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.     

Free flap choice for soft tissue reconstruction of the severely damaged upper extremity

Reconstruction of complex wounds of the hand associated with severe bone, tendon, nerve and soft-tissue injuries has been a major problem in hand surgery. Early definitive soft-tissue coverage of this kind of extensive wound with well-vascularized tissue is one of the most important stages of reconstruction for salvage of the extremity and restoration of function. Although multiple free flap donor sites have been described for complex upper extremity wounds, the authors think that anterolateral thigh (ALT) and lateral arm (LA) flaps are good choices for soft-tissue reconstruction in the upper extremity because of their reconstructive characteristics. These flaps can be used as flow-through and also sensate flaps. There is no need for position change intraoperatively and two teams may work simultaneously. Donor sites can be hidden and there is no required sacrifice of major artery or muscle.     

Free and island flap transfer for soft tissue defects in the hand and forearm

Two hundred twenty patients with soft tissue defects in the hand and forearm were treated with 226 free and island flap transfers. Reconstructed sites involved the thumb in 74 cases, the fingers in 117, the hand in 30, and the forearm in 5. Seventy-nine patients received 82 free flaps, and 141 patients received 144 island flaps. Fifty-six finger reconstruction cases and 73 of 74 thumb reconstruction cases had sensory flap transfers. In the free flap transfer group, 77 flaps survived (93.9%), and 5 failed. In the island flap transfer group, 140 flaps survived (97.2%), and 4 failed. Of the five-failures in the free flap transfers, four were dorsalis pedis flaps, two of which were on patients with an arteriovenous fistula. Of the four failures in the island flap transfers, two were posterior interosseous flaps and two were digital island flaps. All four were reverse-flow island flaps. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The free fillet flap after traumatic amputation: a review of literature and case report

Severe, mutilating hand injuries present difficult reconstructive scenarios. Often in these cases, portions of the amputated tissue may be used for reconstruction of the remaining digits and hand using the spare parts principle. The free fillet flap follows the spare parts concept. A literature review of free fillet flaps for hand and forearm coverage is provided. We also present a case report of a multi-digit and dorsal hand free fillet flap for coverage of a traumatic metacarpal hand. This flap demonstrates the value of ingenuity in planning during emergent trauma reconstruction.     

Microvascular Free Flaps in Early Reconstruction of Burns in the Hand and Forearm: Case Reports

In the reconstructive plastic surgery a free flap provides a one-stage method to achieve an optimal functional and aesthetic result. We report five acute burns or early contractions of the hand and forearm with free-flap reconstruction. In each case an attempt was made to design the flap to restore missing tissue components. We used three different musculocutaneous free flaps and two free skin flaps: a latissimus dorsi, a rectus abdominis and a rectus femoris renervated musculocutaneous flap, as well as a dorsalis pedis and a horizontal fasciocutaneous upper arm flap. In all five cases, the hand and wrist showed early restoration of function.     

总结931例手外伤修复与再造的方法

目的 总结９３１例手部损伤修复与重建的方法和经验。方法 断指（肢）患者均急诊作再植术。手部皮肤缺损面积较大者作吻合血管的皮瓣移植,缺损面积较小者均选用带血管蒂的岛状皮瓣移位。拇、手指缺损者,选择游离第二足趾、Ｍｕ趾甲皮瓣、Ｍｕ趾末节移植和Ｍｕ趾背甲皮瓣移植瓦合带指神经血管蒂岛状皮瓣移位等方法再造拇手指。吻合断伤血管７９例,缝接断伤的上肢神经１０９例,在手术显微镜下修复前臂及手部肌腱４１６例。结果     

