Supercharged reverse pedicle anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of a massive defect: A case report

Secondary reconstruction of lower extremity defects using local tissues is demanding and fraught with potential complications. Reconstructive efforts may be challenged by pre‐existing scarring, paucity of recipient vessels, and patient co‐morbidities limiting tolerance for prolonged and extensive surgery. We present a case of an 81‐year‐old male with a recurrent malignant melanoma invading the proximal and middle third of the tibia, who previously underwent reconstruction with the medial gastrocnemius muscle and a skin graft. After wide local re‐excision and tibia fixation, a 12 cm × 28 cm reverse anterolateral thigh flap was used for soft tissue coverage. Because of the relatively large size of the flap based upon retrograde flow, we elected to supercharge the flap to augment its blood supply. Supercharging of the flap pedicle was accomplished by anastamosing the lateral circumflex femoral vessels to the anterior tibial vessels. The donor site wasclosed primarily. The flap survived entirely and successfully endured subsequent radiation therapy. Supercharging enhances reliability of the reverse anterolateral thigh flap, and thus, permits harvest of large tissue bulk for coverage of up to proximal two‐thirds of the tibia.This is the first report describing successful supercharging of a large reverse anterolateral thigh flap which resulted in entire flap survival. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:397–400, 2010.     

Facial reconstruction using a combined flap of the subscapular axis simultaneously including separate medial and lateral scapular vascularized bone grafts

With the better understanding of the blood supply to the scapula, combined flaps of the lateral scapula along with the latissimus dorsi and/or serratus anterior are well known. The medial border of the scapula, in this respect, has been underused. The authors present a case report in which a conjoined combined free flap consisting of four free tissue transfers based on the subscapular axis was used in simultaneous reconstruction of a gunshot wound to the face. This included a medial scapular osteofasciocutaneous flap for the mandible, a lateral scapular osseous flap for the anterior maxilla, a serratus anterior muscle flap for the cheek, and a separate latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for the forehead. This flap was successful and provides another alternative to the resolution of complex problems needing multiple areas of both soft-tissue coverage and vascularized bone graft.     

Total parotidectomy defect reconstruction using the buried free flap

Objective

1) Present an alternative method of total parotidectomy with or without neck dissection defect reconstruction that results in improved cosmesis. 2) Describe applications of free tissue transfer in parotidectomy defect reconstruction.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Two tertiary-care medical centers.

Subjects and Methods

A two-institution retrospective review from 2002 to 2009 was conducted for buried free flaps utilized in reconstruction of defects from total parotidectomy with or without neck dissection. Patients with temporal bone or skin resections were excluded. Demographic information, tumor characteristics, surgical interventions, flap details, and adjunctive facial reconstructive techniques were recorded. Postoperative cosmetic results were evaluated by patient and physician satisfaction.

Results

Eighteen patients with a mean age of 57.4 years underwent flap reconstruction. Total parotidectomy was performed in all cases, 11 cases required facial nerve sacrifice, and 14 cases included neck dissection. The anterolateral thigh flap was the most often utilized free flap. Mean flap area was 65.5 cm². Adjunctive static facial reanimation was employed in eight patients. All flaps survived. Ten patients underwent adjuvant radiation. Free flap reconstruction resulted in cosmetic patient and surgeon satisfaction, despite adjuvant radiation therapy.

Conclusion

Free flap reconstruction of total parotidectomy (with or without neck dissection) defects is safe and effective. It does not preclude adjunctive facial reanimation and provides sufficient tissue bulk to match the contralateral facial contour despite radical resections and adjuvant radiation therapy in most cases.     

One-stage double free flap arteriovenous loop reconstruction of a massive abdominothoracic defect following necrotizing fasciitis: A case report

We report the case of a 67-year old male with necrotizing fasciitis after injection of the glenohumeral joint. After extensive debridement a massive defect from the left hip joint to the left upper arm, exposing ribs, scapula, axillary vessels and brachial plexus (45 × 40 cm) was present. Reconstruction was performed with a conjoined right myocutaneous tensor fasciae lata/vastus lateralis flap and a left myocutaneous vastus lateralis flap in combination with an arteriovenous loop originating from the axillary vessels using the greater saphenous vein. Revisional surgeries were necessary including ribs resection and flap re-advancements. Due to multiorganic failure invasive ventilation, renal replacement- and extensive transfusion therapy was required. After 241 days the patient was discharged for rehabilitation. At the 12 months follow-up wounds were sufficiently closed without the need for further intervention. This case illustrates that immediate diagnosis followed by an aggressive multidisciplinary treatment approach is crucial for the patient survival.     

