Salvage of a through-knee amputation level using a free fillet of sole flap

A young adult male sustained a compound crural fracture with a 15 cm defect of tibia and fibula, and an extensive soft-tissue loss of the lower leg and knee joint. A free fillet of sole flap was raised on the amputated foot and transferred to the soft-tissue defect around the femoral condyles in order to prevent an above-knee amputation. Intact vascularisation and sensation of the flap were secured by microsurgical anastomoses of the popliteal and posterior tibial vessels and the sciatic and tibial nerves. The patient was rehabilitated rapidly with a prosthesis. At the 12-month follow-up, he demonstrated excellent ?foot”? sensibility, stable soft-tissue coverage of the stump, and an optimal functional result. © 1993 Wiley-Liss Inc.     

Reconstruction of the lower leg and foot with the reverse-pedicled anterior tibial flap: preliminary report of a new fasciocutaneous flap

The blood supply to the skin of the anterior leg was studied in 10 fresh cadavers. Particular attention was paid to the intermuscular septal blood vessels, which emerge in the cleft between tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus muscles. With this anatomical knowledge, the reverse-pedicled anterior tibial fasciocutaneous flap was designed and transferred clinically to cover lower leg and foot defects in 6 patients. Three case reports are detailed. The factors which allow a distally based flap to be raised in the lower leg against the direction of venous valves are also described. The versatility of this new flap in the reconstruction of defects of the lower leg and foot is discussed.     

The laterally extended medial hemisoleus flap for reconstruction of a tibial wound in the distal third of the leg

A soleus flap as a local reconstructive option for soft-tissue coverage of a tibial wound in the distal third of the leg has never been well recognized. In a 2-year period, seven patients underwent reconstruction of a less extensive tibial wound (4 × 3 to 10 × 4 cm) in the distal third of the leg after orthopedic trauma with the laterally extended medial hemisoleus flap. The flap was elevated with emphasis on the preservation of the most distal perforators from the posterior tibial vessels to the flap as possible while allowing adequate rotation of the flap to cover the exposed tibia and/or hardware and on the possible preservation of foot planter flexion by reconstruction of the proximal Achilles’ tendon. In this series, there was no total or partial flap loss. All patients healed their tibial wounds primarily with reliable soft-tissue coverage, evidenced fracture healing, and good cosmetic outcome during follow-up. Thus, the laterally extended medial hemisoleus flap described by the author can be a reliable option for soft-tissue coverage of a less extensive tibial wound in the distal third of the leg. It offers a more cost-effective approach for managing this unique problem and can be performed by most reconstructive surgeons without microsurgical expertise.     

Heel and foot reconstruction using reverse-flow posterior tibial flap

Island flaps supplied by the intermuscular cutaneous perforator (IMCP) from a deep vessel, such as the peroneal flap pedicled by IMCP from the peroneal vessel or the anterior tibial flap supplied by IMCP from the anterior tibial vessel, are reported to be useful in reconstructive procedures for soft-tissue defects of the lower leg. However, the posterior tibial flap, pedicled by IMCP from the posterior tibial vessel, has not yet been fully described. The posterior tibial flap can be used either as a normal-flow or as a reverse-flow flap. It is particularly versatile as a reverse-flow flap for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the heel and foot. Three reverse-flow posterior tibial flaps were clinically applied, without venous anastomosis, to reconstruct heel and foot defects, and all three survived completely. The operative procedure and its characteristics are described.     

Soft-tissue coverage of an open tibial wound in the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the leg with the medial hemisoleus muscle flap

A relatively simple but reliable option for soft-tissue coverage of a less extensive tibial wound in the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the leg has never been determined. In this series, the author reports his clinical experience utilizing the medial hemisoleus muscle flap as a local reconstructive option for management of this unique clinical problem. Over the past 2 years, 14 patients underwent a soft-tissue reconstruction of an open tibial wound (4 x 3 to 10 x 5 cm) in the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the leg with the proximally based medial hemisoleus muscle flap. Only the medial half of the soleus muscle was elevated, with attention to preserving critical perforators from the posterior tibial vessels to the flap while allowing adequate arc of flap rotation to cover the exposed fracture site and hardware. All patients were followed for up to 2 years. Only 1 patient developed insignificant distal flap necrosis and was treated with debridement and flap readvancement. All patients had primary healing of their wounds, reliable soft-tissue coverage, evidenced fracture healing, and good cosmetic outcome during follow-up. Therefore, the medial hemisoleus muscle flap described by the author can be a reliable local option for soft-tissue coverage of a less extensive tibial wound in the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the leg with good outcome and minimal morbidity.     

