Reconstruction of the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue by free composite anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata

Segmental loss of the Achilles tendon with overlying soft tissue and skin defect remains a complex reconstructive challenge. Successful reconstruction combines tendon repair with coverage of the defect by soft tissue flaps, creating an entity that meets up to three predetermined goals: (1) approaching preinjury functionality, (2) resisting shearing forces, and (3) achieving an esthetic result. From June 2009 to June 2011, our center submitted six patients to a one-stage procedure correcting the Achilles tendon using a composite free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with vascularized fascia lata. The flap sizes ranged from 5 to 8 cm in width and 16 to 20 cm in length and all flaps included vascularized fascia lata which was rolled to serve as an Achilles tendon. After reconstruction our patients showed good functional results, these patients could walk, climb stairs, and tiptoe again without support. Moreover, normal footwear could be worn. A free composite ALT flap with vascularized fascia lata is a reliable option for coverage of Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue defects, even in elderly patients.     

One-stage reconstruction of large midline abdominal wall defects using a composite free anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata

OBJECTIVE: Large midline abdominal wall defects are continuously a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Adequate skin coverage and fascia repair of the abdominal wall is necessary for achieving acceptable results. The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach to abdominal wall reconstruction using a free vascularized composite anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with fascia lata. METHODS: Seven patients with large full-thickness abdominal wall defects were successfully reconstructed by means of a composite ALT flap combined with vascularized fascia lata. The size of the skin islands ranged from 20 to 32 cm in length and 10 to 22 cm in width, and the vascularized fascia lata sheath measured 14 to 28 cm and 8 to 18 cm, respectively. Functional outcome of the abdominal wall strength and donor thigh morbidity were investigated by using a Cybex kinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: All flaps survived. No postoperative ventral hernia occurred except for one mild inguinal incision hernia. Subjectively there were no significant donor site problems. Objective assessment was performed in 4 patients 2 years postoperatively. In the reconstructed abdomen, isokinetic concentric and eccentric measurements of extension/flexion ratios of the abdominal wall strength showed no apparent decrease compared with other references. Functional evaluation of quadriceps femoris muscle contraction forces after free ALT composite flap harvest showed an averaged deficit of 30% as compared with the contralateral legs. However, no difficulties in daily ambulating were reported by the patients. CONCLUSION: The free composite ALT myocutaneous flap with vascularized fascia lata provides an alternative option for a stable repair in complex abdominal wall defects.     

携血管化阔筋膜的股前外侧皮瓣动力性修复下唇大型缺损

目的探讨应用携血管化阔筋膜的股前外侧皮瓣修复下唇大型复杂缺损的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2013年1月至2020年6月,上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院口腔颌面-头颈肿瘤科同一课题组应用携血管化阔筋膜的股前外侧皮瓣修复的下唇大型复杂缺损患者的临床资料。股前外侧皮瓣用于恢复缺损的组织,重建下唇外形,阔筋膜与余留的口轮匝肌形成"闭环"结构进行动力性重建。术后每2~3个月随访1次,观察皮瓣存活情况、唇部外形、张闭口及饮水等情况。结果共纳入4例患者,均为男性,年龄26~63岁,2例为下颌骨鳞状细胞癌侵犯下唇,1例为下唇动静脉畸形栓塞术后,1例为下唇鳞状细胞癌。4例患者均顺利完成下唇的修复重建,移植皮瓣面积18 cm×7 cm~26 cm×8 cm,两端携带(5~8)cm×1 cm的阔筋膜,皮瓣均全部存活。术后随访时间6~80个月,患者下唇外形良好,张口度2~3横指,闭口时能完全密封,饮水达到基本不漏水。结论携血管化阔筋膜的股前外侧皮瓣可对下唇大型复杂缺损进行外形修复及动力性重建,能达到较好的临床效果。     

Reconstruction of Achilles tendon using vascularised fascia lata with free lateral thigh flap

A case of Achilles tendon reconstruction using free vascularised fascia lata joined to a lateral thigh flap is reported. This is a simple one-stage reconstruction and a sufficiently strong tendon can be obtained.     

