One-stage reconstruction of facial paralysis associated with skin/soft tissue defects using latissimus dorsi compound flap.

Neurovascular free muscle transfer is now the mainstay for smile reconstruction in the treatment of established facial paralysis. Since facial paralysis due to ablative surgery or some specific disease sometimes accompanies defects of the facial skin and soft tissue, simultaneous reconstruction of defective tissues with facial reanimation is required. The present paper reports results for 16 patients who underwent reconstruction by simultaneous soft tissue flap transfer with latissimus dorsi muscle for smile reconstruction of the paralysed face. Soft tissue flaps comprised skin paddle overlying the latissimus dorsi muscle (n=6), serratus anterior musculocutaneous flap (n=5), serratus anterior muscle flap (n=2), and latissimus dorsi perforator-based flap with a small muscle cuff (n=3). The latissimus dorsi muscle can be elevated as a compound flap of various types, and thus offers the best option as a donor muscle for facial reanimation when soft tissue defects require simultaneous reconstruction.     

Heating pad burns in anesthetic skin

Patients requiring reconstruction by muscle or musculocutaneous flaps often have an associated area of skin anesthesia. This skin is susceptible to trauma because of its insensibility. This study reports 3 cases in which patients sustained deep partial-thickness burns of anesthetic skin following flap reconstruction. All burns healed by reepithelialization. Following flap reconstruction, patients should be warned regarding the use of heating pads. Burns of this type represent a preventable complication of flap reconstruction.     

Are reverse flow fasciocutaneous flaps an appropriate option for the reconstruction of severe postburn lower extremity contractures?

Full thickness burns involving the lower extremity can result in severe contractures, which impair extremity functions if they are not managed with proper treatment and rehabilitation. After release of postburn contracture of the knee, ankle, and metatarsophalangeal joints, defects often require coverage by flaps. Twelve distally based reverse flow flaps were performed for lower-extremity reconstruction after release of postburn flexion contractures. All of the patients were male and their age ranged from 20 to 23 years, with a mean age of 21. After the release of the contractures, 3 flaps were used based on the location of the contractures. The reverse flow anterolateral thigh flap was used for knee reconstruction (n = 4, 33%). The reverse flow sural flap was used for ankle reconstruction (n = 4, 33%), and the reverse flow medial plantar flap was used for metatarsophalangeal reconstruction (n = 4, 33%). The sizes of the flap varied from 2 to 17 cm wide and 3 to 18 cm in length. All defects were covered successfully. Reverse fasciocutaneous tissue transfer to reconstruct the soft tissue defects provide early motion. Sufficient contracture release is achieved without displacement of anatomic landmarks. The reverse-flow flap is a reasonable and reliable choice for each joint level in the lower extremity.     

预扩张的颈浅动脉皮瓣移位修复颈部瘢痕挛缩

目的为了减少颈浅动脉皮瓣移位修复颈部创面后的并发症，设计了预扩张皮瓣的方法，观察其临床效果。方法１９９５年３月～１９９７年１０月，对１２例颈部瘢痕挛缩畸形患者，先行颈浅动脉皮瓣供区预扩张术，二期行预扩张皮瓣移位修复颈部瘢痕切除后创面，其中颌颈粘连９例，下唇颌颈粘连３例。预扩张皮瓣最大为３５ｃｍ×１４ｃｍ，最小１６ｃｍ×７ｃｍ。结果术后１例皮瓣远端３ｃｍ×２ｃｍ坏死，植皮后创面愈合。其余１１例皮瓣完全成活。随访６个月～３年，所有患者颈部活动明显改善，颌颈角生理角度恢复，皮瓣色泽正常，外观不臃肿，未见继发挛缩。结论颈浅动脉皮瓣预扩张后移位修复颈部瘢痕挛缩畸形是较理想的一种方法。     

Soft-tissue reconstruction for recalcitrant diabetic foot wounds

Thirty-three consecutive patients with plantar soft-tissue defects were managed by a single surgeon (EDN) with reconstruction by a medial plantar artery (MPA)-based flap. Foot defects resulted from a combination of abnormal weightbearing distribution and neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus in all patients. A retrospective study of diabetic patients from 1984 to 1997 with foot defects reconstructed with a MPA-based flap were reviewed. Thirty-three patients (age 55 +/- 9) with an average tissue deficit of 13 +/- 9 cm2 had MPA reconstruction of the heel (n = 8), midfoot (n = 23), and forefoot (n = 2). The mean follow-up was 19 months (range, 3 months-5 years). There were four minor complications, including marginal flap necrosis or localized infection, although all healed uneventfully. There were six major complications resulting in loss of the flap and proximal amputation. Out of seven patients, there were 12 rerotations of the previously rotated flap. Various techniques for reconstruction of plantar foot defects have been described in the literature. Utilizing glabrous skin for reconstruction of these defects is appealing for its unique shear and pressure-resisting properties. Surgical management of diabetic foot defects with the medial plantar artery flap is an effective means of soft tissue reconstruction.     

