Ipsilateral pedicled fibular flap for tibial reconstruction after Ewing sarcoma resection

Ewing sarcoma is a rare and lethal malignant bone tumor, mostly affecting young male patients, and has a predilection for the femur, tibia, pelvis, and humerus. Based on the use of improved staging systems, chemotherapy, radiation, and resective surgery, actually most patients live and retain function of their limbs. The concept of limb-sparing surgery has evolved over the last three decades and has become as effective as amputation in treating extremity sarcoma. Many centers have abandoned traditional reconstruction with avascular allografts, resection arthrodesis in favor of metallic endoprosthesis, or fibula free flap for long bone defects. The ipsilateral fibular pedicled flap is an excellent choice for tibial, large, segmental defects reconstruction, because it has a low rate of infection and malunion; the functional outcome is good and avoids contralateral donor site morbidity, and it is less time-consuming than free fibula flap. It also provides the advantage of one-stage reconstruction. We report a case of a 12-year-old patient with history of Ewing sarcoma on the 1/3 of the upper tibia. The bone defect after tumor excision was 12 cm; the flap was dissected until the vascular pedicle, rotated to 180°, and fixed with plate in T and screws. The patient had successful bone union and achieved good functional results at the end of the 1-year follow-up period. Full weight-bearing was achieved within 7 months. This technique should be considered for reconstructing large and complex bone defects resulting from tumor extirpation.     

Reconstruction of composite tibial defect with free flaps and ipsilateral vascularized fibular transposition

Composite defects of the tibia following open fractures are among the most challenging of clinical problems. The aim of this study is to report the results of treatment using a free flap procedure followed by ipsilateral vascularized fibular transposition (IVFT) for reconstruction of composite tibial defects. Ten patients underwent a free flap procedure followed by IVFT and plating. The mean size of the flaps was 12.1 × 6 cm(2). The mean length of bone defect was 5.35 cm. IVFT were performed 4.3 months following the free flap. Patients were followed for an average of 3.4 years. All flaps survived. The average time to union of the proximal and distal ends was 5.2 and 6.7 months, respectively. There were neither stress fractures of the transferred fibula nor recurrent infections. One patient demonstrated a medial angulation of 8° in the reconstructed tibia but experienced no difficulties in activities of daily living. At the last follow-up time point, all patients were able to walk without an assist device and were satisfied with the preservation of the injured lower extremity. Free flap procedures followed by IVFT for the treatment of composite tibial defects may reduce complications at the recipient site and infections, such as osteomyelitis. The plating technique combined with IVFT allowed bone union without additional operations or stress fractures in our series. We suggest that staged free flap and IVFT is useful for the treatment of composite segmental tibial defects.     

游离同侧前臂穿支皮瓣修复指端缺损

目的：分析探讨游离同侧前臂穿支皮瓣修复指端缺损的临床经验。方法自2011年6月至2014年6月,本科采用游离同侧前臂穿支皮瓣修复17例(18指)患者指端缺损,采用中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评分试用标准等评定疗效。结果其中14个皮瓣顺利成活。2个骨间背侧穿支皮瓣、1个尺动脉穿支皮瓣、1个桡动脉穿支皮瓣在术后24 h内出现静脉危象。视循环危象具体情况分别采用拆除皮瓣部分缝线,皮瓣小切口放血,皮瓣按摩等方法处理,未行手术血管探查。2个皮瓣存活、1个部分坏死、1个全部坏死,全部坏死病例改用邻指皮瓣修复。患者均获得3.0~12.0个月随访,平均随访5.8个月。皮瓣色泽红润、质地柔软、外观自然、不臃肿,与周围皮肤接近。指端饱满,外形良好。两点辨别觉8~12 mm,无严重触痛。患指各关节活动基本正常,无关节坚硬。患者对指端感觉及伤指外形均较为满意,能适应正常的工作与生活。按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定：优12指,良4指,可2指,优良率88.9%。结论游离同侧前臂穿支皮瓣移植修复指端缺损,皮瓣供区、受区位于同一上肢、同一术野。患者仅需在一侧臂丛神经阻滞麻醉下即可接受手术,可在止血带控制下进行无血、无创操作。手术操作简单、麻醉方便,成功率高。手术不破坏手背及手指组织,不损伤主干血管,损伤小。但是,手术需要较高显微外科技术,有一定的皮瓣坏死率,手术风险较高。     

Repair of right ventricular free wall defect with a pedicled muscle flap

A unique case of repair of a full-thickness cardiac defect and simultaneous reconstruction of an infected median sternotomy wound is presented. A right ventricular defect, 6 cm in diameter, was closed with a fascia lata graft and reinforced with a rectus abdominis muscle flap. The superior portion of the mediastinum was obliterated with a pectoralis major muscle flap. The patient tolerated the procedure well and remains free of cardiac symptoms seven months postoperatively, with no evidence of residual infection.     

