Selective fascicular coaptation of free functioning gracilis transfer for restoration of independent thumb and finger flexion following Volkmann ischemic contracture

Children are prone to developing moderate to severe Volkmann ischemic contracture following a supracondylar fracture of the humerus or its treatment. Given the variable extent of forearm muscle damage, tendon transfers and tenodeses are often unavailable. To address these contractures, intensive hand therapy and a free functioning muscle transfer are required. Despite functional improvement following free muscle transplantation, reconstructed patients with severe Volkmann ischemic contracture tend to have persistent difficulty with fine motor activities owing to the losses of intrinsic muscle function and independence of thumb and finger flexion. The authors demonstrate how selective coaptation of separate fascicular territories of the gracilis nerve branches to the branches of the anterior interosseous nerve that innervate flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus may be performed to establish a degree of independent thumb and finger flexion with a single free gracilis transfer. This technical refinement as well as its long-term outcomes in a series of three patients is presented.     

Nerve transfer to the triceps after brachial plexus injury: report of four cases

These case reports review the clinical outcomes of 4 patients who underwent nerve transfer to a triceps motor branch of the radial nerve. Mean follow-up was 26 ± 15 months. Two patients had a transfer using an ulnar nerve fascicle to the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, yielding a motor recovery of grade M5 elbow extension strength in one case and M4+ in the other. In 1 patient, a thoracodorsal nerve branch was used as the donor; this patient recovered M4 strength. One patient had a transfer using a radial nerve fascicle to the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle and recovered M5 strength. These outcomes indicate that expendable fascicles of the ulnar, thoracodorsal, and radial nerves are viable donors in the surgical reconstruction of elbow extension.     

中重度前臂缺血性肌肉挛缩晚期功能重建的手术治疗

目的 探讨中、重度前臂缺血性肌肉挛缩晚期功能重建的手术方法及疗效。方法 对42例中、重度前臂缺血性肌肉挛缩的晚期患者，进行旋前畸形矫正和旋后对掌功能重建手术。其中6例行指浅、深屈肌腱交叉延长术，17例行肌腱转位术＋骨间膜、旋前方肌松解术，19例行肌腱转位术＋骨间膜、旋前方肌松解术＋腕屈肌旋后功能重建术。结果 术后42例患者均获得6～34个月的随访。旋后功能恢复：优9例，良18例，可12例，差3例，优良率为64．3％。手功能恢复：优11例，良15例，可14例，差2例，优良率为61．9％。结论 对中、重度晚期缺血性肌肉挛缩的患者，应针对其不同的挛缩程度采用不同的手术方法进行治疗。     

Functional reconstruction of ischemic contracture in the lower limb

Objective: To discuss the method of functional reconstruction of ischemic contracture in the lower limb and propose a classification protocol for ischemic contracture in the lower limb based on its severity and prognosis.Methods: Atotal of 42 patients with ischemic contracture in the lower limb were included in this study. According to different types of disturbance and degrees of severity,surgical reconstructions consisting of nerve decompression,tendon lengthening or transfer, intrinsic foot muscle release and sural-tibial nerve anastomosis were performed in every patient.Results: Postoperatively, all patients were able to walk on flat ground. Drop foot was corrected in 10 patients,and 5 patients still felt some difficulty during stair activity.Split Achilles tendon transfer to flexor hallucis longus tendon was performed in 12 patients, and their walking stability was improved. Seven patients accepted ipsilateral suraltibial nerve anastomosis, and sensitivity recovery reached to S2 in 2 patients and S3 in 5 patients.Conclusions: Ischemic contracture in the lower limb is a devastating complication after lower limb trauma. The prevention of contracture is much more important than the treatment of an established contracture. Split Achilles tendon transfer to flexor hallucis longus tendon and sural-tibial nerve anastomosis, which was initially implemented by us, could improve the functional recovery of ischemic contracture in lower limbs, and thus provides a new alternative for functional reconstruction of ischemic contracture in the lower limb.     

背阔肌功能恢复后再移位重建屈肘屈指功能

[目的]探讨利用经神经移位修复胸背神经而恢复的背阔肌作为动力肌再移位重建屈肘、屈指功能的疗效。[方法]2000年3月~2003年6月,共有全臂丛根性撕脱伤患者经多组神经移位术后屈肘功能无恢复而背阔肌恢复良好者5例,屈指功能无恢复,背阔肌功能良好者3例,均采用恢复的背阔肌再移位重建屈肘、屈指功能。[结果]术后随访1 a~3 a 6个月,移位背阔肌皮瓣全部成活,肘关节活动度为伸肘10°~25,°屈肘100°以上,肌力达Ⅲ~Ⅳ级。手指可抓握,各指屈距掌纹2 cm左右,肌力达Ⅲ级。[结论]利用经神经移位恢复的背阔肌作为动力肌再移位重建屈肘、屈指功能疗效可靠,因此在治疗全臂丛根性撕脱伤患者时应常规修复胸背神经以恢复背阔肌功能。     