Second- and third-degree burns as a complication in breast reconstruction

Over the last five years 10 patients in our practice have developed second- or third-degree burns following breast reconstruction. This has occurred in the reconstructed breasts of patients who have had tissue expansion, latissimus dorsi flaps, and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps. Second- or third-degree burns have also occurred on the abdomen following TRAM flap procedures. The lack of normal sensation in the surgical areas has been the common etiological factor. Aggressive wound care has led to primary and secondary healing in all patients without the need for skin grafts. Patient education preoperatively and postoperatively is necessary to prevent this potential complication.     

Reconstruction of postburn scar contracture of the neck by expanded skin flaps

Flexion contracture of the neck after burns can produce severe functional deformity. Excision and split or full thickness skin grafts, local or distant flaps, and free flaps have been used for reconstruction. Recently, tissue expansion has been introduced as an additional reconstructive procedure. We have used tissue expansion for reconstruction of postburn neck contractures. Twelve patients with ages that ranged from 9 to 34 years were treated with expanded fasciocutaneous supraclavicular and shoulder flaps. No flap necrosis has been seen. In two patients, recontracture occurred between the expanded flap and uninvolved skin. To date we have not seen any problems with nerve neuropraxia and impression on blood vessels.     

Reconstruction of soft tissue after complicated calcaneal fractures.

A total of 35 flap reconstructions were done to cover exposed calcaneal bones in 31 patients. All patients had calcaneal fractures, 19 of which were primarily open. Soft tissue reconstruction for the closed fractures was indicated by a postoperative wound complication. A microvascular flap was used for reconstruction in 21 operations (gracilis, n = 11; anterolateral thigh, n = 5; rectus abdominis, n = 3; and latissimus dorsi, n = 2). A suralis neurocutaneous flap was used in eight, local muscle flaps in three, and local skin flaps in three cases. The mean follow-up time was 14 months (range 3 months-4 years). One suralis flap failed and was replaced by a latissimus dorsi flap. Necrosis of the edges that required revision affected three flaps. Deep infection developed in two patients and delayed wound healing in another four. During the follow-up the soft tissues healed in all patients and there were no signs of calcaneal osteitis. Flaps were considered too bulky in five patients. Soft tissues heal most rapidly with microvascular flaps. In the long term, gracilis muscle covered with free skin grafts gives a good contour to the foot. The suralis flap is reliable and gives a good final aesthetic outcome. Local muscles can be transposed for reconstruction in small defects.     

Total upper and lower eyelid replacement following thermal burn using an ALT flap--a case report.

Upper and lower eyelid unilateral full thickness reconstruction in a patient with no available adjacent tissues because of burns or trauma sequelae is a surgical challenge. A case of severe thermal burn with unilateral complete defect of both upper and lower eyelids is reported, together with the surgical technique of reconstruction. The patient was a 65-year-old man who sustained deep burns of the head and neck with upper airway burns after falling into a fireplace. After tracheostomy and acute resuscitation, he underwent escharectomy and coverage of his head and neck burns with split thickness skin grafts and with full thickness skin grafts to the eyelids. There was incomplete take of the skin grafts to the upper and lower left eyelids. In these areas, infection and loss of the tarsum and subsequent eyelid retraction led to exposure keratitis and blurred vision. After healing and respiratory rehabilitation, he was referred to our microsurgical unit for upper and lower eyelid reconstruction. A free forearm flap was first considered, but the Allen test was negative. Therefore, a free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap was chosen to provide skin eyelid coverage. The flap was harvested including fascia and centred on one perforator. The levator muscle stump and conjunctiva from both upper and lower cul-de-sacs were dissected and advanced. Flap vessels were anastomosed to the superficial temporal artery and vein. The conjunctiva and the fascia replaced the new inner upper and lower lamella. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a perforator flap, the ALT flap, in full thickness reconstruction of both upper and lower eyelids and may be a reliable option in such selected and challenging situations.     

