Reconstructive surgery for foot and ankle defects in pediatric patients: Comparison between anterolateral thigh perforator flaps and deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps

BackgroundsDue to the delicate tissue, small blood vessels and incomplete development of interarticular ligaments, skin and soft-tissue defects of the foot and ankle in pediatric patients remain a challenge for orthopedic and plastic surgeons. Anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap are the most commonly used flaps for the repair of lower-extremity soft-tissue defects. The literature contains a shortage of evidence involving the differences between ALTP and DIEP flaps in the reconstruction of young patients with complex foot and ankle defects. This study was designed to determine which type of flap is better for foot and ankle repair in pediatric patients.MethodsFrom January 2004 to January 2018, 79 children younger than 14 years treated with DIEP flap (41 cases) or ALTP flap (38 cases) for composite defects of the feet and ankles were retrospectively investigated. The two groups were homogeneous in terms of age, the location of the defect, etiology, and flap area. Complications, scarring, cosmetic appearance, flap sensory recovery, and functional outcome were analyzed, and statistical analysis was performed.ResultsThe ALTP group had shorter operation time (155.0 ± 12.0 min vs 212.2 ± 23.9 min), flap harvested time (39.6 ± 5.1 min vs 57.2 ± 10.4 min), and operative blood loss (143.4 ± 23.7 ml vs 170.7 ± 44.7 ml) than the DIEP group (P < 0.05). In short-term follow-up, ALTP group showed a lower flap necrosis rate (5.3% vs 24.4%) and vascular insufficiency rate (2.6% vs 19.5%) than DIEP group (P < 0.05). In long-term follow-up, ALTP group showed a lower late complication rate and better cosmetic, functional, scar outcomes than DIEP group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe study showed that an ALTP flap may brings better results than a DIEP flap in terms of short- and long-term complications, scarring, and morpho-functional outcomes for pediatric patients undergoing reconstruction of foot and ankle defects.     

Tunneled modified lotus petal flap for surgical reconstruction of severe introital stenosis after radical vulvectomy

INTRODUCTIONWe presented the anatomical, functional and aesthetic results achieved with lotus petal flap in case of introital stenosis as a results of inadequate primary plastic reconstruction. We discussed the potential advantages of lotus petal flap compared to others vulvar reconstructive techniques.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe report a case of a 44-years old woman presenting a severe introital stenosis following radical surgery for vulvar cancer. She could not have a normal sexual activity life because the narrow scarred introitus resulting after primary closure of a large vulvar defect. The patient comes to our attention after three years from primary surgery. Once the scar was removed we performed a vulvoperineal reconstruction with bilateral tunneled lotus petal flaps.DISCUSSIONLotus petal flap is a safe, easy and quick technique, has a good functional and cosmetic results in this young woman, and represents an optimal alternative solution for plastic reconstruction in case of severe introital stenosis after primary closure of large vulvoperineal defect.CONCLUSIONTunneled lotus petal flaps represents a feasible, attractive and versatile surgical reconstructive technique that can be easily performed after surgical treatment of vulvoperineal neoplasms.     

Comparison of the outcomes of adipofascial and two–staged fasciocutaneous reverse sural flap in patients with lower leg trauma

BackgroundDistal one – third trauma of the lower limb is a complex condition to treat. The reverse sural flap is a time tested procedure for reconstruction of such defects especially in patients where free flaps are ruled out due to comorbidities. The purpose of this study is to compare the two modifications of the classical technique of reverse sural flap (adipofascial and fasciocutaneous) which is lacking in the literature.Material & methodsIn this study, the authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 67 patients with lower one-third leg defects reconstructed with either adipofascial reverse sural flap (Group A, n = 37) or two-staged fasciocutaneous reverse sural flap (Group B, n = 30) in a tertiary care hospital in North India between 2015 and 2019. An evaluation of the different flap characteristics of the two variants of the reverse sural flap was done and compared. Mean follow up period was 12 months.ResultsThe adipofascial group showed shorter operative time, was a single-stage and with better reach and aesthetic outcome. The complications did not differ except that for the adipofascial group was associated with unstable skin graft over the flap initially which did not require any treatment.DiscussionLower one-third defect of the lower limb has been a challenge for reconstructive surgeons all over the world. The goal of reconstruction is a functional lower limb. Although free tissue transfer is the preferred modality of treatment of such cases but it may not be possible in all cases due to various reasons. Reverse sural flap is a very lucrative local option for such reconstructions as it is easy to perform, reliable, low profile and bulk, require minimal facilities with less operative time. Adipofascial flaps represent an extremely useful modification of the reverse sural flap which is quick to perform with minimal donor site morbidity.ConclusionAdipofascial reverse sural artery flap is a good option for patients with lower limb trauma with the added advantage of being single-stage and with better donor site cosmesis as compared to the fasciocutaneous reverse sural artery flap.     