应用上唇外侧组织瓣旋转修复下唇缺损

目的:探求上唇外侧组织瓣在修复较大面积下唇缺损中的作用。方法:根据患者下唇缺损情况,设计上唇外侧组织瓣,旋转后插入缺损组织,同时在缺损吻合处,将上层外侧旋转瓣内侧粘膜肌肉向外牵拉形成部分新的红唇,然后逐层相对缝合,修复缺损。结果:自2003年1月应用此方法修复患者6例,术后随访1～2年,唇部外形好,无流涎,无口闭合不全,效果满意。     

One-bone forearm reconstruction using vascularized fibular graft for massive forearm soft-tissue and bone defect: case report

The authors report a case of recurrent malignant fibrous histiocytoma with extensive bone- and soft-tissue involvement, successfully treated with one-bone forearm reconstruction using a vascularized fibular graft and multiple tendon transfer. Twenty-four months after surgery, elbow and hand functions were maintained, and the patient had no disturbance of hand function in daily activity, although rotation of the forearm was sacrificed. No local recurrence or metastasis was noted. The procedure is a useful reconstructive option for complex tissue defects following wide excision of sarcoma of the forearm.     

Anterolateral thigh flap for breast reconstruction: review of the literature and case reports

More women than ever before are undergoing mastectomies secondary to increased awareness and screening. This has also caused a corresponding increase in the number of breast reconstructions requested each year. The demand for improved results has fueled recent advances in new techniques. Aside from implant reconstruction, the methods now being employed are related to autogenous donations and reconstruction. Currently, the most commonly used techniques for autogenous breast reconstruction are the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) and TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flaps from the lower abdomen. The anterolateral thigh flap is a type of perforator flap usually described for use in head and neck reconstruction. The authors have discovered this flap's utility as an alternative in autogenous breast reconstruction when the abdomen is not available as a donor site. A review of the literature reveals a dearth of experience in using the anterolateral thigh flap for breast reconstruction. The article reviews the literature with regard to current uses of the anterolateral thigh flap, and then reports three case studies which highlight the thigh flap as an excellent alternative for breast reconstruction in selected patients.     

Free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap reconstruction of a massive lumbosacral defect using superior gluteal artery perforator vessels

Despite significant advances in reconstructive surgery, the repair of massive lumbosacral defects poses significant challenges. When the extent of soft tissue loss, tumor resection, and/or radiation therapy preclude the use of traditional local options, such as gluteal advancement flaps or pedicled thigh flaps, then distant flaps are required. We report a case of a 64-year-old male who presented with a large sacral Marjolin's ulcer secondary to recurrent pilonidal cysts and ulcerations. The patient underwent wide local composite resection, which resulted in a wound measuring 450 cm(2) with exposed rectum and sacrum. The massive defect was successfully covered with a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, providing a well-vascularized skin paddle and obviating the need for a latissimus flap with skin graft. The free-TRAM flap proved to be a very robust flap in this situation and would be one of our flaps of choice for similar defects.     

Atraumatic dislocation in mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty: two case reports

INTRODUCTION: Atraumatic dislocation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare condition. Severe complications after dislocation are lesion of the vascular-nerve bundle, compartment syndrome or amputation. The benefit of TKA with mobile-bearing are an improvement of the range of motion and better articulation. In comparison to fixed-bearing TKA there is the risk of dislocation or breakage of the polyethylene insert. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We present two cases with dislocation following TKA with mobile-bearing. In both cases preoperatively there was a significant weakening of the function of the quadriceps muscle. During revision of the TKA severe damage with multiple scratches of the polyethylene onlay could be detected. The damage of the PE onlay could especially be found at the tibial aspect. Follow-up showed an uneventful course after conversion to fixed-bearing polyethylen component. CONCLUSION: In cases of dislocation following TKA with mobile-bearing operative revision is recommended to exchange the damaged PE onlay and prevent increased wear. TKA with mobile-bearing should be reserved only for cases with a good quadriceps muscle function.     

