Extended Inferior Turbinate Flap for Endoscopic Reconstruction of Skull Base Defects

Objective When the use of the nasoseptal flap for endoscopic skull base reconstruction has been precluded, the posterior pedicle inferior turbinate flap is a viable option for small midclival defects. Limitations of the inferior turbinate flap include its small surface area and limited arc of rotation. We describe a novel extended inferior turbinate flap that expands the reconstructive applications of this flap. Design Cadaveric anatomical study. Participants Cadaveric specimens. Main Outcome Measures Flap size, arc of rotation, and reconstructive applications were assessed. Results The average width of the flap was 5.46 ± 0.58 cm (7.32 ± 0.59 cm with septal mucosa). The average length of the flap was 5.01 ± 0.58 cm (5.28 ± 0.37 cm with septal mucosa). The average surface area of the flap was ∼ 27.26 ± 3.65 cm² (40.53 ± 6.45 cm² with septal mucosa). The extended inferior turbinate flap was sufficient to cover clival defects extending between the paraclival internal carotid arteries. The use of the flap in 22 cadavers and 5 clinical patients is described. Conclusion The extended inferior turbinate flap presents an additional option for reconstruction of skull base defects when the nasoseptal flap is unavailable.     

A method of obtaining radial skin flap on a vascular-neural pedicle from the forearm]

The authors examined 65 adult cadavers in which they studied vascularization of a radial skin flap of the forearm and conducted an anatomical experiment of its preparation. The vascularization boundaries were studied as well as the peculiarities of preparation of a radial skin flap of the forearm with a precise approach to a vascular-neural pedicle and maximal preservation of cutaneous branches arising from the radial artery.     

Evaluation of Role of Arterialization of Venous Flaps in Abdomen in Rats

Introduction  Reconstruction forms the primary tenet in plastic surgery. Venous flaps are a known option but the survival is limited. Arterialization of venous flap can enhance its survival. While various techniques of arterialization of venous flaps are described, there are very few studies comparing them. Material and methods  The current study was conducted among 34 rats weighing 160 to 200 grams. The rats were divided into four groups. Group I—islanded epigastric flap was raised with superficial caudal epigastric vessels as pedicle. Group II—arterialized flow through venous flap was raised with superficial caudal epigastric vein (SCEV) as afferent and lateral thoracic vein as drainage vein. Side-to-side anastomosis was done between femoral artery and vein, lateral to the origin of superficial caudal epigastric artery. Group III—after raising the flap, as in group II, femoral vein was ligated proximal to superficial caudal epigastric vessels. Group IV—an arterialized flow through venous flap was raised with superficial caudal epigastric vein as afferent and lateral thoracic vein as drainage vein. End-to-side anastomosis was done between femoral artery and superficial caudal epigastric vein. Animals that died before completion of the study were excluded. The color changes of flaps were noted. Flap survival was expressed as a percentage of the total flap surface area. The patency of anastomosis was seen on postoperative day 5. Results  There was no total flap failure. On statical analysis, the flap survival area on day 5 between Group I and Group IV was not significant ( p value 0.431). The survival area in Group I (78.85 ± 10.54%) was comparable to Group IV (65.71 ± 20.70%). Group II and III had poor results as compared with Group I. In four rats, thrombosis of arteriovenous anastomosis was noted with flap survival area of 30 to 33%. Conclusion  It was noted that epigastric venous flaps with end-to-side anastomosis between femoral artery and superficial caudal epigastric vein (group IV) have survival area comparable to islanded flaps.     