逆行供血的胸脐皮瓣游离移植修复胫骨外露创面

目的观察逆行供血的吻合血管胸脐皮瓣修复胫骨外露创面的临床效果.方法对44侧小腿动脉铸型标本进行了观测的基础上,于1993年5月～2000年7月,对临床收治的25例小腿中上段大面积软组织缺损,胫骨外露,其中18例有胫前或胫后血管长段受损栓塞,创面最大为28 cm×11 cm,最小为11 cm×9 cm.采用小腿远端胫前或胫后血管远端与腹壁下血管吻合的胸脐皮瓣移植修复创面.结果胫前动脉、胫后动脉和腓动脉三组主干型血管,三者彼此间在足踝部交通吻合十分丰富,有很好的相互代偿能力.术后移植皮瓣全部成活,皮瓣色泽、质地良好,创面完全修复.结论只要小腿胫前或胫后主要血管之一正常,受损血管远端正常,逆行供血良好,即可采用吻合血管的胸脐皮瓣修复小腿中上段大面积软组织缺损.     

非恒定蒂胫后动脉链式穿支皮瓣的临床应用

目的探讨应用胫后动脉穿支皮瓣修复小腿及足踝部皮肤软组织缺损的新方法。方法应用非恒定蒂胫后动脉链式穿支皮瓣修复小腿及足踝部皮肤软组织缺损32例,术前应用多普勒血流仪探测胫后动脉皮支位置,利用各皮支形成的链式供血方式,选择距创面直线距离最近的皮支点做为旋转点切取皮瓣修复创面。结果经1.5个月～2年的随访,所有皮瓣均成活良好,外观满意,无手术并发症。结论非恒定蒂胫后动脉链式穿支皮瓣不受蒂部位置的限制,切取灵活方便,符合以最小的供区代价换取最佳的修复效果的基本原则,是一种修复小腿及足踝部皮肤软组织缺损的理想术式。     

Free composite serratus anterior muscle--rib flap for reconstruction of severely damaged foot

A 23-year-old man who underwent below-knee amputation of one leg and sustained extensive soft-tissue damage with a bony defect of the other foot presented an unusual reconstructive problem. By means of microsurgical techniques a free serratus anterior-rib flap was transferred to restore function of the foot. A four-year follow-up showed good rehabilitation.     

Electromyographic analysis of the leg muscles in the hemiplegic patients with equinovarus deformity of the foot

A series of EMG study of the leg muscles was carried out with a wire electrode in 86 hemiplegic patients of stroke to visualize the role of each muscle either in the development of equinovarus deformity of the foot or in correcting the deformity through tendon transfer. The muscles examined were anterior tibialis, posterior tibialis, gastrocnemius, soleus, flexor digitorum longus and peroneus brevis of the affected side. Tonic discharge of those muscles was recorded as the patients were elevating the affected leg in supine, sitting or standing posture or were standing on legs. On lifting up the affected limb, most patients showed electrical activity of anterior tibialis with or without simultaneous activity of other muscles, most frequently with that of flexor digitorum longus or gastrocnemius. When the patient stood on legs electromyographic discharge appeared most frequently in soleus. Varus deformity of the foot significantly correlated to the lack of the electrical activity of peroneus brevis. Both such abnormal activity of anterior tibialis and the lack of activity of peroneus seemed to be the main causes for the varus deformity. Postoperative EMG study in the patients who underwent Watkins-Barr procedure of anterior transfer of the posterior tibialis tendon, showed that the posterior tibialis was rather inactive both in elevating the leg and in standing on legs. Varus deformity was corrected independent of the discharge of posterior tibialis. The author concluded that the correction of the varus deformity after Watkins-Barr procedure was mainly obtained from the tenodesis effect. The tenodesis provides the checkline effect on the equinus and varus deformity, which reinforces the dorsiflexing action of anterior tibialis and attenuates its inverting action of the same muscle.     