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects including the Achilles tendon with free neurovascular tensor fascia lata flap and fascia lata. Case report

The combined loss of the Achilles tendon and the overlying soft tissue in the young ambulant patient with expectations of a normal life is a challenge. These patients need not only skin coverage but also dynamic, functioning repair. Two cases of major defects after tumour resection are presented. In each case the tendon was reconstructed using the remaining gastrocnemius aponeurosis reinforced with fascia lata. This was covered by a free tensor fascia lata (TFL) flap. In one of the cases the flap was transferred as a neurovascular free flap.     

吻合血管的阔筋膜瓣加游离皮片移植修复手部软组织缺损

目的总结吻合血管的阔筋膜瓣加游离皮片移植修复手部软组织缺损的临床应用效果。方法1998年5月～2005年2月修复18例手部软组织缺损,行一期中厚网状游离植皮,供区直接缝合,阔筋膜瓣的血管蒂与受区的血管行端端吻合。结果术后1例因静脉危象失败,2例发生远端尖部小片植皮坏死,经换药后逐渐愈合。15例患者术后顺利成活,术后获1～6年(平均3．5年)随访,供区愈合良好,受区质地及厚薄均较好,手部功能恢复满意。结论阔筋膜瓣以旋股外侧动脉降支为血供,血运丰富、血管解剖恒定、血管蒂长及切取容易,其质地及厚薄均适宜修复手部软组织缺损。     

Quadriceps tendon reconstruction using a fascia lata included in a reverse‐flow anterolateral thigh flap

Quadriceps tendon re‐rupture after surgical repair is an overall estimated 2% complication. We report a case of reconstruction in a large tendon and soft tissue defect using a reverse‐flow anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap including fascia lata in a 75‐year‐old man presented with septic necrosis of a reconstructed quadriceps tendon. A reverse‐flow ALT flap was transferred to the knee defect; the fascia lata was sutured to the residual tendon. Post‐operative flap congestion and infection were successfully treated with debridement and conservative treatment. One year after surgery, the patient was able to fully and actively extend the knee, with an acceptable aesthetic appearance. The reverse‐flow anterolateral thigh flap including fascia lata may be a good option for coverage of soft‐tissue defects around the knee and contemporary quadriceps tendon reconstruction, particularly in case of septic tendon necrosis, where the use of non‐vascularised tissues is contraindicated.     

One-stage reconstruction of large scalp defects: anterolateral thigh flap

Seven patients with large scalp and calvarial defects underwent reconstruction with free tissue transfer. Patients fell into two groups according to etiology: tumoral (five) or traumatic (two). A single type of free flap was used in each patient, i.e., the anterolateral thigh flap. Duraplasties with the flaps' vascularized fasciae were performed in two patients with minor calvarial defects, and nonvascularized fasciae were used in another two, with a cranioplasty using methylmethacrylate. One postoperative death and one venous congestion necessitating exploration were observed. The explored anastomosis revealed occlusion of the venous anastomosis; drainage with a venous graft into the neck veins was performed. Minor tissue loss with secondary healing was observed in the flap. Extensive scalp defects often necessitate challenging reconstructive procedures. Single-stage reconstruction with good qualified tissue is possible with a free tissue transfer. The anterolateral thigh flap provides a large amount of tissue with decreased donor-site morbidity and good cosmetic results.     