The 100 Most Impactful Papers in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery over the Last 25 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Orthopaedic Literature

Introduction  Despite growth in hand/upper extremity investigation, impactful studies have not been thoroughly identified. Previous studies have been limited in scope. This study sought to identify and characterize the most impactful orthopaedic papers in hand/upper extremity over the past 25 years. Materials and Methods  The top 1,000 hand/upper extremity orthopaedic studies published from 1992 to 2017 were identified with Web of Science. After screening for relevance in order of decreasing citation number, the top 100 articles were identified for bibliometric analysis. Results  The mean number of authors and citations were 4.51 (range, 1–21) and 169.4 (range, 105–863). Common study types included, case series ( n = 52), randomized controlled trial ( n = 17), and prospective cohort ( n = 16), which predominantly covered topics related to shoulder ( n = 34), wrist/forearm ( n = 21), and hand ( n = 17). Among wrist/forearm and hand studies, distal radius fractures ( n = 12) and nerve-related topics ( n = 10) were most frequently analyzed. Most studies were of level IV ( n = 51) and level II ( n = 16) evidence. Recent studies had greater impact (mean citations/year: 2011, 82.7/year vs. 1992, 16.1/year). Conclusion  Most of the 100 top orthopaedic articles in hand/upper extremity were of level IV or II evidence, retrospective, and nonrandomized. Despite an observed recent increase in level I studies, a lack of prospective, randomized trials is apparent.     

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Recurrent Pituitary Tumors: Technical Challenges to the Surgical Approach

Objective To review our experience in a series of patients who underwent revision endoscopic pituitary surgery. Methods Retrospective chart review. Results A total of 27 patients were included in the study. Of the 21 patients who required nasoseptal flap reconstruction, a left-sided nasoseptal flap was successfully used in 13 patients. Gross total or near-total resection of tumor was achieved in 74.1%. Cavernous sinus invasion and presentation with residual disease were identified as factors limiting extent of resection (p = 0.002 and 0.009, respectively). A statistically significant difference (p = 0.027) was noted between mean largest tumor dimension in patients with gross total resection and those with near-total or subtotal resection. Complications occurred in 22% and included postoperative temporary diabetes insipidus (n = 2), postoperative hypotension (n = 2), new anterior pituitary insufficiency (n = 1), and right-sided abducens palsy (n = 1). Conclusions Revision endoscopic pituitary surgery is advantageous but technically challenging. Cavernous sinus invasion and presentation with residual disease were significant factors limiting extent of resection. Suprasellar extension was not a factor limiting extent of resection and may prove to be an advantage over microscopic speculum-based approaches. Because of the right-sided scarring from prior surgery, a left-sided nasoseptal flap is reliable and advantageous.     

The Reverse-Flow Facial Artery Buccinator Flap for Skull Base Reconstruction: Key Anatomical and Technical Considerations

Objective To highlight key anatomical and technical considerations for facial artery identification, and harvest and transposition of the facial artery buccinator (FAB) flap to facilitate its future use in anterior skull base reconstruction. Only a few studies have evaluated the reverse-flow FAB flap for skull base defects. Design Eight FAB flaps were raised in four cadaveric heads and divided into thirds; the facial artery''s course at the superior and inferior borders of the flap was measured noting in which incisional third of the flap it laid. The flap''s reach to the anterior cranial fossa, sella turcica, clival recess, and contralateral cribriform plate were studied. A clinical case and operative video are also presented. Results The facial artery had a near vertical course and stayed with the middle (⅝) or posterior third (⅜) of the flap in the inferior and superior incisions. Seven of eight flaps covered the sellar/planar regions. Only four of eight flaps covered the contralateral cribriform region. Lastly, none reached the middle third of the clivus. Conclusions The FAB flap requires an understanding of the facial artery''s course, generally seen in the middle third of the flap, and is an appropriate alternative for sellar/planar and ipsilateral cribriform defects.     

Reconstruction of Lateral Skull Base Defects with Radial Forearm Free Flaps: The Double-Layer Technique

Introduction The radial forearm flap has fallen out of favor in lateral skull base reconstruction in recent literature. However, especially when used in a double layer, a radial forearm may be able to provide the thickness of a large flap while taking advantage of the pliability for which the flap is renowned. Objective To report the results of the double-layer technique of radial forearm free flap reconstruction of lateral temporal bone defects. Design A retrospective chart review. Setting A tertiary care institution. Participants All consecutive patients who underwent lateral temporal bone resections and were reconstructed with free flaps from 2006 to 2012. Major Outcome Measures Flap success rate, complications, and rate of revision surgery. Results A total of 17 patients were identified with free flap reconstruction of the lateral skull base. Seven received reconstruction with a double-layer radial forearm flap. Reconstruction-related complications in this group included one case of facial cellulitis. The flap success rate was 100%. These results were comparable with patients who had other flaps. Conclusions The radial forearm free flap may be an effective reconstruction option for lateral temporal bone defects especially when used in the double-layer technique.     