Calcaneal reconstruction with free fibular osteocutaneous flap

Due to the role of the calcaneus in weight bearing, soft tissue coverage along with proper reduction of the fracture is the treatment following open calcaneal injury. Intra-articular calcaneal fractures present a very difficult management problem, as the lack of soft tissue and the intricate vascularity in this area pose a risk of complications. Coverage with local and free muscle flaps following excision of infected structures is a common approach for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. However, it is unknown which type of flap is optimal for the treatment of lateral foot wounds, especially when complicated by calcaneal osteomyelitis. A patient presented with an open wound over the lateral aspect of the heel with exposed hardware and chronic osteomyelitis of the calcaneus. Following multiple debridements, an ipsilateral osteocutaneous free fibular flap was transferred to the bony defect. Weight bearing was initiated at 2 months postoperatively, and he now ambulates with a normal gait, has normal plantar sensation, and has no difficulty maneuvering stairs. The patient has done well postoperatively and has recovered full range of motion and complete mobility. In this case report, an osteocutaneous free flap provided an excellent outcome for an active patient with a very complex and complicated condition.     

Vascularised free fibular flap in bone resection and reconstruction.

This paper compares allograft alone and in combination with vascularised free fibular flaps (FFF) to reconstruct long bone defects after tumour excision. We present 33 cases, 21 of these patients had reconstruction with an allograft alone as the initial procedure. Nine patients underwent reconstruction with FFF plus allograft plus iliac crest bone graft (ICG), two patients underwent reconstruction with a FFF and ICG and one patient underwent reconstruction with an allograft, a pedicled fibular flap and a FFF. The allograft was obtained from the Queensland Bone Bank and had been irradiated to 25 000Gy. In our experience (N=21) the complication rates with allograft alone were: delayed union 3, nonunion 7, fractured allograft 6, infection requiring resection of the allograft 3, other infections 2. The revision rate was 48% (10 cases of which five required a free fibular flap) and an average of 1.8 revision procedures were required. In the lower limb cases, the mean time to full weightbearing was 20 months and 40% were full weightbearing at 18 months. We felt that the high complication rate compared with other series may have been related to the irradiation of the graft. FFFs were used in 18 cases, 12 cases were primary reconstructions and six were revision reconstructions. The mean fibular length was 19.4 cm (range 10-29 cm). There were no flap losses and the FFF united at both ends of 11 of 12 primary reconstruction cases. One case had nonunion at one end, giving a union rate of 96% (23 of 24 junctions). When a FFF was used in combination with an allograft as a primary reconstruction, the allograft nonunion rate was 50% (five of 10 cases). The mean time to full weightbearing in the lower limb cases was 7.5 months and 100% were full weightbearing at 18 months. The FFF hastens time to full weightbearing but does not appear to affect the complication rates of allograft. The number of revision procedures required is reduced in the presence of a FFF and is the latter is a useful technique for the salvage of refractory cases.     

Proximal pedicled anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of trochanteric defect

We describe our experience using the proximal pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for the reconstruction of trochanteric defects. Seven ALT island flap procedures were performed in 6 patients between September 2006 and May 2007. Four of the 7 patients had trochanteric pressure sores because of paraplegia. In these patients, intramuscular perforators were dissected to raise a fasciocutaneous flap. Three myocutaneous flaps of the vastus lateralis muscle were used to treat osteomyelitis of the trochanter with implant extrusion. The mean follow-up was 7 months (range, 2-12 months), and all flaps survived. Trochanteric coverage with the proximal pedicled ALT flap gave excellent results. We conclude that the ALT flap is a reliable flap for trochanteric coverage.     