同种异体肌腱联合股前外侧皮瓣一期修复手背软组织缺损

目的 评价同种异体肌腱加皮瓣对手背复合软组织缺损一期修复重建的临床疗效. 方法 2006年7月至2011年7月,对15例手背复合软组织缺损患者一期采用股前外侧皮瓣联合同种异体肌腱行手背伸肌腱修复和创面覆盖,皮瓣大小9 cm×5 cm ～ 14 cm×11 cm,每例修复手背肌腱缺损2～4条,术后2周皮瓣成活后利用被动伸指支具进行早期康复训练. 结果 15例皮瓣均成活,12例患者术后获得随访12 ～ 24个月,平均16个月.2例患者因肌腱粘连术后6个月行肌腱松解,其余10例患者手指屈伸良好.随访结束时,患手腕关节主动屈40°～ 70°,伸25°～50°,掌指关节60°～85°、指间关节80°～90°活动范围,总体优良率达92％. 结论 一期同种异体肌腱联合皮瓣修复手背皮肤及伸指肌腱缺损的方法安全可靠,疗效肯定.同期异体肌腱重建不仅可以避免自体肌腱移植引起的新创伤,而且可以确保及时的手指康复训练,避免了延期手术所致的伸指功能丢失.     

Reconstruction of combined defects of the Achilles tendon and the overlying soft tissue with a fascia lata graft and a free fasciocutaneous lateral arm flap

A new approach to reconstruction of the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue is presented. A fascia lata graft is used to reconstruct the tendon and is enwrapped by the fascia that is included in a fasciocutaneous lateral arm flap. Five patients were treated with this technique; three of them after surgical Achilles tendon repair, rerupture, and consecutive infection, one after a full-thickness burn with loss of the tendon and one with a history of ochronosis and necrosis of the whole tendon and overlying soft tissue. There were no anastomotic complications and all flaps healed primarily. Functional evaluation with the Cybex II dynamometer was done at least 49 months after reconstruction. A good functional and cosmetic result was obtained in all patients and donor site morbidity was acceptable. These results are well within the results of other surgical treatment options reported in the literature.     

Soft-tissue reconstruction using a free anterolateral thigh flap: experience with 28 patients

The authors present their experience using the free anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap for head and neck and extremity reconstruction. From January 2000 through March 2002, 28 free anterolateral thigh flaps were transferred to reconstruct various soft-tissue defects. All patients were operated by two teams. All flaps were elevated based on one perforator only. The sizes of the flaps ranged from 9 x 11 to 20 x 26 cm. The success rate was 96.5% (27 of 28), with one partial failure. The cutaneous perforators were always found. Septocutaneous perforators were found in 3 of 28 patients (10.7%). Musculocutaneous perforators (89.3%) were found in the remaining patients, and the number of perforators ranged from two to five (average, three perforators). In 4 patients, flaps were used for sensate reconstruction. The authors used the anterolateral thigh flap as a thin flap in 10 patients. Mean follow-up was 13.5 months (range, 2-25 months). Soft-tissue reconstruction with the free anterolateral thigh flap in various regions of the body provides an excellent functional and cosmetic result with minimal donor site morbidity. The anterolateral thigh flap has many advantages over other conventional free flaps and it seems to be an ideal choice for the reconstruction of soft-tissue defects.     

Single stage functional reconstruction of both peroneal tendons and overlying skin with an anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized fascia lata: A case report

Reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects in the distal lower leg remains challenging, since anatomical constraints limit the local options available in this area. In this report, we present a case of single stage functional reconstruction of both peroneal tendons and overlying skin with an anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized fascia lata. A 55‐year‐old patient underwent wide excision of a synovial sarcoma in the distal lower leg, which resulted in a complex defect including the peroneus longus and brevis tendons (10 cm), and the overlying skin (14 × 8 cm). Functional reconstruction was achieved in a single stage with a composite anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata of similar dimensions to those of the defect. The fascia lata component of the flap was longitudinally split in two segments. Each of them was rolled up, and that way, two separate vascularized neotendons were created. The neotendons bridged the gap of peroneal tendons, whereas the skin paddle of the flap provided stable soft tissue coverage to the reconstructed tendons. Flap pedicle was anastomosed to the anterior tibial vessels. Early and late postoperative periods were uneventful. Follow up at 1 year postoperatively showed excellent neotendon incorporation, as well as a very good functional and aesthetic outcome. The use of the method described may be a useful alternative in single stage functional reconstruction of composite defects comprising two or even more tendons and the overlying skin.     