Vascular anatomy of the trochanteric region: a possible donor area for free perforator flaps

50 anatomical dissections on 30 fresh cadavers with blue dye coloration of the pedicle, angiography and vascular visualization by methyl methacrylate have been performed. The transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) was found to be the dominant vessel to the trochanteric area. The length of the pedicle was always more than 6 cm and the caliber more than 2 mm. The main branch of the pedicle reaches the fat tissue as a large perforator vessel after leaving minor branches to the tensor fascia lata muscle (TFL). We believe that it is possible to raise the fat tissue of the trochanteric area as a lateral circumflex femoral perforator flap (LCFP-flap). Received: 15 January 1997 / Accepted: 3 March 1997     

带旋股外侧动脉升支阔筋膜张肌髂骨瓣转位术的解剖及其应用

通过20例解剖标本旋股外侧动脉升支与阔筋膜张肌的血供解剖学观测,作者设计了带升支的阔筋膜张肌髂骨瓣、转位植骨修复股骨颈骨折和股骨头缺血性坏死的术式。自1987年以来,临床共施术9例,并经8个月～4年的临床随访,均获得满意效果。     

Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Lower Extremity Lymphedema: A Preliminary Report

Background  Posttraumatic lymphedema develops more frequently than expected and reports on its management are scarce in the literature. We aimed to report the clinical outcomes of a case series of posttraumatic lymphedema patients treated with different vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNTs). Patients and Methods  Five patients with secondary posttraumatic lower limb lymphedema treated with VLNT were included in this report. The groin-VLNT ( n  = 1), supraclavicular-VLNT ( n  = 2), and gastroepiploic-VLNT ( n  = 2) were implemented. The average flap area was 69.8 cm ² . Patients underwent postoperative complex decompressive therapy for an average of 10.0 months. Results  The average mean circumference reduction rate was 24.4% (range, 10.2–37.6%). Postsurgical reduction in the number of infection episodes per year was observed in all patients. The mean follow-up was 34.2 months. Conclusions  VLNT is a promising surgical treatment for posttraumatic lymphedema patients. In our report, VLNT has demonstrated to reduce the volume and number of infections per year in posttraumatic lymphedema.     

Fabricating Flaps in the Forearm Prior to Tracheal Reconstruction

Background  The process of reconstruction of tracheal defects is complex and still not optimum. Options range from using staged reconstructions, combining flaps with autologous or alloplastic implants, as well as use of tissue-engineered constructs combined with vascularized tissues which are lined with cell cultures. Staged reconstructions using prelaminated epithelium, and prefabricated flaps, help in reconstruction of this complex structure. Prefabricating the flap at a different site allows for integration of the tissues prior to its transfer. Method  This article reports two patients planned for tracheal reconstruction for the purpose of advanced papillary carcinoma of the thyroid invading the trachea. Staged reconstruction using a prefabricated radial artery forearm flap (RAFF) and split rib cartilage was performed. In the second patient, a young girl, a similar construct of the RAFF, prelaminated with buccal mucosa, was performed. However, in the latter case, an intraoperative decision by the head and neck team to limit excision of the trachea sparing the mucosa was taken; the reconstruct in the forearm was redundant and needed to be discarded, replacing the defect with a free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap. Result  At 3 years follow-up, both the patients are free of disease, with the construct serving its purpose in the older female.     