Customized reconstruction with the free anterolateral thigh perforator flap

From April of 2003 through September of 2006, 70 free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were transferred for reconstructing soft-tissue defects. The overall success rate was 96%. Among 70 free ALT flaps, 11 were elevated as cutaneous ALT septocutaneous vessel flaps. Fifty-seven were harvested as cutaneous ALT myocutaneous "true" perforator flaps. Two flaps were used as fasciocutaneous perforator flaps based on independent skin vessels. Fifty-four ALT flaps were used for lower extremity reconstruction, 11 flaps were used for upper extremity reconstruction, 3 flaps were used for trunk reconstruction, and 1 flap was used for head and neck reconstruction. Total flap failure occurred in 3 patients (4.28% of the flaps), and partial failure occurred in 5 patients (7.14% of the flaps). The three flaps that failed completely were reconstructed with a free radial forearm flap, a latissimus dorsi flap and skin grafting, respectively. Among the five flaps that failed partially, three were reconstructed with skin grafting, one with a sural flap, and one with primary closure. The free ALT flap has become the workhorse for covering defects in most clinical situations in our center. It is a reliable flap with consistent anatomy and a long, constant pedicle diameter. Its versatility, in which thickness and volume can be adjusted, leads to a perfect match for customized reconstruction of complex defects.     

Flap coverage of dorsum of hand associated with extensor tendons injuries: A completely vascularized single-stage reconstruction

This study reports results in 12 patients treated with "completely vascularized single-stage approaches," so defined because skin, tendon, and nerve are transferred as a compound flap, and all are vascularized. A free dorsalis pedis cutaneotendinous flap was used in 7 patients, while a radial forearm cutaneotendinous island flap was transposed in 5 patients. A dorsalis pedis flap provides four vascularized extensor tendons (extensor digitorum comunis tendons), and the radial artery flap permits the inclusion of one completely vascularized tendon (palmaris longus) and two "strips" of vascularized tendons (flexor carpi radialis and brachioradialis). The flaps survived in all cases, and the transferred tendons were functioning well. The dorsalis pedis flap can be employed in the reconstruction of cutaneotendinous defects of the dorsum of the hand which require the use of three or four tendons grafts. We suggest the use of forearm cutaneotendinous flaps in cases of reconstruction of one or two extensor tendons. The "completely vascularized single-stage reconstruction" avoids prolonged hospitalization and results in a rapid restoration of near-normal function and appearance of the hand.     

Principles of microvascular reconstruction in burn and electrical burn injuries

Free tissue transplantation is a rarely indicated procedure in burn reconstruction. As the versatility and variability of free flaps have significantly developed during recent years, so have the indications for this procedure expanded. This study reports retrospectively the results of 75 free flaps in 60 severely burned patients using 20 different free flaps. This experience enabled us to establish reconstructive principles pertinent to the type of injury (burn versus high voltage injuries) and the timing of reconstruction procedures. In high voltage injuries (n = 26) early free flap coverage (<21 days after trauma) with muscular flaps was the most frequently used type of reconstruction. Reconstruction site was predominantly the upper extremity and forearm. In burn injuries (flame, contact, fluid), free flap coverage was performed during a later stage of the treatment course (3-6 weeks after trauma), or as a secondary procedure. Reconstruction with cutaneous flaps was the preferred method. In contrast to high voltage injuries, the trunk and the face were also recipient sites. In the upper extremity, the elbow and dorsum of the hand were the most frequent sites of reconstruction. Overall, the flap failure rate was 13% (n = 10). We were able to show a relationship between flap failure rate and timing of the procedure. Eight out of 10 flap failures occurred within 5-21 days after trauma, all 10-flap failures occurred between 5 days and 6 weeks. No flap failure occurred during secondary reconstruction. For the reconstruction of complex or large defects (n = 14), we recommended combined 'chimeric' flaps, pre-expansion of free flaps, or the combination of a free and local flap. Our data demonstrate that burn and high voltage injuries are distinct entities, each requiring custom tailored reconstructive solution.     