The usefulness of the bilobed flap for lateral cheek defects

The cheek and nose are common areas for skin cancers. There are multiple approaches to surgical excision and reconstruction, depending on the size of defect, tissue quality, adjacent cosmetic units and hairline. An effective solution to skin defects of the lateral cheek is the bilobed flap. This flap tends to be underused in the lateral cheek area because primary closure and skin grafts are perceived to be easier methods of reconstruction. However, the use of the bilobed flap for lateral cheek and other defect closures is encouraged. There are several basic principles that are key when performing this flap. These components of the procedure are highlighted.     

Intérêt du lambeau fasciocutané médial de la cuisse dans la gangrène de Fournier

IntroductionThe authors propose a focus on the management of perineoscrotal defects caused by Fournier's gangrene, and emphasize the importance of the medial thigh fasciocutaneous flap.Patients and methodsThis a retrospective study of 12 cases of Fournier's gangrene managed initially by intensivists and urologists then addressed to plastic surgeons for skin coverage. The latter was achieved through a medial thigh fasciocutaneous flap, unilateral in some cases, bilateral in others.ResultsAll patients were male, 63 years on average, and the defect was perineoscrotal, associated in three cases with penile skin defect. The medial thigh fasciocutaneous flap was bilateral in 8 cases. We deplore two cases of partial necrosis. Long-term cosmetic results were satisfactory.Conclusioncoverage of perineoscrotal defect in Fournier's gangrene was dominated for a long time by burying the testicles and skin grafting. Certainly these two techniques are simple, but they are not always achievable. Compared to other flaps, musculocutaneous in this case, the medial thigh fasciocutaneous flap remains simple, useful, and is associated with lower morbidity. It must occupy a prominent place in the cover of such defects, especially in the elderly, in whom the desire for procreation is no longer a priority.     

Reconstruction of chest wall chondrosarcoma with an anterolateral thigh free flap: An illustration of decision-making in chest wall reconstruction

INTRODUCTIONChondrosarcomas are the most common primary chest wall malignancy. The mainstay of treatment is radical resection, which often requires chest wall reconstruction. This presents numerous challenges and more extensive defects mandate the use of microvascular free flaps. Selecting the most appropriate flap is important to the outcome of the surgery.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 71-year-old male presented with a large chondrocarcoma of the chest wall. The planned resection excluded use of the ipsilateral and contralateral pectoralis major flap because of size and reach limitations. The latissimus dorsi flap was deemed inappropriate on logistical grounds as well as potential vascular compromise. The patient was too thin for reconstruction using an abdominal flap. Therefore, following radical tumour resection, the defect was reconstructed with a methyl methacrylate polypropylene mesh plate for chest wall stability and an anterolateral thigh free flap in a single-stage joint cardiothoracic and plastic surgical procedure. The flap was anastomosed to the contralateral internal mammary vessels as the ipsilateral mammary vessels had been resected.DISCUSSIONThe outcome was complete resection of the tumour, no significant impact on ventilation and acceptable cosmesis.CONCLUSIONThis case demonstrates the complex decision making process required in chest wall reconstruction and the versatility of the ALT free flap. The ALT free flap ensured adequate skin cover, subsequent bulk, provided an excellent operative position, produced little loss of donor site function, and provided an acceptable cosmetic result.     

Closure of a tracheocutaneous fistula by two hinged turnover skin flaps and a muscle flap: A case report

INTRODUCTIONTracheocutaneous fistula is a complication of tracheostomy. Tracheocutaneous fistulectomy followed by primary closure carries a high possibility of complications.PRESENTATION OF CASEAn 11-year-old boy underwent surgery to repair a tracheocutaneous fistula, using skin and muscle flaps. A vertical incision was made around the fistula and 3 skin flaps were prepared: 2 hinge flaps, and 1 to cover the skin defect (advanced flap). The 2 hinged turnover flaps were invaginated by multiple layered sutures, and a strap muscle flap was placed over the resulting tracheal closure. An advanced skin flap was used to cover the area of the previous defect. The patient was extubated immediately after surgery. He was discharged on the sixth postoperative day without tracheal leakage or subcutaneous emphysema. The patient is currently doing well, with no respiratory symptoms and no recurrence at the postoperative 5 months.DISCUSSIONOur technique is minimally invasive and has a low risk of lumen stenosis, other complications, or recurrence.CONCLUSIONThis technique demonstrates the multiple-layered closure of a tracheocutaneous fistula, using skin flaps and a muscle flap.     