The scar band rotation flap

This study presents cases in which postburn scar contractures of finger joints and interdigital spaces have been reconstructed using a scar band rotation flap. The scar band rotation flap is a subcutaneous pedicled skin island flap consisting of a contracture-causing scar band, the graft surface and normal skin. After flap rotation, the normal skin in the flap divides the scar band, thus releasing the scar contracture. In the past 10 years, we have used this reconstruction method to treat seven patients (three males and four females) ranging in age from 4 to 72 years. In all patients, the cause of the scar contractures was marginal scarring of a life-saving skin graft that was used to treat extensive burns. We reconstructed four finger joints and eight interdigital space contractures and obtained favorable results with no flap loss. We have found this method to be useful for the reconstruction of small scar contractures in locations such as finger joints and interdigital spaces after skin grafting to treat extensive burns.     

Reconstruction of burn-damaged female breasts

Development of severe scar contractures following burns of the anterior wall of the female chest can lead to various breast deformities. This paper presents a report of 14 female patients operated on for postburn breast deformities over the past 5 years. Our aim in reviewing these patients is to establish the epidemiology and etiology of the breast burns and to present the techniques used for breast reconstruction. Most of these burns were domestic, 70% resulting from scalds. The majority were children, the mean age at the time of the burn being 4 years, and mean age at the time of admission to the hospital for postburn breast reconstruction was 16.5 years. In these cases, split-thickness skin graft, Z-plasty, local skin flap, and areola transposition were the most frequently used reconstruction techniques. In all cases, acceptable aesthetic results were obtained.     

Plastisch-chirurgische Rekonstruktion von Defekten der Thoraxwand nach onkologischen Resektionen

In defect reconstruction following radical oncologic resection of malignant chest wall tumors, adequate soft-tissue reconstruction must be achieved along with function, stability, integrity, and aesthetics of the chest wall. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the oncoplastic concept following radical resection of malignant chest wall infiltration with an interdisciplinary approach. Between 1999 and 2005, 36 consecutive patients (nine males, 27 females, mean age 55 years, range 20-78) were treated with resection for malignant tumors of the chest wall. Indications were locally recurrent breast carcinoma (patient n=22), thymoma (n=1), and desmoid tumor (n=1). Primary lesions of the chest wall were spinalioma (n=1), sarcoma (n=7), and non-small-cell lung cancer (n=2). There were distant metastases of colon and cervical cancer in one patient each. Soft-tissue reconstruction was carried out using primary closure (n=1), external oblique flap (n=1), pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (n=3), latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (n=18), vertical or transversal rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (n=9), free tensor fascia lata- flap (n=6), trapezius flap (n=1), serratus flap (n=1), and one filet flap. In 15 reconstructive procedures microvascular techniques were used. An average of 3.4 ribs were resected. Stability of the chest wall was obtained with synthetic meshes. The latissimus dorsi flap is considered the flap of choice in chest wall reconstruction. However, alternatives such as pectoralis major flap, VRAM/TRAM flap, free TFL flap, and serratus flap must also be considered. Low mortality and morbidity rates allow tumor resection and chest wall reconstruction even in a palliative setting.     

Optimizing the use of local muscle flaps for knee megaprosthesis coverage

Primary muscle flap cover of megaprostheses following limb salvage surgery for tumors around the knee serves to decrease infection rates, provide additional soft tissue cover over the implant, and act as a bed for split-skin grafting. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the role of supplementary muscle flaps such as the hemisoleus, gracilis, and semimembranosus in augmenting coverage provided by gastrocnemius muscle flaps. Between August 1999 and August 2006, 10 patients underwent resection of distal femur (n = 5) or proximal tibia (n = 5) sarcomas, followed by bone reconstruction with a modular megaprosthesis and soft tissue coverage with local pedicled flaps. The average age was 31 years (range, 13 to 47), with pathologic diagnoses inclusive of osteosarcoma (n = 7), chondrosarcoma (n = 2), and recurrent giant cell tumor (n = 1). For proximal tibial tumors, both bellies of the gastrocnemius with hemisoleus for additional soft tissue cover were used. For distal femoral tumors, 1 gastrocnemius belly sutured to the extensor mechanism and gracilis or semimembranosus provided adequate soft tissue cover. All flaps survived without complications, all wounds healed well, and all patients were ambulant after surgery. The role of supplementary muscle flaps was demonstrated in specific situations, where coverage of the subcutaneous area of the midtibia was deficient and where a significant amount of the vastus medialis or gastrocnemius has been resected. Technical refinements included primary skin grafting to relieve tension during skin closure and excision of the aponeurosis over the gastrocnemius and hemisoleus to increase the reach and surface area of the muscle flap.     