The reversed medial hemisoleus muscle flap and its role in reconstruction of an open tibial wound in the lower third of the leg

The usefulness of a reversed hemisoleus muscle flap as a local reconstructive option for soft-tissue coverage of an open tibial wound in the lower third of the leg has never been acknowledged. Over the past 2 years, 8 patients underwent soft-tissue reconstruction of an open tibial wound (3 x 3 to 10 x 6 cm) in the lower third of the leg with the reversed medial hemisoleus muscle flap modified by the author. The flap was dissected with attention to preserve several critical perforators from the posterior tibial vessels to the flap as possible while allowing adequate turnover of the flap to cover the exposed tibia or hardware. There was no total flap loss, and limb salvage was achieved in all patients. Only 2 patients developed insignificant distal flap necrosis, and they were treated subsequently with debridement and flap readvancement. All patients had reliable healing of their tibial wounds, with good reconstructive and cosmetic outcomes of their flap reconstructions during follow-up. Therefore, the author believes that the reversed medial hemisoleus muscle flap can be a good choice for soft-tissue coverage of a sizable open tibial wound in the lower third of the leg and may be used successfully to replace free tissue transfer in selected patients.     

腓肠浅动脉逆行岛状筋膜皮瓣的临床应用

目的　证实腓肠浅动脉逆行岛状筋膜皮瓣修复小腿下段及足部皮肤软组织缺损的可行性。方法　在小腿后侧设计及切取腓肠浅动脉岛状筋膜皮瓣 ,逆行移转修复 15例小腿下段及足部皮肤软组织缺损。皮瓣最大面积 10cm× 8cm ,最小 5cm× 4cm。结果　 15例筋膜皮瓣全部成活 ,经 6～ 18个月的随访 ,效果良好。结论　腓肠浅动脉逆行岛状筋膜皮瓣血供可靠 ,不牺牲知名动脉 ,操作简便 ,为修复小腿下段及足部皮肤软组织缺损提供了一个新方法。     

小腿下段及足部动脉与其吻合网结构的应用解剖和临床意义

目的 为带血管组织瓣转位修复重建踝足部组织缺损的手术设计提供应用解剖学依据。方法 通过３６例成人下肢标本的系统解剖,观察三大主干动脉在踝足部各终末支及其吻合网的外径长度走向及吻合情况。结果 三大主干动脉及其各终末支交通支和吻合网的结构特点在踝足部的修复重建中均各有其重要的作用。结论可按动脉结构分布将踝足部分为４个区域,并按此进行手术设计,提高手术的灵活性及成功率。     

Distally based medial island septocutaneous flap for repair of soft-tissue defects of the lower leg

A medial island septocutaneous flap, based on the lower septocutaneous vessels from the posterior tibial artery and vein, has been designed. This flap was rotated 90 degrees in 5 cases and 180 degrees in 2 cases to cover soft-tissue defects on the lower third of the leg.     

Distally based perforator sural flaps for foot and ankle reconstruction

Distally based perforator sural flaps from the posterolateral or posteromedial lower leg aspect are initially a neurofasciocutaneous flap that can be transferred reversely to the foot and ankle region with no need to harvest and sacrifice the deep major artery. These flaps are supplied by a perforating artery issued from the deep peroneal artery or the posterior tibial artery, and the chain-linked adipofascial neurovascular axis around the sural/saphenous nerve. It is a versatile and reliable technique for soft-tissue reconstruction of the heel and ankle region with 180-degrees rotation. In this paper, we present its developing history, vascular basis, surgical techniques including flap design and elevation, flap variations in pedicle and component, surgical indications, and illustrative case reports with different perforating vessels as pivot points for foot and ankle coverage.     

健侧胫后血管皮瓣桥携带游离皮瓣临床应用

目的 探讨下肢大面积软组织缺损采用游离组织移植修复而受区载供血管可以供缝接时的解决办法,方法 在形态学观察及动脉压和血流量测定的实验基础上,设计以健侧胫后血管形成单一顺行皮瓣成桥及顺,逆行两皮瓣桥作为血管蒂而携带游离皮瓣移植修复。结果 采用健侧胫后血管形成顺行皮瓣桥携带游离皮瓣移植修复伤肢一处创面缺损８例,皮瓣全部成活,创面修复,采用健侧胫后血管形成顺－逆行两个皮瓣桥分别携带两个游离皮瓣同时修复伤     

Die Musculus-soleus-Lappenplastik

Objective

Defect coverage especially in exposed bone of the lower leg by pedicled muscle flaps in association with a split-thickness skin graft. Defect coverage oropharyngeal or at the upper extremity by free soleus flaps.

Indications

Defects of the proximal and middle thirds of the anterior lower leg for the proximally pedicled soleus flap; defects of the middle and distal third of the anterior lower leg for the distally pedicled soleus flap. The free flap is almost ubiquitously useable.