Neurogenic arthropathy of the knee due to chronic alcoholism: two case reports

The authors report two cases of neurogenic arthropathy of the knee in patients affected by chronic alcoholism. The aim of the authors is to discuss the etiopathogenic theory (neurotraumatic or/and neurovascular) as well as the mechanism by which alcohol damages joints.     

Reconstruction of traumatic Stensen duct defect using a vein graft as a conduit: two case reports

Treatment of Stensen duct defect is still controversial. The authors describe the successful use of a retrograde vein graft as a conduit for traumatic segmental Stensen duct defect reconstruction. One patient sustained facial trauma with severe duct crushing and severance, the other had multiple cutting injuries with segmental duct defect. However, primary repair was impossible. A retrograde vein graft harvested from forearm for Stensen duct defect reconstruction was performed using microsurgical technique. A silicon stent was retained for 8 weeks. The sialographic examination showed good functional results without stricture postoperatively. This could be an option for treating such a complicated defect.     

Dorsal decubitus positioning: a novel method to harvest the latissimus dorsi flap for massive upper extremity defect reconstruction

The latissimus dorsi, whether taken as a muscle or with a skin paddle, is one of the most useful flaps in the reconstructive surgeon's arsenal. With its predictable type V vascular pedicle, this broad muscle can be elevated on its dominant thoracodorsal pedicle or used in a reverse manner on its secondary thoracic and lumbar perforators. Traditionally harvested in a lateral decubitus position, over the last 10 years we have chosen to elevate this muscle in a dorsal decubitus position, enabling 2 surgical teams to operate simultaneously. With only one cushion placed along the vertebral column between the scapulas, each element of the subscapular system, including scapular bone, can be used to reconstruct complex upper limb defects. A vertical incision in front of the anterior axillary line is performed to identify the anterior border of the muscle, followed by a dissection in the submuscular plane to reveal the thoracodorsal pedicle and its branches. When a more complex chimeric flap is required, scapular bone, serratus muscle, and scapular or parascapular fasciocutaneous flaps are all available. To achieve the longest length possible, the pedicle can be isolated from the axillary vessels. The most common complications are related to donor site, with seroma and delayed wound healing being the most prevalent. Complaints of shoulder pain and functional disability were rare and mostly encountered in the first 2 weeks postoperatively.     

The perforator pedicled propeller flap for distal tibial exposure: two case reports

Distal lower leg soft tissue defect is frequently a challenge to repair, particularly on the tibial crest. The coverage of this kind of lesion has some limitations because of regional minimal blood supply and paucity of local soft-tissue flaps. The perforator pedicled propeller (PPP) method tries to find a new place in lower leg reconstruction in bringing similar tissues at the recipient site and avoiding long and difficult free flap transfer or muscular sacrifice. The authors report on the use of PPP method for a tibial crest exposure after trauma and for a soft tissue defect with osteomyelitis on the tibial crest.     

Enchondroma: two case reports

Although bone tumors of any type are rare in the foot, if they do occur, enchondroma is among the most common. Asymptomatic enchondromas do not warrant treatment, but aggressive treatment is warranted when these tumors are painful. Pain occurs when there is a fracture, compression of soft tissues, or malignant conversion. Methods of treatment include excision, curettage and packing with bone chips, and subtotal or total resection and bone grafting. Two cases of painful enchondroma and how they were treated by different means is presented.     

Intrathyroid metastases from kidney cancers: two case reports

The thyroid metastasis are under estimated in clinical practice because they are in the vast majority of cases "silent". Over than 50% of clinically apparent metastatic lesions are due to kidney carcinomas. We report two cases of thyroid metastasis from clear-cell renal carcinoma occurred 3 years and 8 years after nephrectomies. The previous history of any type of carcinoma should suggest a possibility of metastasis for every thyroid nodules. Fine-needle aspiration cytology is recommended by some authors. Finally, clear-cell carcinoma metastases seem to have a propensity to occur in abnormal thyroid tissue and further study could be interesting.