Anatomic study of distally based pedicle compound flaps with nutrient vessels of the cutaneous nerves and superficial veins of the forearm

The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomic basis for a distally based neurovenovascular pedicle compound flap, with nutrient vessels of the cutaneous nerves and superficial veins of the forearm. In this study, the origins, branches, and anastomoses of nutrient vessels of the cutaneous nerves and superficial veins of the forearm and their relationships with the blood supply of adjacent muscle, bone, and skin were assessed in 96 adult cadavers by perfusion of red gelatin into the superior limb arteries. The results showed that the nutrient vessels of cutaneous nerves and superficial veins of the forearm were found to have multiple origins, consisting of six longitudinal vascular plexuses and one transverse vascular plexus of the forearm, as follows: 1) the anterior-lateral vascular plexus from cutaneous branches of the radial artery; 2) the anterior-medialis vascular plexus from cutaneous branches of the ulnar artery; 3) the dorso-lateral vascular plexus from radial osteal and cutaneous branches; 4) the dorso-medialis vascular plexus from ulnar osteal and cutaneous branches; 5) the radial vascular plexus from osteal and cutaneous branches of the radial artery, cutaneous branches of the radial artery in the upper wrist, recurrent branches of the styloid process of the radius, and the radialis vascular plexus of cutaneous branches of the tabatière anatomique (anatomical snuffbox); and 6) the ulnar lateral vascular plexus from cutaneous branches of the ulnar artery in the upper wrist and osteal and cutaneous branches. The transverse vascular plexus is composed of dorsal branches of the ulnar and radial arteries. These perforating branches give fascial branches, cutaneous branches, periosteal branches, and nutrient vessels of cutaneous nerves and superficial veins. These results suggest that nutrient vessels of the cutaneous nerves and superficial veins of the forearm have the same origins as those of the nutrient vessels of adjacent muscles, bones, and skin of the forearm, which can be designated as five types of distally based pedicle flaps with nutrient vessels of cutaneous nerves and superficial veins of the forearm, whose rotation point is at the wrist joint. This flap can be applied to repair tissues of distal parts of the hand.     

岛状鼻侧软骨粘膜瓣的解剖学研究及临床应用

目的：研究进入鼻侧软骨区域的主要血管,为设计内眦血管蒂岛状鼻侧软骨粘膜瓣修复眼睑衬里和睑板缺损提供解剖学基础,并介绍其临床应用经历。方法：10具存放一年的成年尸体标本从颈总动脉灌注红色乳胶,在2具尸体标本的面静脉内注入蓝色乳胶溶液。在3．5倍的手术放大镜下进行解剖,显露鼻背和鼻周区的血管。结果：内眦动脉发出分支从鼻侧软骨的外上方开始斜向其内下方向走行进入鼻侧软骨的表面,并与鼻背动脉和鼻外侧动脉向鼻侧软骨表面发出的分支相互吻合。并且内眦静脉与其伴行。应用岛状鼻侧软骨粘膜瓣修复下睑缺损1例,效果满意。结论：以内眦血管为蒂的岛状鼻侧软骨粘膜瓣具有良好的血液供应,血管蒂长并且走行比较恒定,可转移到眶区修复部分眼睑衬里和睑板缺损。     

The free fascio-peritoneal flap: an anatomical study

The blood supply of the periumbilical posterior rectus fascia and peritoneum was studied in 60 hemiabdomens on 30 fresh human cadavers. An umbilical peritoneal vascular pedicle deriving from the deep inferior epigastric artery was present in 95% of the specimens with a mean length of 6.5 cm and 15 cm including the deep inferior epigastric artery pedicle. The mean pedicle diameter was 1.5 mm (artery) or 2 mm (veins). The surface of the free fascio-peritoneal flap measures on average 15×8 cm. This thin flap is a good alternative for fascial coverage of exposed tendons and intraoral reconstruction, and if necessary the rectus abdominis muscle and a skin paddle can be included as a composite flap.     