Die Filetlappenplastik zur Rekonstruktion ausgedehnter Defekte der oberen Extremität einschließlich Schulterregion

Extensive soft tissue defects of the upper extremities were reconstructed with major fillet flaps in nine patients over a 5-year period at two institutions. Etiologies included trauma and tumor resection. Defect locations were the shoulder ( n=3), combined defects of the shoulder plus neck, arm or chest wall ( n=4) as well as one upper arm and one forearm defect. Seven of nine flaps required microsurgical free tissue transfer. Fillet flaps harvested from amputated parts represent the "spare part" concept, providing coverage of defects without additional donor site morbidity. Unlike the classic "spare part" fillet flap concept, the partial or complete conversion of an anatomically intact arm was performed for the coverage of large defects, especially for tumor reconstruction, in this series. Fillets flaps facilitate reconstruction in difficult and complex cases. Major fillet flaps represent a valuable option for reconstruction in the upper extremities with either pedicled or free tissue transfers involving extensive tissue defects.     

急诊组织瓣移植(位)修复伴有严重血管损伤的上肢复杂性组织缺损

目的 介绍急诊组织瓣移植或移位一期修复伴有严重血管损伤的上肢复杂性组织缺损的手术疗效.方法 对10例伴有严重血管损伤的上肢复杂性组织缺损的患者,在修复血管重建肢体血运的同时,根据组织缺损需要采用皮瓣、肌皮瓣、骨皮瓣甚至组织瓣组合移植的方法急诊进行一期修复.其中上臂肱动、静脉长段缺损,合并肱二头肌及上臂内侧大面积皮肤缺损,血管修复后背阔肌皮瓣移位覆盖创面并重建屈肘功能3例;肘部血管损伤合并肘关节周围大面积皮肤撕脱缺损,血管修复后移植胸脐皮瓣覆盖创面2例;前臂尺、桡动脉损伤合并皮肤肌肉缺损,血管修复后移植股前外侧皮瓣覆盖创面3例;前臂尺桡动脉损伤并尺桡骨缺损,血管修复后移植腓骨皮瓣重建尺骨缺损,二期再移植腓骨皮瓣重建桡骨缺损1例;前臂尺、桡动脉损伤合并桡骨及大面积皮肤缺损,血管修复后股前外侧皮瓣加髂骨皮瓣组合移植1例.结果 术后10例患肢及移位组织瓣全部存活.术后随访3～6个月,3例上臂损伤患者,肘关节最大屈曲度为105,屈肘肌力为M_3～M_4地,手功能恢复基本正常;肘及前臂损伤的7例患者,肢体及移植皮瓣完全存活,骨皮瓣和腕部已达骨性愈合,并恢复部分手功能.结论 对严重血管损伤且合并有复杂组织缺损的上肢损伤,急诊在施行血管修复重建肢体血运的同时,采用组织瓣单独或组合移植一期有效覆盖创面,可提高复杂性患肢的成活率,并为二期功能重建术提供良好的软组织条件.     

手背软组织缺损皮瓣修复的临床选择

目的探讨利用三种游离皮瓣及带前臂皮神经营养血管岛状皮瓣修复手背软组织缺损的临床效果。方法采用小腿外侧皮支皮瓣、足背皮瓣、股前外侧皮瓣及带前臂内、外、背侧皮神经营养血管岛状皮瓣,选择性修复手背软组织缺损225例。结果本组174例三种游离皮瓣中170例成活．4例出现血管危象,经及时探查1例皮瓣全部坏死,3例部分坏死：51例前臂皮神经皮瓣．除6例远端部分坏死外,余全部成活。随访6个月～8年．皮瓣质地好,色泽正常,手外形与功能改善满意,痛、深触觉逐渐恢复正常。结论选择性游离皮瓣修复效果普遍优于前臂皮神经营养血管的岛状皮瓣,适于临床开展。     

Phalloplasty: The dream and the reality

Phalloplasty has come a long way as Plastic Surgery has evolved over the years. The complication ridden multistage tube pedicles popularized by Gillis were, with the advent of microsurgery, replaced by radial forearm flaps. The composite osteo-cutaneous version of this flap promised ‘All for one and one for all’ assuring both a reliable urinary conduit and a phallus stiffener. Prelamination and prefabrication to make the neo-urethra came with the promise of reducing both fistula and strictures but that did not happen and flap failure rates increased. Penile stiffeners of various types have been introduced; the artificial ones were associated with high infection and failure rates and are best inserted after the neo-penis regains some sensitivity. With the introduction of perforator flaps the Anterolateral thigh flap in its sensate pedicled form has started replacing the Radial forearm free flap as the first choice flap because of a hidden donor area and lack of microsurgical expertise requirement. Being sensate it tolerates a stiffener better. It is now possible to reconstruct an aesthetically pleasing glans as well, thus meeting both the aesthetic and functional desires of the patient. Complications encountered in this reconstructive effort include flap failure, urethral fistula, urethral stricture and stiffener related problems.KEY WORDS: Gender reassignment, penile reconstruction, phalloplasty     