Technical considerations in two-stage functioning free muscle transplantation reconstruction of both flexor and extensor functions of the forearm

We report on two patients with severe injuries of the forearm who were reconstructed using functioning free muscle transplantation (FFMT) for individual replacement of flexor and extensor function. In both cases a two-stage procedure was performed: The extensor reconstruction preceded the flexor reconstruction by 4–6 months. The extensor digitorum communis and flexor digitorum profundus were successfully reconstructed in both cases using bilateral gracilis FFMT. In one case the flexor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis lon-gus were also reconstructed using the adductor longus in addition to the gracilis. Clinical follow-up was a minimum of 2 years. Both patients achieved wrist control, excellent finger flexion, and metacarpophalangeal joint extension. One patient also had good interphalangeal finger extension, but the other developed a persistent claw deformity due to the lack of recovery of ulnar nerve function. Performing the extensor reconstruction prior to the flexor reconstruction theoretically allows a more rapid return of function and a shorter rehabilitation period than using the converse sequence. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Dorsal hand coverage with free serratus fascia flap

In reconstructing a defect on the dorsum of the hand, with the extensor tendons exposed or even missing, functional, as well as cosmetic, goals are of major importance. The authors present three cases of extensor tendon reconstruction, combined with soft-tissue reconstruction, with the free serratus fascia flap, the connective tissue over the serratus muscle, for dorsal hand coverage. The flap consists of thin and well-vascularized pliable tissue, with gliding properties excellent for covering exposed tendons. It is based on the branches of the thoracodorsal artery, which are raised in the flap, leaving the long thoracic nerve intact on the serratus muscle. Coverage of the flap with split-thickness skin graft is done immediately. The free serratus fascia flap is an ideal flap for dorsal hand coverage when the extensor tendons are exposed, especially because of low donor-site morbidity.     

前臂间隔区综合征与缺血性肌挛缩的手术治疗

总结１９８９年至１９９４年间收治的３８例前臂间隔区综合征及缺血性肌挛缩的治疗体会，从治疗观点将其分成３期：（１）减压期，即间隔区综合征期（４８小时内）；（２）缺血性肌挛缩期（４８小时至１年以内）；（３）功能重建期（１年以上）。本组１３例间隔区综合征，及时行切开减压后，无１例发生缺血性肌挛缩。而２５例在４８小时内未及时有效治疗者，均出现不同程度的缺血性肌挛缩，经神经肌肉松解后，功能部分或完全恢复。故     

分期手术治疗中晚期前臂缺血性肌挛缩

目的探讨应用分期手术治疗中、晚期前臂缺血性肌挛缩的疗效。方法对32例中、晚期前臂缺血性肌挛缩的患者,进行分期手术治疗。一期行血管、神经松解,前臂屈肌群起点滑移、肌腱延长或变性肌肉切除术。二期行伸肌腱转位或肌肉移植术(带蒂或游离)。三期行肌腱粘连松解或手内在肌功能重建术。结果32例分期手术患者,术后获得10～24个月的随访。手功能评定:优(S3M4)22例,良 (S3M3)6例,可(S2M2例,差(S1M0)2例,腕背伸>30°,握力达健手70％以上者22例;腕背伸20°,握力达健手55％以上者6例,优良率为87．5％。结论分期手术结合系统康复锻炼,是治疗中、晚期前臂缺血性肌挛缩的有效治疗方法。     

重度虎口挛缩的改良修复

目的探讨重度虎口挛缩行虎口开大皮瓣修复术同时拇对掌功能重建的治疗效果。方法12例病人分别用食指近节背侧皮瓣、鼻烟窝皮瓣、前臂骨间背侧动脉逆行岛状皮瓣修复虎口，同时用环指指屈浅肌腱、尺侧伸腕肌腱 拇短伸肌腱、尺侧伸腕肌腱 掌长肌腱，行拇对掌功能重建，术后配合训练。结果12例病人皮瓣全部成活，经6～15个月随访，拇指内收得到彻底或部分矫正，对掌和抓握力获得了很好的恢复。结论重度虎口挛缩在行虎口开大皮瓣修复同时一期拇对掌功能重建，术后功能恢复好，操作技术容易，值得推广。     