Reconstruction of the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue using antero-lateral thigh free flap.

Reconstruction of combined loss of the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue was performed using an antero-lateral thigh free flap in three patients. The cutaneous portion is used to cover the open wound, and a piece of fascia lata is utilised to replace the missing segment of the Achilles tendon. The skin defect ranged from 5 x 2.5 to 7 x 5 cm, and the tendon loss measured from 3.5 to 5.5 cm in length. All of the patients showed satisfactory functional results with a follow-up period from 3 to 9 months. The advantages of the procedure are that: it is a single-staged operation; it promotes rapid healing of the tendo Achilles since the tendon substitute is well vascularised; it is adaptable to a wide range of defect sizes and shapes; it can be performed in the supine position without the need for postural change; and it can restore good contour and causes minimal morbidity at the donor site.     

带阔筋膜游离股前外侧皮瓣修复糖尿病足溃疡伴骨外露北大核心CSCD

目的探讨带阔筋膜游离股前外侧皮瓣(anterolateral thigh flap,ALTF)修复糖尿病足溃疡(diabetic foot ulcers,DFUs)伴骨外露的疗效。方法2019年1月—2021年1月,收治20例DFUs伴骨外露患者。男17例,女3例;年龄48~76岁,中位年龄57.5岁。糖尿病足Wagner分级3级10例,4级10例。足部溃疡形成时间1~14个月,中位时间3个月。CT血管造影检查示患者均存在双下肢动脉粥样硬化表现;其中6例严重狭窄或闭塞,行经皮血管腔内成形术。入院后一期彻底清创联合封闭式负压引流处理,清创后创面范围为7 cm×6 cm~27 cm×10 cm;二期采用带阔筋膜游离ALTF修复创面及部分缺损肌腱,皮瓣切取范围为8 cm×5 cm~28 cm×11 cm。供区创面直接缝合。记录皮瓣成活情况、创面愈合时间以及并发症发生情况。术后2周及6个月使用激光散斑血流成像系统检测皮瓣及其周围皮肤血流灌注情况。术后6个月以美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)评分评价足部功能。结果术后6例出现皮瓣下积液,对症处理后愈合。最终14例皮瓣完全成活;3例皮瓣边缘部分坏死,经换药后愈合;3例皮瓣出现静脉危象,探查后1例皮瓣完全坏死,另2例皮瓣部分成活,经清创换药后植皮修复。皮瓣成活率95.0%,保肢率100%。皮瓣移植术后创面愈合时间14~30 d,平均19.1 d。2例患者愈合后1个月内再发皮瓣外周皮肤溃疡,经换药后愈合。供区切口18例Ⅰ期愈合;2例局部皮肤坏死,经清创缝合后愈合。患者均获随访,随访时间6~30个月,中位时间11个月。皮瓣质地、外观及弹性良好。患者均能独自行走,无行走时疼痛。术后6个月13例门诊随访患者AOFAS评分为(75.9±11.9)分,与术前(44.7±18.4)分比较差异有统计学意义(t=-7.025,P=0.000);患者皮瓣外周正常皮肤血流灌注值由术后2周(38.1±7.8)PU升高至(42.7±10.3)PU,差异有统计学意义(t=-4.680,P=0.001)。结论带阔筋膜ALTF血供丰富、成活率高,可用于修复DFUs伴骨外露创面。皮瓣愈合后可促进患足血运重建,降低溃疡复发风险,避免截肢。     

One-stage reconstruction of both the biceps brachii and triceps brachii tendons using a free anterolateral thigh flap with a fascial flap

An avulsed elbow with severe degloving and crush injury was reconstructed in a 66-year-old man. The biceps brachii was completely transected, and the triceps brachii tendon was partly transected. In addition, the skin around the elbow had become totally necrotic. Four weeks after the injury, a free anterolateral thigh flap with a fascial flap was transplanted to reconstruct both the biceps brachii and triceps brachii tendons simultaneously. Six months after the initial injury, the range of elbow motion had recovered to almost the same level as that before injury.