面颈部旋转皮瓣在面颊部瘢痕治疗中的应用

目的：探讨面颊部瘢痕切除术后创面修复的较好方法。方法：应用面颈部旋转皮瓣对11例面颊部瘢痕切除术后创面进行修复。结果：11例瘢痕切除术后创面均得到修复，所修复创面的皮肤颜色和质地与周围皮肤一致，供皮瓣区术后瘢痕不明显。结论：该方法对于面颊部一定大小面积内的瘢痕切除后创面的修复是一种较好的方法。     

交腿比目鱼肌瓣带蒂移植修复对侧小腿软组织缺损

目的:报告比目鱼肌瓣带蒂移植修复对侧小腿软组织缺损临床应用结果。方法:自2008年1月至2013年1月,应用比目鱼肌瓣移植修复对侧小腿软组织缺损8例,男7例,女1例;年龄20～49岁,平均31.8岁。损伤至手术时间:2～8周,平均46 d.肌瓣表面行Ⅰ期中厚网状游离植皮,供区直接缝合。结果:8例肌瓣全部成活,其中1例,受区创缘去除引流条后每天从引流孔有少量渗出液流出,经2周换药处理自然愈合。8例患者均获随访,时间1.5～4年 (平均2.5年).胫腓骨骨折全部愈合,受区外形较好。下肢功能按LEM标准评定,优2例,良5例,尚可1例。结论:比目鱼肌瓣带蒂移植很适宜伤肢仅有1条主要血管伴有软组织缺损的修复,可以减轻对供区的损伤。     

游离骨间后动脉穿支皮瓣在手指缺损创面的临床使用

目的 ：探讨以游离骨间后动脉穿支皮瓣在手指缺损创面中的临床使用效果。方法 ：选取2021年5月至2022年11月收治的8例手指皮肤软组织缺损患者,男7例,女1例;年龄24～54岁;手指皮肤软组织缺损面积3.0 cm×1.5 cm～5.0 cm×3.0 cm。受伤至皮瓣修复手术时间3～83 h。所有患者采用游离骨间后动脉穿支皮瓣修复手指缺损创面,皮瓣切取面积3.5 cm×2.0 cm～5.2 cm×3.5 cm,皮瓣供区均直接缝合关闭。观察术后皮瓣成活,外观、质地及供区并发症,并采用Dargan功能标准评定手指功能评价临床疗效。结果：8例患者皮瓣均成活,随访时间3～12个月。皮瓣无明显臃肿、质地柔软,无明显色素沉着,供区仅留线性瘢痕,未见明显并发症。其中3例修复手指掌侧缺损创面的皮瓣感觉恢复良好,两点辨别觉5～9 mm。患指关节Dargan功能评价,优3例,良5例。结论：游离骨间后动脉穿支皮瓣修复手指缺损创面,皮瓣厚薄适中,手术切取方便,术后皮瓣外观及质地良好,供区创伤小,无明显并发症,临床疗效满意。     

The use of the platysma and the skin of the neck as a myocutaneous flap in reconstructing cheek defects. Technic and results apropos of 5 cases

Skin defects of the cheek are commonly the result of a radical surgical resection of extensive neoplasms of the parotid gland, the mandible or the skin, such as melanomas and squamous cell carcinomas. For the reconstruction of these defects, we have devised a myocutaneous flap which enables us to perform a radical neck dissection at the same operation. The transposed flap which involves the cervical skin, the platysma muscle and the superficial cervical fascia, has a wide pedicle on the lateral and dorsal side of the neck near the upper border of the Trapezius muscle. The border of the flap runs from the distal part of the defect and travels parallel and close to the midline of the neck down to the middle of the sternum. The border of the flap runs parallel and nearly 3-4 cm below the clavicle and as far as its acromial end. The advantages of this flap are: 1) better operative field for radical neck dissection; 2) good vascularization; 3) does not prolong the operative time; 4) does not need any "delay" procedure; 5) gives a good functional and cosmetic result, as it covers; the thickness of the cheek defect as well as protecting the neurovascular bundle of the neck.     