前臂严重复合组织缺损的急诊修复与一期功能重建

目的 报道游离组织瓣移植与一期功能重建急诊修复前臂严重复合组织缺损的疗效，方法 1994年3月至2003年8月，采用吻合血管的游离皮瓣移植、游离皮瓣与游离腓骨瓣移植或游离腓骨皮瓣移植，同时一期功能重建急诊修复4例前臂严重复合组织缺损。结果 4例均获得成功，经1～3年（平均1年8个月）的随访，骨支架愈合良好，皮瓣血运、质地、弹性好。拇指均可与手指对指，手部恢复保护性感觉。结论 游离组织瓣移植与一期功能重建手术是急诊修复前臂严重复合组织缺损的理想方法。     

The radial (Chinese) flap in hand surgery

The radial (Chinese) flap is an fascio-cutaneous flap raised on the volar aspect of the forearm based on the radial pedicle axis which can be used either pedicled or by microsurgical free transfer. In hand and thumb reconstruction, it is used as an island flap vascularized by a reverse flow from the ulnar artery via the palmar arch, keeping the pivot point at the snuff box level. The possibility to raise a composite flap with vascularized bone or tendons make the chinese flap very useful in hand reconstruction. Of the 35 cases presented, there were 30 pedicled and 5 free flaps from the opposite forearm. The island flaps were reverse flow in 30 cases and with proximal pedicle in 5. In 4 cases the flap contained flexor carpi radialis longus tendon, and in 2 cases a bone graft from the radius. The five free radial flaps transferred from the contralateral side were used as flow-through flap. There were no vascular complications. The advantages and disadvantages of the methods are discussed.     

Instep free flap for plantar soft tissue reconstruction: indications and options

Pedicled instep flaps are frequently used in weight-bearing plantar reconstruction, but may not be available after severe foot injuries. Although free instep flaps offer a viable option, they have scarcely been reported. A posttraumatic plantar forefoot defect was reconstructed with a sensate, instep free flap, because local flaps were not available and defect size did not require a distant free flap, and the current literature was reviewed for therapeutic options. The instep free flap yielded an excellent functional and aesthetic long-term result. In the literature, pedicled instep flaps are advocated for moderate size defects of the weight-bearing heel and sole, while free flaps from distant sites are preferred for large defects. Although skin-grafted muscle flaps and fasciocutaneous flaps yield similar results, reconstruction by like tissues appears favorable. We suggest the instep free flap for weight-bearing plantar foot reconstruction, when pedicled instep flaps are not available and distant free flaps are avoidable.     

A new phalloplasty technique: the free anterolateral thigh flap phalloplasty.

After a 10-year experience with phalloplasty in female to male gender reassignment surgery and with more than one hundred cases treated, we have introduced a new technique for creation of the neo-phallus. Between 1993 and 2002, phalloplasties were performed in our department using the free radial forearm flap or the pre-expanded suprapubic flap (modified Pryor technique). The study of long-term results and complications of these cases, as well as patient requests for a new donor site, induced us to look for an alternative flap for phalloplasty. The versatility and the low donor site morbidity of anterolateral thigh flap persuaded us to use it for phalloplasty. Since March 2003, six phalloplasties with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap have been performed. The results have been encouraging. The shape and the consistency of the neo-phallus are suitable, the flap can be sensate and an erectile prosthesis can easily be implanted. Penile urethral reconstruction is possible in the same operative stage. Patient satisfaction is high. The anatomy and harvesting techniques of ALT flap have already been exhaustively described by several authors and only the operative technique of phalloplasty with free ALT flap, donor site management, preliminary results and complications are reported in this paper.     