Pedicled Chimeric Perforator Flap Based on Inferior Gluteal Vessel Axis for the Reconstruction of Stage-Four Primary Ischial Pressure Sores—A New Design

Background  “Subfascial void reconstruction” in ischial pressure sores (IPSs) goes a long way in the amelioration of the common complications like persistent drainage, infection, wound dehiscence, and late recurrence. No locoregional flaps suffice this requirement. So we have designed a chimeric pedicled flap based on the inferior gluteal vessel axis (IGVA) perforators with two tissue components: (1) Pacman-style fasciocutaneous flap on a perforator and (2) gluteus maximus muscle (inferior portion) on another independent perforator. Aim and Methods  After confirming the feasibility of novel design of chimeric pedicled IGVA perforator flap with cadaver study, we embarked on the clinical study with this chimeric flap. In this prospective cohort study, the study and the control existed in the same patient so that the biological factors affecting the wound healing would be the same. Results  Twenty-one patients were included whose mean age was 39 years. Late recurrence occurred in one patient (4.8%) of chimeric flap while the control group (who had undergone conventional reconstruction) had recurrence in 11 patients (52.4%). On assessment with overall institutional score, grade A was observed in 18 patients of the chimeric IGVA flap group ( p < 0.045), and in only 3 patients of the control group. Conclusions  This anatomically construed flap, a new addendum in the armamentarium of reconstruction of IPSs, with its potential to congruently fill the ischiogluteal subfascial void may provide a lasting solution for preventing recurrences.     

旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣在口腔鳞癌术后修复重建中的解剖基础和临床应用

目的探讨应用旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣修复口腔鳞癌根治术后缺损的解剖基础及临床效果。方法在10具新鲜尸体上进行双侧旋髂浅动、静脉的解剖测量。选择2017年6月至2019年6月,湖南省肿瘤医院肿瘤整形外科收治的口腔鳞癌术后缺损患者,术前使用超声多普勒血流仪探查标记穿支位置,根据口腔内缺损组织的面积设计旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣,制备皮瓣并转移至口腔,显微镜下吻合动、静脉。术后随访6~30个月,观察皮瓣的存活情况及口腔功能的恢复情况。结果10具新鲜尸体完成双侧解剖,共获得20侧旋髂浅动、静脉的解剖数据。旋髂浅动脉直径为(1.94±0.30)mm,浅支直径为(0.94±0.25)mm,深支直径为(1.25±0.27)mm。至少有2条来自深支的肌皮穿支穿过缝匠肌[(2.15±0.37)条],肌皮穿支直径为(0.75±0.15)mm。旋髂浅静脉直径为(1.72±0.14)mm。浅支动脉蒂长度为(6.5±1.2)cm,深支动脉蒂长度为(8.5±1.9)cm,静脉蒂长度为(9.2±2.1)cm。共选择16例口腔鳞癌术后缺损患者,男14例,女2例,年龄31~70岁,平均48.8岁。切取旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣面积6 cm×4 cm~12 cm×6 cm,血管蒂动脉平均长度约6.8 cm,静脉平均长度约7.6 cm。1例术后出现皮瓣静脉危象,皮瓣坏死,其余患者皮瓣均存活良好。2例出现供区淋巴瘘,拔管延迟。16例术后随访6~30个月,1例9个月时出现颈部淋巴结转移,其余患者未发现复发或转移;供区未见并发症,患者对口腔功能恢复满意。结论旋髂浅动脉穿支皮瓣厚薄适中,质地柔软,血管蒂直径及长度恒定,血供稳定,供区瘢痕隐蔽,是修复口腔鳞癌根治性切除术后缺损的良好选择。     

骨间后血管及其返支为蒂串连皮瓣的临床应用

目的为手部皮肤软组织缺损探寻一种新的修复方法.方法在40侧人体上肢标本上,对骨间后血管及其返支的来源、走行、分支、分布及吻合情况进行解剖观察的基础上,设计以前臂骨间后血管及其返支为蒂的串连皮瓣.1998年8月～2000年7月间临床应用此皮瓣逆行移位修复手背远侧及手指背侧皮肤缺损17例.皮瓣范围最大15cm×10cm,最小7cm×5cm.结果术后随访3周～6个月,除1例皮瓣远端有2cm×3cm坏死外,其余皮瓣全部成活,外观及功能满意.结论此皮瓣不损伤肢体主要血管,血管蒂较长,皮瓣切取面积较宽,厚薄适中,可用于修复拇指、手背至手指近节背侧的皮肤软组织缺损.手术简便,效果良好.     