Reconstruction of burned lower extremities by free flaps

Summary Three latissimus dorsi muscle flaps with skin grafts, one latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, and one scapular flap were used in reconstruction of deep burns of the heels and calf caused by various agents. The follow-up period was 11 to 46 months. Of the five patients treated, two sustained electrical injuries, two had contact burns and one suffered a degloving injury with a contact burn resulting from a car accident. The latissimus dorsi muscle flaps with skin grafts gave excellent results in reconstruction of the calf and ankle areas due to their large caliber vessels and versatility. The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was indicated in a case with extensive soft tissue loss on the sole of the foot with stiffness of the ankle joint in plantar flexion. A non-sensory scapular flap was satisfactory for reconstruction of the medial half of the heel since the remaining lateral half of the heel provided adequate sensation for weight-bearing and protection. Early reconstruction of the burned lower part of the leg with free flaps shortens hospitalization and prevents further extension of the injury. Reconstruction of a burned distal lower extremity provides a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon due to limited availability of local tissue; there is durable soft tissue in the weight-bearing area and a relatively poor blood supply compared to other areas of the body. The basic requirement in the treatment of a full thickness burn is early debridement and immediate coverage of the defect with a skin graft or a well vascularized flap. Even though multiple local flaps, such as axial [7, 17], muscle [1], musculocutaneous [5], fasciocutaneous [11], and island flaps [4], have been described. These flaps are useful in relatively small wounds with undamaged sourrounding tissues. Electrical injuries are manifested in a variety of clinical and pathologic ways with early, as well as delayed, tissue damage complicating reconstruction. With the advent and refinement of microvascular techniques, it has become possible to reconstruct extensive defects of the distal lower extremity with either free muscle flaps with skin grafts [8], myocutaneous free flaps [10], or axial free flaps [18]. This paper relates our experience in reconstruction of extensive defects of the lower extremities caused by various burning agents.     

A dynamic myocutaneous flap for hand reconstruction

Relocation of functional units by neurovascular pedicle transfer is firmly established in reconstructive hand surgery. Transfer of muscle and overlying skin, the myocutaneous flap, to provide skin cover is equally established. The dynamic myocutaneous flap is an extension of these concepts. Injection studies confirmed that the abductor digiti quinti muscle and its overlying hypothenar skin could be transferred on its neurovascular bundle. This dynamic myocutaneous flap was used to reconstruct both skin cover and functional opposition following resection of an arteriovenous malformation involving the thumb. Other clinical applications would include reconstruction of thenar skin and muscle lost secondary to electrical burns, avulsion, or tumor resection.     

Postburn head and neck reconstruction in children with the fasciocutaneous supraclavicular artery island flap

Postburn deformities or scar contractures in the head and neck region of children represent a challenge with unique problems compared with the rest of the body. Fourteen children suffered from neck contractures following burns, and 4 children required reconstruction following panfacial burn deformities. The experience of late-phase secondary burn reconstruction in the head and neck region of 18 pediatric patients (age range, 9-17 years) with 22 fasciocutaneous supraclavicular island flaps, including 5 preexpanded flaps, is reported. Clinical follow-up was performed between 10 and 29 months postoperatively. High functional and esthetic requirements could be fulfilled in all patients. Flap complications occurred in 9%, with low donor site morbidity (9%). The fasciocutaneous supraclavicular artery island flap is reliable and safe for immediate or late resurfacing of facial defects and to release cervical contractures. Customized flap design with tissue expansion without the need for microsurgery allows extended indications and optimized skin utilization, while good texture and color match is generally difficult to achieve in the head and neck region of severely burned children.     

Reconstruction of extensive defects of the cranium using free-tissue transfer

Fourteen patients with large tissue deficits in the calvarium and orbits were reconstructed using microvascular free-tissue transfer (15 flaps). The etiology of these defects was skin neoplasms (seven), osteomyelitis (four), burn (two), and trauma (one). The free flaps used were the latissimus dorsi muscle flap with a split-thickness skin graft (seven), latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (two), rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (three), radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap (two), and split-iliac crest flap (one). There was one postoperative death, one flap failure, two recurrences of neoplasm, and one loss of bone grafts and flap from infection. The free flaps can offer good results in patients undergoing wide resection in the cranium and orbits providing immediate repair with acceptable cosmetic result, minimized morbidity, and short hospitalization. However, immediate reconstruction following tumor resection carries a danger of positive margins discovered on permanent histologic sections or the difficulty in detecting recurrence underneath a bulky free flap.     