Contraindications

Primary diseases that makes a 2-h operation impossible, relevant affection of supplying vessels (the posterior tibial artery and/or the peroneal artery). Inadequate perfusion of the lower leg due to angiopathy, extensive soft-tissue infection, and wound contamination.

Surgical technique

Medial, longitudinal incision, slightly posterior to the tibia, according to the desired flap elevation (distally or proximally pedicled). Preparation of relevant vessels, mobilization of the muscle and transposition into local defects or use as a free graft. The pedicled flaps usually need a split-thickness skin graft to cover.

Postoperative management

Close monitoring of blood flow, temperature and swelling situation (hourly). Pressure-free wound-dressing of the leg, no circular or constricting dressings. Bedrest for 10 days, then start of flap training with intermittent circular compression, thrombosis prophylaxis, nicotine abstinence, physiotherapy, which depends on the bony situation, compression stocking after 3 weeks.

Results

Reliable results achieved at the middle and distal lower leg.     

胫后动脉皮支筋膜皮瓣的解剖及临床应用

目的 为小腿内侧筋膜皮瓣的临床应用提供解剖学依据,并经临床应用验证其实用价值。方法 采用２０侧成人下肢标本,分别从股动脉和肌间隙皮动脉灌注红色乳胶和墨汁后,解剖观测胫后动脉在不腿内侧发出的是隙皮动脉的数目、行程、管径、高度及分布范围。结果胫后动脉在小腿上、中、下、＝３段均发出数量不等的肌间隙皮动脉,每个皮动脉有１～２条静脉伴行。以皮动脉为蒂设计小腿内侧顺行或逆行筋膜皮瓣可修复小腿和足部的软组织缺     

Cross-leg pedicled free scapular flap for neuropathic foot ulcer: case report

A case is reported of the treatment of a chronic neuropathic ulcer on the lateral aspect of the foot with osteomyelitis. Extensive debridement and free scapular flap transfer were performed. Because the leg had only one patent vessel, the anterior tibial artery, which was unsuitable for anastomosis, the vascular anastomosis of the flap was performed to the posterior tibial vessel of the contralateral leg, which was used as a termporary carrier. The vascular pedicle was divided after 3 weeks, and the flap survived completely. This case report extends the indications of the cross-leg free flap for complex defects on a single-vessel foot.     

吻合胫前或胫后远端血管逆行供血的胸脐皮瓣修复小腿创面

目的：解决小腿创伤后，胫前或胫后主要血管之一长段受损栓塞，同时小腿中上段大面积软组织缺损、胫骨外露的创面修复问题。方法：临床收治小腿中上段大面积软组织缺损、胫骨外露９例，其中７例有胫前或胫后血管长段受损栓塞。采取以小腿远端胫前或胫后血管远端与腹壁下血管吻合的胸脐皮瓣移植修复创面。结果：９例术后移植皮瓣全部成活，皮瓣色泽、质地良好，创面完全修复。结论：只要小腿胫前或胫后主要血管之一正常，受损血管远端正常，逆行供血良好，即可采用该法处理。其优点为在小腿清创的同时解剖出受区血管，不影响患肢血供，不需牺牲健肢血管，不需强迫体位固定；在小腿下段肌肉少，血管位置浅，容易解剖，吻合血管方便；修复小腿中上段创面，移植皮瓣血管蒂平直，不需翻转成角。     

吻合血管的逆行供血胸脐皮瓣修复小腿创面

目的 解决小腿创伤后胫前或胫后主要血管之一长段受损栓塞,同时小腿中上段大面积软组织缺损、胫骨外露的创面修复问题。方法 临床收治15例小腿中上段大面积软组织缺损,胫骨外露病人,其中11例有胫前或胫后血管长段受损栓塞。采取以小腿远端胫前或胫后血管远端与腹壁下血管吻合的胸脐皮瓣移植修复创面。结果 15例病人移植皮瓣全部成活,皮瓣色泽、质地良好,创面完全修复。结论 只要小腿胫前或胫后主要血管之一正常,受损血管远端正常,逆行供血良好,即可采用本法。其优点为在小腿清创的同时解剖出受区血管,不影响患肢血供,不需牺牲健肢血管,不需强迫体位固定;在小腿下段肌肉少,血管位置浅,容易解剖,吻合血管方便;修复小腿中上段创面,移植皮瓣血管蒂平直,不需翻转成角。