Combined free vascularized iliac osteocutaneous flap and pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of anterior chest wall full-thickness defect

Large defects of the anterior chest wall lead to gross chest instability that can result in paradoxic respiration. Osteoradionecrosis of the lower sternum and multiple left ribs resulted in a huge, full-thickness defect of the left anterior chest wall in a 67-year-old woman. An iliac osteocutaneous flap (bone segment 3 × 14 cm) was harvested for reconstruction of the bone defect. The skin defect was covered by the skin paddle of the iliac osteocutaneous flap and a contralateral rotational pectoralis major muscle flap. Months postoperatively, the patient was physically active, the chest was stable, and the vascularized iliac bone was incorporated into the recipient bone.     

Dual free flap transfer using forearm flap for mandibular reconstruction.

To reconstruct a composite mandibular defect, we have simultaneously transferred a vascularized bone graft or osteocutaneous flap together with a forearm flap. The radial forearm flap, being thin, pliable, and having a long vascular stalk, served as mucosal lining and/or an interpositional flap acting as a vascular bridge. Between 1982 and 1989, we used this procedure in 17 patients with a mandibular defect or deformity which developed following treatment of oral cancer. Our clinical experience has demonstrated that this dual free tissue transfer has many advantages. It is useful for obtaining a good alveolar ridge in patients with a composite mandibular defect. It is applicable in cases where only a single pair of recipient vessels are present and may be useful when the recipient vessels are positioned some distance from the defect.     

Cost-utility analysis comparing free and pedicled TRAM flap for breast reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to compare the free TRAM to the unipedicled TRAM flap in postmastectomy reconstruction, using a cost-utility analysis. A decision analytic model was used for this study. Medical costs associated with the two techniques were estimated from the Ontario Ministry of Health Schedule of Benefits (1998). Hospital costs were obtained from St. Joseph's Healthcare, a university hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. Utilities were obtained from 33 "experts" across Canada and then converted into quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The probabilities of various health states associated with unipedicled and free TRAM flaps were obtained by reviewing several key articles. The free TRAM flap was more costly than the unipedicled TRAM flap, but it provided more QALYs. The baseline incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) was $5,113.73/QALY, favoring adoption of the free TRAM flap. This study showed that the free TRAM flap is a cost-effective procedure for postmastectomy reconstruction in the Canadian healthcare system.     

吻合血管腓骨复合组织皮瓣移植修复与重建胫骨重度开放性粉碎性骨折

目的 探讨吻合血管的腓骨复合组织皮瓣移植一期固定与重建胫骨重度开放性粉碎性骨折的效果.方法 2001年2月至2007年10月收治胫骨重度开放性粉碎性骨折伴软组织缺损患者23例,男16例,女7例;年龄16～52岁,平均26.8岁.按Gustilo分型均为Ⅲ型,其中胫骨骨折累及长度11～17 cm,平均15.6 cm;小腿皮肤软组织缺损范围6 cm×3 cm～20 cm×9 cm.均采用吻合血管的腓骨复合组织皮瓣一期同时修复与重建胫骨重度开放性粉碎性骨折及胫前软组织缺损.结果 术后移植组织全部成活,皮瓣弹性、色泽良好,所有患者获得5个月～7年(平均3.5年)随访.移植腓骨与胫骨平均在1.8个月时有骨愈合征象,术后3.5～4.5个月形成良好的骨性愈合并恢复行走功能.无骨不连及骨折不愈合病例.结论 采用吻合血管的腓骨复合组织皮瓣移植可有效地对胫骨重度开放性粉碎性骨折进行修复与重建,实现一期骨折固定与胫前皮肤软组织缺损的修复.     

双皮下蒂V-Y推进皮瓣修复指端缺损及疗效观察

目的 采用双皮下蒂V-Y推进皮瓣修复指端皮肤缺损并观察其治疗效果.方法 双皮下蒂V-Y推进皮瓣修复39例39指指端缺损,指端皮肤缺损面积均小于或等于1.2 cm2.随访检测患指指腹外观、持物和关节活动度以及出汗情况、感觉等指标.结果 术后39指指端缺损皮瓣完全存活.术后1年随访,外观、出汗情况、持物稳定性、关节活动范围等令人满意.39指痛觉全部恢复,触觉迟钝者仅有7.7%,46.1%的患者两点分辨觉恢复到正常范围内,实体感觉综合能力恢复达优者占92.3%.结论 选择双皮下蒂V-Y推进皮瓣修复末节指端缺损是有效而简单的方法 ,并可获得良好的修复外形及功能.     