Delayed division of the thoracodorsal nerve: a useful adjunct in breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction utilizing the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with an underlying breast implant is a well-established technique. Postoperative shoulder limitation is usually limited if at all noticeable. The muscle itself may, however, remain active in the new anterior position. Many patients find the muscle twitches with extension of the humerus, despite the anterior translocation of the muscle. This leads to a disturbing contraction, superolaterally, of the entire reconstruction. In addition, the resting tone can lead to a sense of tightness, despite a lack of clinically obvious capsular contracture. Division of the thoracodorsal nerve during initial flap elevation can prevent this problem. When raising the routine flap however, the pedicle itself is often not visualized and there is anxiety related to dividing the nerve and accidentally injuring the vascular pedicle. In addition, many of the transferred muscles atrophy, thereby avoiding this potential problem. When the muscle remains active, delayed division of the thoracodorsal nerve via a 2.5-cm axillary incision will stop the active twitching, decrease the resting tone of the muscle, and in most patients offer significant relief from symptoms of tightness. During the past 2 1/2 years, 100 latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstructions in 80 patients were performed. Forty-one nerves in 28 patients have been divided, with successful denervation in 37 of the 41 reconstructions, for a success rate of 90%. Delayed division of the thoracodorsal nerve can offer relief to patients complaining of tightness and muscle activity post-latissimus flap breast reconstruction.     

Patient outcome following a thoracodorsal to musculocutaneous nerve transfer for reconstruction of elbow flexion.

This study reports patient outcome following a thoracodorsal to musculocutaneous nerve transfer. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of six patients who had undergone transfer of the thoracodorsal nerve to the musculocutaneous nerve for reconstruction of elbow flexion. The mean age was 47 years (standard deviation: 24 years; range: 17-72 years). The mean time from injury to surgery was 3 months (standard deviation: 2 months; range: 1-5 months). In all cases, the biceps muscle was successfully reinnervated; in one case the Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle grade was grade 5, in four cases it was grade 4, and in one case it was grade 2. No patients complained of functional weakness with shoulder adduction and/or internal rotation. In the majority of cases, transfer of the thoracodorsal nerve to the musculocutaneous nerve provides excellent recovery of elbow flexion.     

The extended latissimus dorsi muscle island flap for flexion or extension of the fingers

We describe the technique of transferring the latissmus dorsi muscle as an island flap for the restoration of digital flexion or extension in 28 patients. The latissmus dorsi muscle is raised down to the posterior iliac crest and prolonged with the gluteal superficial facia. We believe that this method is particularly suitable for extensive and prolonged paralysis of the lower elements of brachial plexus. It can be used also for severe Volkmann's contracture or the loss of flexor or extensor muscles of the fingers due to extensive debridement. The technique does not require microsurgery and there is no delay in reinnervation of the muscle.     

Clinical application of distal ulnar artery perforator flap in hand trauma

The clinical value of distal ulnar artery perforator flap in composite defects of the hand is demonstrated in a case series of nine patients with severe injuries of the hand. Soft tissue loss with a mean diameter of 3?×?4 cm on the dorsum of the hand, volar and dorsal side of the wrist and palm was reconstructed with this flap. The mean size of flaps was 5.2?×?5.2 cm. Tendon and nerve injuries, and metacarpal fractures accompanied the soft tissue loss in seven patients. Subsequent reconstructive procedures were; Hunter rod placement and tendon grafting in two patients, nerve grafting in one, primary extensor or flexor tendon repair in three, and metacarpal bone fixation in one patient. The mean follow-up period was 18 months. No complications related to the flap were observed. In this article, the advantage and disadvantages of distal ulnar artery perforator flap in hand and wrist reconstruction is discussed together with a review of literature.     

Factors affecting isokinetic muscle strength before and after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting muscle strength of ACL-deficient knees before and after ACL reconstruction. The study included 122 male patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction with a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. Preoperative loss and change in muscle strength in both extensor and flexor muscle groups after ACL reconstruction were calculated separately at 60 degrees/sec and 180 degrees/sec angular velocities. We evaluated the effect of surgical delay on the preoperative deficit and on its change after surgery. Muscle strength change after ACL reconstruction was also evaluated in relation to patient compliance to treatment. The longer the delay of ACL reconstruction the more the muscle strength deficit of flexor and extensor muscles increased. In the ACL deficient knees with high strength deficit, improvement in muscle strength was higher after ACL reconstruction for both muscle groups. When delay of ACL reconstruction was short and the patient was compliant to treatment, flexor muscle strength recovery was early. Shortening the delay to reconstruction had a positive influence on muscle strength after ACL reconstruction when preoperative muscle strength deficit was high.     

