均长度约7.6 cm。1例术后出现皮瓣静脉危象,皮瓣坏死,其余患者皮瓣均存活良好。2例出现供区淋巴瘘,拔管延迟。16例术后随访6~30个月,1例9个月时出现颈部淋巴结转移,其余患者未发现复发或转移;供区未见并发症,患者对口腔功能恢复满意。结论旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣厚薄适中,质地柔软,血管蒂直径及长度恒定,血供稳定,供区瘢痕隐蔽,是修复口腔鳞癌根治性切除术后缺损的良好选择。     

Muscle-sparing abdominal free flaps in head and neck reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Our aim in this retrospective case series was to review the indications, results, and complications of abdominal muscle-sparing free flaps in head and neck cancer reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review of all head and neck cancer defects reconstructed with abdominal muscle-sparing free tissue transfers from 1999 to 2004 was performed. Data collected included patient demographics, etiology and site of the defect, reconstructive technique, flap size, recipient vessels, complications, reconstructive technique, and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap (n = 11), the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap (n = 4), or the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) flap (n = 1). Average age was 61 years (range, 41-77 years). The average hospital stay was 7.6 days (range, 6-14 days). The average defect size was 74.5 cm(2) (range, 30-240 cm(2)). No subsequent abdominal wall hernias or other donor site complications occurred after a mean follow-up of 21 months. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle-sparing abdominal free flaps are attractive options for head and neck cancer reconstruction. The SIEA and SCIA free flaps have the distinct advantage of eliminating abdominal hernias and other morbidity related to the excision of rectus abdominus fascia or muscle. In addition, the incisions are very low on the abdomen and are more cosmetically pleasing to the patient.     

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。     

Experience with free composite tissue transplantation based on the deep circumflex iliac vessels

Eight free iliac osteocutaneous flaps and three vascularized iliac bone grafts based on the deep circumflex iliac vessels were transferred in 11 cases of large skin and bone or bone defects. Seven of the eight osteocutaneous flaps took successfully. The eighth demonstrated partial necrosis. There was complete bone union in ten cases, and no union in one case as a result of persistent infection. Based on this experience, we conclude that free osteocutaneous flaps based on the deep circumflex iliac vessels have the following advantages over free osteocutaneous flaps based on the superficial circumflex iliac vessels: the pedicle is long (5 to 7 cm); the nutrient vessels are large (artery: 2.2 mm; vein: 2.5 mm); the anatomic course of the vessels is constant; and there is a large amount of bone available.     

Treatment of complex metacarpal defects with free chimeric iliac osteocutaneous flaps

Objective: The aim of this report is to present the clinical results of using free chimeric iliac osteocutaneous flaps based on the periosteal branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) in complex metacarpal reconstructions.

Methods: Reconstruction using free chimeric iliac osteocutaneous flaps was performed in a series of seven patients who underwent metacarpal reconstruction for complex metacarpal defects between March 2009 and March 2012. The procedure was performed for bone and soft tissue losses associated with posttraumatic infections (four patients) and posttraumatic bone and soft tissue defects (three patients).

Results: The skin paddles of the chimeric flaps had a median size of 3?×?7?cm, and the iliac segments had a mean size of 1?×?1?×?3?cm. The median follow-up time was 18 months. All the flaps survived completely with no signs of infection. Osseous union occurred within a mean period of 3 months, and the range of motion achieved for the metacarpal phalangeal joints was 0–80°. The patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome.

Conclusions: Chimeric iliac osteocutaneous flaps may be a useful alternative for treating complex metacarpal defects because they yield a thinner skin paddle and less bulky bone segment than traditional flaps.