双皮下蒂V-Y推进皮瓣修复指端缺损及疗效观察

目的 采用双皮下蒂V-Y推进皮瓣修复指端皮肤缺损并观察其治疗效果.方法 双皮下蒂V-Y推进皮瓣修复39例39指指端缺损,指端皮肤缺损面积均小于或等于1.2 cm2.随访检测患指指腹外观、持物和关节活动度以及出汗情况、感觉等指标.结果 术后39指指端缺损皮瓣完全存活.术后1年随访,外观、出汗情况、持物稳定性、关节活动范围等令人满意.39指痛觉全部恢复,触觉迟钝者仅有7.7%,46.1%的患者两点分辨觉恢复到正常范围内,实体感觉综合能力恢复达优者占92.3%.结论 选择双皮下蒂V-Y推进皮瓣修复末节指端缺损是有效而简单的方法 ,并可获得良好的修复外形及功能.     

双皮下蒂V-Y推进皮瓣修复指端缺损及疗效观察

目的 采用双皮下蒂V-Y推进皮瓣修复指端皮肤缺损并观察其治疗效果.方法 双皮下蒂V-Y推进皮瓣修复39例39指指端缺损,指端皮肤缺损面积均小于或等于1.2 cm2.随访检测患指指腹外观、持物和关节活动度以及出汗情况、感觉等指标.结果 术后39指指端缺损皮瓣完全存活.术后1年随访,外观、出汗情况、持物稳定性、关节活动范围等令人满意.39指痛觉全部恢复,触觉迟钝者仅有7.7%,46.1%的患者两点分辨觉恢复到正常范围内,实体感觉综合能力恢复达优者占92.3%.结论 选择双皮下蒂V-Y推进皮瓣修复末节指端缺损是有效而简单的方法 ,并可获得良好的修复外形及功能.     

Use of the pedicled latissimus muscle flap for upper-extremity reconstruction

Tissue with a blood supply derived from a single constant vascular pedicle may be raised as a flap and rotated within the reach of its blood supply to cover and reconstruct a variety of complex wounds. The latissimus dorsi muscle makes an ideal pedicled flap because of its long neurovascular pedicle, large size, ease of mobilization, and expendability. It can be rotated, with or without overlying skin, to cover soft-tissue defects involving the shoulder, arm, and elbow, or it can be transferred as an innervated muscle to improve shoulder abduction as well as elbow flexion and extension. The major clinical applications of the pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap for upper-extremity reconstruction include use as a bipolar transfer to improve elbow flexion after trauma or brachial plexus injury and as a nonfunctioning myocutaneous transfer for coverage of nerves, bones, and joints after soft-tissue loss due to trauma, tumors, infection, or irradiation.     

带腓血管蒂的小腿外侧复合瓣逆行修复前足外侧缺损

目的 前足外侧缺损,足部三柱桁架动态支撑结构破坏,造成内侧纵弓过度承担负重,对足的负重功能造成重大影响,研究解决前足外侧缺损的修复与重建,旨在恢复前足外侧生理支撑结构.方法 从1989年3月至2008年6月,对前足外侧缺损采用带腓血管蒂的小腿外侧复合瓣逆行转位移植修复并重建前足的外侧支撑点38例.结果 术后38例皮瓣全部成活,所有病例术后均随访6个月～10年,平均23.5个月.足的功能按美国足踝外科协会的评分标准:85分以上8例,75～85分23例,60～75分7例.结论 采用带腓血管蒂的小腿外侧复合瓣修复前足外侧缺损是一种有效的方法.     

The free latissimus dorsi flap as primary free flap and crane flap with secondary pedicled transfer

We are reporting a case of a 43-year-old woman, who developed a soft tissue defect of the knee region following complex lower limb trauma. The defect was covered with a microvascular latissimus dorsi (LD) flap. The patient required a total knee replacement and developed a defect at the anterior aspect of the knee. This defect was covered by a second free LD flap from the ipsilateral side with anastomosis to the superficial femoral artery. Thrombosis of the superficial femoral artery resulted in complete flap loss. The soft tissue defect was covered with a pedicled medial gastrocnemius flap. Further surgery was undertaken to reconstruct the extensor mechanism of the knee. The resulting soft tissue defect was covered with a free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, which failed. The resulting defect left the knee prosthesis exposed. We used the first free LD flap covering the medial aspect of the lower leg as a pedicled axial myocutaneous flap. The deep portion of the flap remained in situ, covering the original soft tissue defect of the lower leg, and the main bulk of the LD was rotated by 180 degrees to the anterior defect of the knee. The crane flap healed uneventfully with a good outcome.