Functional rehabilitation of the upper extremity after compartment syndrome

In established compartment syndrome discrimination between the different forms of flexion contracture, i.e., manifest Volkmann's contracture and intrinsic contracture is necessary. A combination of both is also possible. Classification is essential for determination of whether reconstruction is indicated and what procedure should be selected. Shortening osteotomies of the ulna and radius are now of historical interest only, as is carpalectomy. Lengthening of the flexor tendons is indicated only in mild and localized limited contracture of only some of the long fingers, but there is a danger of possible further adhesions limiting the range of motion. Thus, cases of stage I and II according to Tsuge with persisting partial flexor motor function are treated mainly by muscle sliding operation (Scaglietti) combined with microsurgery for internal neurolysis of the median and ulnar nerves. The latter is anteriorly transposed. In cases of solitary intrinsic contracture we prefer the Littler release procedure. The most useful repair in advanced compartment syndrome, however, consists in free microsurgical tissue transfer. The non-contractile, degenerated scarred flexor muscle remnants are excised and substituted orthotopic by transfer of free, neurovascular muscle, with salvage of flexor motor function in the forearm.     

前臂间隔区综合征与缺血性肌孪缩的手术治疗

总结１９８９年至１９９４年间收治的３８例前臂间隔区综合征及缺血性肌孪缩的治疗体会。从治疗观点将其分成３期：（１）减压期，即间隔区综合征期（４８小时内）；（２）缺血性肌挛缩期（４８小时至１年以内）；（３）功能重建期（１年以上）。本组１３例间隔区综合征，及时行切开减压后，无１例发生缺血性肌孪缩。而２５例在４８小时内末及时有效治疗者，均出现不同程度的缺血性肌孪缩，经神经肌肉松解后，功能部分或完全恢复。故松解术越早越好。前臂缺血性肌挛缩治疗效果不佳者，主要是合并神经裂伤。     

Intraoperative hemodynamic evaluation of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap: a prospective study

The aim of this study was to assess intraoperatively the hemodynamic changes in the donor vessel of free latissimus dorsi (LD) flap before and after denervation and to analyze flow changes after flap transfer. Twenty-seven patients underwent LD muscle microvascular reconstruction for lower-limb soft tissue defects. Measurements of blood flow were performed intraoperatively by using a 2- to 5-mm probe ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter around the dissected vessels. Registrations were made in the thoracodorsal artery before and after harvesting the flap, after compressing and cutting the motor nerve, and after anastomosis. Mean blood flow of in situ harvested thoracodorsal artery as measured intraoperatively by transit-time flowmeter was (mean ± standard deviation) 16.6 ± 11 mL/min and was significantly increased after raising the flap to 24.0 ± 22 mL/min (p <0.05); it was 25.6 ± 23 mL/min after compressing the motor nerve and was significantly increased after cutting the motor nerve to 32.5 ± 26 mL/min (p <0.05). A significant increase of blood flow to 28.1 ± 19 mL/min was also detected in the thoracodorsal artery after flap transplantation with end-to-side anastomosis (p <0.05). Vascular resistance in the thoracodorsal artery significantly decreased after flap raising and anastomosis (from 7.5 ± 3.4 to 4.0 ± 1.9 and to 4.5 ± 2.4, respectively, p <0.05). LD flap harvesting increases blood flow and decreases resistance in the thoracodorsal artery, especially after denervation.     

Bilobed monobloc transfer including parascapular and neurovascular latissimus dorsi muscle flap for functional lower leg repair following muscle group resection for synovial sarcoma

Summary A 34-year-old female presented with a recurrent synovial sarcoma of the heel region. This necessitated ablative surgery of the soft tissues of the flexor side of the distal lower leg including tibial nerve, and posterior tibial artery down to the crural interosseous membrane. A fasciocutaneous parascapular flap, together with an ipsilateral latissimus dorsi muscle flap, was harvested with a common pedicle. The vessels of the monobloc transfer served as segmental interposition to restore the arterial continuity: proximally, the subscapular artery and distally, the thoracodorsal artery were used to bridge the tibial artery defect. To achieve achilles tendon motor function, the latissimus dorsi muscle flap was reinnervated from the tibial nerve stump. This procedure permitted the conservation of the lower leg, in spite of the extensive resection to obtain tumorfree margins in three dimensions and a simultaneous functional repair in one stage. Following this, combined oncological therapy could be rapidly instituted.     

Heterotopic free skeletal muscle autotransplantation with utilization of a long nerve graft and microsurgical techniques: a study in the primate.

In six monkeys the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle was transplanted to the dorsum of the forearm after removal of the extensor muscles to the fingers. Microsurgical techniques were used to anastomose the artery and vein of the transplant to vessels in the forearm, and a 12 cm sural nerve graft was used to connect the thoracodorsal nerve in the axilla with the nerve of the transplanted muscle. There was evidence of function in this nerve graft in five of the six animals. Recovery in the transplanted muscles was evaluated by comparisons of muscle weight, electrophysiological measurements of contraction, and histological examination.