指背“双桥”皮瓣修复指腹侧皮肤缺损

目的 介绍一种指腹侧皮肤缺损的修复方法.方法 根据手指血管的解剖特点和肢体纵向双蒂皮瓣的原理,设计了指背双桥皮瓣修复指腹侧长条状皮肤缺损共5例6指.结果5例6指均获成功.随访4个月到1年,除2例指腹侧有轻度纵向瘢痕略感不适外,活动、感觉.外观均正常.结论 该皮瓣设计合理,只要适应症合适,注意手术要点,对于少见的指腹侧皮肤缺损,肌腱外露,手指血液循环保持良好者,是一个较好的修复方法.     

胸外侧筋膜皮瓣在修复乳房局部缺损中的应用

目的:探讨在利用胸外侧筋膜皮瓣修复乳房局部缺损的效果和意义。方法:对因保乳手术或乳房再造术后皮瓣坏死造成乳房局部缺损患者设计三角胸外侧筋膜皮瓣进行组织填充修复。结果:共完成8例,7例为保乳手术后即刻,1例为TRAM手术后局部皮瓣坏死。平均手术时间3h,平均出血量300ml。术后未发生皮瓣坏死等并发症。术后平均随访时间19.5月,均未出现复发,美容效果均为优良,患者对乳房外形的自我感觉均为满意。结论:利用胸外侧筋膜皮瓣修复乳房局部缺损,尤其是对于乳房较小患者,效果满意,简单易行。     

夹心法松解手部皮瓣移植后肌腱粘连

目的介绍一种手部皮瓣移植后Ⅱ期肌腱粘连松解的新术式。方法将手部移植皮瓣的皮下组织分割成两层,深层的筋膜瓣置于松解后的肌腱下方,重建肌腱的滑动床,表层的皮瓣去脂后覆盖于肌腱上方,术后辅以系统康复训练。临床共治疗18例34条肌腱。结果3例皮瓣术后有少许边缘坏死,其余皮瓣术后血供不受影响,术后随访3个月,松解肌腱的手指TAM值为(171±93)°,功能优良率732%,与术前TAM(125±78)°相比,差异有显著性(P<001)。结论夹心法松解肌腱粘连充分利用皮瓣携带皮下脂肪润滑的特性,为松解后的肌腱提供了良好的滑动环境,而且可以与皮瓣整形术同时进行,是手部皮瓣移植后Ⅱ期肌腱松解的良好方法。     

Non-microsurgical bipedicled reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap with preservation of medial and lateral sural cutaneous nerve: Current surgical management of skin defect after traumatic Achilles tendon rupture – A case report

IntroductionThe challenging issue that still remains for reverse sural flap is the withstand of the flap against time, the width of coverage area, and the donor site morbidity such as pain after the medial or lateral sural cutaneous nerve harvested.Presentation of caseA 55 years old male was suffered from traumatic Achilles tendon rupture for 3 months and was repaired with Krakow's technique in a medical center in Pemalang, Indonesia. After the surgery, the defect was revealed as another surgery was planned to cover the skin defect. The author had chosen the bipedicled reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap in regular basis which addressed the superiority and viability of the flap, thus the donor site morbidity was also concerned as the preservation of medial and lateral sural cutaneous nerve, which leading to good quality of life as the patient still could feel and sensate his medial and lateral leg.DiscussionThe bipedicled reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap was successfully covered the skin defect on post traumatic Achilles tendon reconstruction, with retained medial sural nerve on its place, and the remaining harvested skin area was leave opened without skin graft which healed spontaneously.ConclusionBipedicled reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap with retained medial sural nerve offer a good clinical outcome either the viability of the flap and the maintained sensation along the medial and lateral sural cutaneous nerve distribution.     

Subscapularis muscle flap for reconstruction of posterior chest wall skeletal defect

IntroductionChest wall skeletal defects are usually closed using muscle flaps or prosthetic materials. Postoperative prosthetic infections are critical complications and often require plastic surgery support. We report a new surgical technique, involving a subscapular muscle flap, for covering posterior chest wall defect.Presentation of caseA 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital. We performed a right upper lobectomy with posterior chest wall resection between the third and sixth ribs. The resulting chest wall defect was covered with a polytetrafluoroethylene mesh that became infected postoperatively. We removed the infected mesh and used the subscapularis muscle, the nearest muscle to the defect, to cover the chest wall defect. The scapular tip was lifted and the lower half of the muscle was dissected. The free end of the flap was sutured to the stumps of the anterior serratus and rhomboid major muscles. Computed tomography, 1 month later, revealed that the flap was engrafted to the chest wall.DiscussionNo previous study has reported the use of a subscapularis muscle flap for chest wall reconstruction. The lower third of the scapula was excised since blood supply to the scapula tip may be reduced after dissection of the subscapularis muscle, and to prevent the scapula tip from falling into the thoracic cavity.ConclusionThe use of a subscapularis muscle flap to repair chest wall defect is a simple and safe technique that can be conducted in the same surgical field as the initial reconstruction surgery and does not require plastic surgery support.     