De-epithelialized cross-finger flaps versus adipofascial turnover flaps for the reconstruction of small complex dorsal digital defects: a comparative analysis

PURPOSE: To compare the results of 2 reconstructive options (the de-epithelialized cross-finger flap vs the adipofascial turnover flap) for coverage of small complex dorsal digital defects. METHODS: A total of 73 patients with small complex dorsal digital defects were included in the study and were classified into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 31) had reconstruction using the de-epithelialized cross-finger flap and group 2 (n = 42) had reconstruction using the adipofascial turnover flap. The type of complication and patient dissatisfaction with the appearance of the donor site were documented in each study group. RESULTS: All flaps in both groups survived with no infection or hematoma. Specific complications were found in group 1 patients and included flap dehiscence (1 patient), considerable skin graft loss (2 patients), stiffness of the donor finger (5 patients), and inclusion cyst (1 patient). The only specific complication for group 2 patients was the occasional epidermolysis of the skin of the donor site, which was observed in 6 patients. Patient dissatisfaction with the appearance of the donor site was documented in 10 patients in group 1 and none in group 2. The elective flap division in the cross-finger-flap group was considered a disadvantage in children because it required general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The versatility of both flap techniques in digital reconstruction is confirmed; however, considering the type of complication and the need for general anesthesia in children for cross-finger-flap division, the adipofascial flap was determined to be superior in the following specific groups: children, older patients, and patients with osteoarthritis and multiple defects of adjacent border digits.     

Skin flap survival after superficial and deep partial-thickness burn injury

Whether a flap can be raised successfully in a body region that has been subjected to burn injury remains an issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival of skin flaps that were elevated after superficial and deep partial-thickness burn injury in a rat model. Sixty-five rats were divided into five groups: Group 1 (N = 15) was the control group, group 2 (N = 10) included rats with superficial partial-thickness burns that had flaps elevated on day 0, group 3 (N = 15) was comprised up of rats with superficial partial-thickness burns that had flaps elevated on day 4, group 4 (N = 10) included rats with deep partial-thickness burns that had flaps elevated on day 0, and group 5 (N = 15) was comprised of rats with deep partial-thickness burns that had flaps elevated on day 4. Caudally based dorsal flaps consisting of skin and panniculus carnosus were elevated in all groups, and the amount of surviving tissue on each flap was quantified. The surviving areas of flaps elevated on postburn days 0 and 4 in superficial partial-thickness burn zones (groups 2 and 3) were larger than those of flaps that were elevated on postburn days 0 and 4 in deep partial-thickness burn zones (groups 4 and 5). The surviving portions of flaps that were elevated on day 4 in superficial partial-thickness burn zones (group 3) were similar to the surviving areas of flaps in the control group (group 1), and were larger than those of all other groups (groups 2, 4, and 5). In this rat model, flaps were elevated in superficial dermal burn zones with successful outcomes. However, raising flaps in deep dermal burn zones was not a reliable method.     

两种方法修复拇趾皮肤软组织缺损的比较

目的比较第1跖背动脉逆行岛状皮瓣和足底内侧动脉逆行岛状皮瓣修复拇趾皮肤软组织缺损的成功率和功能效果．探索和优化拇趾皮肤软组织缺损修复的技术方法。方法分别采用第1跖背动脉逆行岛状皮瓣（n=12）和足底内侧逆行岛状皮瓣（n=15）修复拇趾软组织缺损,对比两组的手术成功率和术后并发症。以足行走负重功能、皮瓣外形、颜色、抗压耐磨、皮肤感觉为参数评价和对比两组病例术后2年的疗效．结果第1跖背动脉逆行岛状皮瓣组12例全部成活,无手术并发症发生：足底内侧动脉逆行岛状皮瓣组15例发生静脉危象导致皮瓣坏死1例,皮瓣边缘部分缺血坏死造成延迟愈合1倒,无其他手术并发症：两组病例术后2年在行走负重功能、皮瓣外形、颜色方面无显著性差异．P〉0．05;皮肤感觉：两组有显著性差异,P〈O．05;抗压耐磨性：两组有显著性差异,P〈0．05。结论第1跖背动脉逆行岛状皮瓣和足底内侧动脉逆行岛状皮瓣修复拇趾软组织缺损均有较高的成功率和较低并发症发生率,前者皮肤感觉好,后者抗压耐磨性强。