第二掌背动脉皮瓣的临床应用

目的总结应用不同类型的第2掌背动脉(seconddorsalmetacarpalartery,SDMA)皮瓣修复手部组织缺损的价值。方法1998年～2003年,对139例手部皮肤或伴有肌腱缺损的患者,采用不同类型的SDMA皮瓣或带食指伸肌腱的肌腱皮瓣移植进行修复。其中男97例,女42例。年龄17～65岁,平均31.4岁。皮瓣类型:顺行岛状皮瓣37例,逆行岛状皮瓣25例,双轴点岛状皮瓣36例,皮肤返支动脉蒂岛状皮瓣19例,游离皮瓣22例。皮瓣范围3.0cm×1.5cm～6.3cm×5.0cm。结果术后135例皮瓣完全成活,3例部分成活,1例因顽固性血管痉挛而放弃手术。116例获12～57个月随访,皮瓣色泽好,外形满意。其中78例吻合神经的皮瓣浅感觉恢复好,两点辨别觉为5～9mm;未吻合神经的38例皮瓣,浅感觉恢复明显差于健侧,两点辨别觉为10～15mm。获得随访的21例肌腱皮瓣中修复伸指肌腱19例,屈指肌腱2例,手指屈伸功能按TAM法评价,可达健侧手指的60%～70%。结论采用不同类型的皮瓣或复合组织瓣移植,能修复手及其手指各部位小范围皮肤或伴有的肌腱缺损。     

Oromandibular reconstruction using a third free flap in sequence in recurrent carcinoma.

Successful results of a second microsurgical reconstructive attempt have been reported previously in recurrent oral carcinoma. However, the feasibility of a third free flap following a third excision has remained to be determined. Six oral carcinoma patients with multiple recurrences, surgical excisions and free flap reconstructions on three separate occasions are presented. Resections had a curative intent in all cases in the first and second ablations and in four of the six cases in the third one. Five radial forearm flaps and one double free flap were used for the first reconstruction. During the second reconstruction two radial forearm, two fibula osteoseptocutaneous, one double free flap and one rectus femoris flap were used to reconstruct the larger defects resulting from excision of the recurrent tumours. However, no vascularised bone transfers were performed following the third excision and soft tissue free flap plus plate option was used for segmental mandibular defects. There was one partial flap loss among 21 free flaps performed. Three patients died within an average of 8 months following the third reconstruction while the others remained alive, surviving an average of 6 months. In conclusion, a third free tissue transfer for reconstruction in multiply recurrent oral carcinoma was found to be feasible, safe and effective. The use of free flaps contributed to the prevention of complications in these difficult cases and enabled the patients to spend the remaining days of their lives outside hospital.     

双侧上颌骨缺损的显微外科修复

目的 探讨应用游离组织瓣移植行双侧上颌骨缺损修复的可行性和应用价值。方法 对1999年7月～2003年8月期间完成的16例应用游离组织瓣行双侧上颌骨缺损修复的病例作回顾性研究，分析上颌骨缺损的原因、缺损的分类、所采用组织瓣的类型、受区血管、游离瓣成活情况及术后并发症的发生情况，并分析应用游离组织瓣行双侧上颌骨缺损修复的适应证和可行性。结果 所采用的游离瓣包括腓骨瓣(9块)、腹直肌皮瓣(6块)、前臂皮瓣(3块)。术后1例腓骨瓣出现血管危象，经抢救成活，其余的游离瓣术后均未出现血管危象，并全部获得成活。受区和供区总的并发症发生率为31．3％，除了早期的2例供区并发症外，其余的并发症均不严重，没有造成严重后果。结论 应用游离组织瓣行双侧上颌骨缺损修复安全可靠，成功率高，且有利于改善患者术后的功能和外形，值得进一步研究和应用。应根据不同缺损的具体特点选择合适的游离组织瓣移植。