Recycling a flap: Making a perforator flap from a previous gluteal fasciocutaneous flap

Abstract

We report a case of raising a previous gluteal fasciocutaneous flap again as a perforator-based flap to cover a recurrent defect. This case illustrates that conventional flap tissue with a preserved perforator can be recycled as a perforator flap, and that this method can be an efficient surgical option for recurrent defects.     

Role of Perforating Artery Pedicled Neurotrophic Flap in the Treatment of Compound Tissue Defect of Tibia Using the Ilizarov Technique

ObjectiveTo describe our experience with the combined use of pedicled neurotrophic flap and distraction osteogenesis in the management of complex lower extremity injuries with composite bone and soft tissue defects and assess the functional and cosmetic results of this method.MethodsA pedicled flap with a marked perforator artery was applied for soft tissue coverage after radical debridement and temporary external fixation. In the second stage, the Ilizarov external fixator was used in place of the temporary external fixator for reconstruction of the segmental bone defect by distraction osteogenesis. Twenty‐five patients (16 men and nine women; mean age, 39.2 years) were treated by using this combined technique between 2008 and 2016. All cases were graded initially as Gustilo–Anderson grade IIIB open fractures. The soft tissue defect after radical debridement ranged from 9 cm × 5 cm to 14 cm × 11 cm, and the average size of segmental defect was 5.2 (Range, 2.5–8.5) cm. Seventeen of these patients had a history of local infection. The bone structure and function were evaluated by two independent evaluators using Paley''s criteria.ResultsTwenty‐five patients were followed up for an average of 28.96 (Range, 15–48) months. The distally based sural neurovascular flap was applied in 13 patients, and the greater saphenous neurocutaneous perforator flap in 12 patients. The flap area ranged from 10 cm × 5 cm to 14 cm × 12 cm. Sufficient coverage of soft tissue defect was achieved in all cases. All flaps survived completely without complications. The bone defects were corrected by a mean lengthening of 6.94 (Range, 4.5–9.5) cm. The residual discrepancy was <1 cm in all cases, which was not clinically significant. The function was evaluated as excellent in 12 patients and good in 13 patients. Bone results were graded as excellent in 18 patients and good in seven patients. Complications during treatment included pain, pin tract infections, ankle midfoot joint stiffness, and docking site nonunion. No recurrence of infection was observed in infected patients. All cases achieved successful limb salvage and satisfactory function recovery without recurrence of infection.ConclusionsThe combined technique of a perforator artery pedicled neurotrophic flap and distraction osteogenesis is an effective alternative approach in the salvage treatment of massively traumatized and chronically infected lower extremities.     

扩张皮瓣延迟术在面颊部大面积瘢痕治疗中的应用

目的:探讨扩张皮瓣延迟术在面颊部大面积瘢痕治疗中的应用效果及其优越性。方法:17例面颊部大面积瘢痕患者,于同侧颈部、耳前、额部正常皮下置入一个或多个扩张器,容量8O～5OO ml。1～3个月皮瓣充分扩张后,对超长宽比例(≥3:1)或扭转角度过大的行延迟术。术后2～3周行扩张器取出、瘢痕切除、皮瓣转移。结果:17例扩张皮瓣术后未见动脉供血和静脉回流障碍,皮瓣全部成活,皮瓣色泽、质地较好,外形美观。结论:扩张皮瓣延迟术使皮瓣血管方向和管径发生改变,使皮瓣更安全转移,不易发生血运障碍,在面颊部大面积瘢痕治疗中取得良好效果。     

胫前动脉逆行皮瓣重建足部供区

目的 (足母)趾移植、足背皮瓣、第二足趾移植和趾关节移植等进行手再造后,应用同侧小腿胫前逆行皮瓣进行一期足部供区重建.方法 总结33例临床病例,详细介绍病例选择、皮瓣设计和手术方法.结果 临床应用33例,全部从同一胫前血管系统获得两个串联皮瓣,其中一个游离皮瓣进行手重建,另一个逆行岛状瓣覆盖供区缺损.全部存活,足部供区一期愈合,外观良好,功能满意.结论 常规足部供区植皮时常发生伤口延迟愈合、疤痕增生和挛缩,影响供区美观和步态.应用同侧小腿胫前逆行皮瓣重建供区,可使供区获得一期愈合,有良好的外观和功能,降低了并发症发病率,使手术局限在一侧下肢完成.