Applied anatomy of the fasciocutaneous branch of the third perforator artery of the deep femoral artery

A study of the anatomy of the fasciocutaneous branch of the third perforator artery of the deep femoral artery was performed to help the elaboration of a fasciocutaneous flap for the reconstruction of skin and subcutaneous and deep fascia of the knee and popliteal region.Forty thighs in 27 fresh cadavers were dissected. In all of the thighs, the third perforator artery was found to arise from the deep femoral artery and reach the posterior aspect of the thigh after perforating the adductor magnus muscle. At that point it was also found that the third perforator artery gives off a branch that emerges through the intermuscular septum between the vast lateral muscle and the long head of the biceps femoral muscle, then crosses the posterior cutaneous nerve and moves directly on to perforate the deep fascia and then to bifurcate into two other branches: one ascending and one descending.The cutaneous area of the flap of the thigh’s posterior region, nourished by the fasciocutaneous branch, was evaluated through the injection of dye. Dying of the upper medial, middle medial, lower medial and lower lateral areas of the flap was not successful in all of the dissected thighs. Nevertheless, the upper lateral and the middle lateral areas were dyed successfully in all 40 dissected thighs of the 27 cadavers.     

The Endoscopic Hemi-Transseptal Approach to the Sella Turcica: Operative Technique and Case-Control Study

Background The hemi-transeptal (Hemi-T) approach was developed to facilitate a binasal two-surgeon endoscopic approach for sellar tumors, with preservation of the nasoseptal flap and selective mobilization for reconstruction. Methods A retrospective case-control study was performed comparing the Hemi-T approach with previously used methods of sellar exposure and reconstruction. Outcome measures included operative time and postoperative nasal morbidity. Results A total of 23 patients underwent the Hemi-T approach versus 42 in whom traditional exposure was performed. Operative time was significantly shorter using the Hemi-T technique (152.6 ± 56.8 versus 205.2 ± 61.3 minutes; p = 0.001), as was the length of hospital stay (3.3 ± 1.9 versus 5.4 ± 3.6 days; p = 0.004). There was no difference in the rates of intraoperative or postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, cartilage necrosis, septal perforation, or mucosal adhesions. Conclusion The Hemi-T approach facilitates binasal two-surgeon access to the sella without compromise of the pedicle during the extended sphenoidotomies and tumor removal. Operative time and nasal morbidity is not increased, and iatrogenic injury to the nasal cavity is minimized when a flap is not required.     

The Haemodynamics of the Distal Arterial Y-shaped Autograft Bypass-flap in a Porcine Experimental Model

BackgroundThe haemodynamic effects of revascularisation with combined bypass and free-muscle flap remain controversial. In a porcine experimental model, we investigated the transplantation-induced changes in the haemodynamics of a Y-shaped combined arterial autograft bypass-muscle flap (AABF).MethodsAnatomy of AABF was identified in eight dissections in four porcine cadavers. In five animals, AABF served as a superficial femoral artery (SFA) defect replacement. Modelled, triggered pulsatile pressure (P) and flow (Q) waves delivered mean haemodynamics and PQ hysteresis loops before and after transplantation at days 0 and 10.ResultsAnatomically, AABF combined subscapular and circumflex-scapular arteries, and thoracodorsal artery as latissimus dorsi flap pedicle. Surgical feasibility and AABF patency were confirmed in each case. At day 0, the proximal flow was increased in the grafted Y-shaped AABF, which also adopted the specific SFA pulsatile haemodynamics. Regulatory mechanisms of AABF vasomotricity were preserved and AABF-flow-dependence amplified the flow in the distal segment, which otherwise preserved its own flow dependence. At 10 days, the AABF flow was unchanged in the distal segment, and remained elevated in the proximal and pedicle segments.ConclusionsCombined AABF, as a single one-piece arterial autograft, was shown highly adaptive to the receiving arteries. The transplantation-induced changes in AABF pulsatile flow profile and vascular reactivity improve the overall graft flow, and strongly advocate for beneficial effects on the blood propelling capacity of the grafted circulation.