Reconstruction of Nonhelical Auricular Defects with Local Flaps

BACKGROUND The integrity of each of the components of the auricle is important for its overall aesthetic appearance. Cartilage-exposing nonhelical defects that are too large to be closed primarily without distorting the auricle may be reconstructed with local flaps.
OBJECTIVE The objective was to present our experience with the reconstruction of nonhelical medium-sized defects using a variety of simple, one-stage local flaps.
PATIENTS AND METHODS Eighteen patients who underwent reconstruction of nonhelical auricular defects with local flaps at our center from 2003 to 2006. Defect size ranged from about 10 to 20 mm. Various methods were used for reconstruction as follows: conchal defect ( n =11)—pull-through postauricular flap or cutaneous rotation flap from the concha itself; triangular fossa defect ( n =3)—transposition-rotation flap from the concha or cutaneous periauricular pull-through flap via the root of the helix; antihelical defect ( n =2)— V-Y advancement flap from the skin of the antihelix; and tragus defect ( n =2)—periauricular cutaneous flap.
RESULTS All flaps survived. Transient congestion was noted in four patients. The aesthetic results were good, with no auricular deformation.
CONCLUSION It is important that reconstructive surgeons be familiar with a variety of basic flaps for reconstruction of nonhelical defects. An algorithm for nonhelical flap reconstruction is suggested.     

Extensive Periocular Defect Reconstruction with Local Flaps and Conchal Cartilage Graft

BACKGROUND: Advanced, histologically aggressive basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) of eyelids are difficult to eradicate. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of BCC of both eyelids and lateral canthus and the reconstruction procedures used. METHODS: A two-stage reconstruction procedure was used. First, only mobilization of the forniceal conjunctiva and the musculocutaneous flap technique were used. The because of shortage and insufficiency of the upper eyelid the flap/graft technique was performed. A conchal complex cartilage-perichondrial graft was selected. RESULTS: The described procedure resulted in a very good functional and aesthetic outcome.     

Lower-Extremity Local Flaps

Some soft-tissue defects of the lower extremities can be covered reliably with local flaps. Five such flaps--the tensor fascia lata, gastrocnemius, soleus, posterior tibial artery fasciocutaneous, and dorsalis pedis flaps--are described. If the indications for each flap are understood and the vascular pedicle is carefully preserved, these flaps can be used to provide relatively simple and reliable coverage of selected soft-tissue defects on the lower extremities. However, the indications must not be overextended in an attempt to avoid a free-tissue transfer. The gastrocnemius flap is most often used. It reliably covers common defects about the knee and the proximal tibia. A skin graft is required for the gastrocnemius flap, as well as the soleus flap, which covers the midportion of the tibia. The soleus requires deeper dissection of the calf for elevation. The tensor fascia lata flap and the more recently described posterior tibial artery fasciocutaneous flap are relatively easy to raise, but there are fewer orthopaedic indications for their use. The dorsalis pedis cutaneous flap is technically more demanding, but it can be used to cover difficult defects around the ankle.     

The Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Random Local Flaps at the Ankle Region

Local random flaps are seldom used for reconstruction of complex ankle wounds because of concern for flap failure attributable to vascular compromise and tissue edema. Negative pressure wound therapy has been shown to improve perfusion and limit tissue edema. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the utility of negative pressure wound therapy in improving outcomes for local flaps of the ankle. Ten consecutive patients presenting with complex ankle wounds and reconstructed using local flaps were treated with negative pressure wound therapy postoperatively. Type of flap, immediate and long-term outcomes, and complications were assessed. Seventeen local flaps were performed on 10 patients to reconstruct their ankle wounds. Mean follow up was 88 days. All flaps healed without tissue compromise or necrosis. Only one partial dehiscence and no infections were observed. This study demonstrates that negative pressure therapy may contribute to the viability of random local flaps by decreasing venous congestion. Our experience using negative pressure wound therapy on local flaps suggests that it may serve as a useful adjunct to ensure successful closure of high-risk wounds.     

Functional Evaluation After Reconstruction With Myocutaneous and Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Conservative Oncological Surgery of the Extremities

Background Limb-preservation surgery has evolved during the last two decades through application of pedicled and free flaps and has obtained oncological results similar to those with amputation for malignant neoplasms of the extremities. However, functional evaluation has not been performed comprehensively after these advanced reconstructive procedures. The aim of this study was to describe the oncological, surgical, and functional outcomes achieved in these patients. Methods Patients had malignant neoplasms of the extremities and/or shoulder and hip girdle, underwent resective surgery and reconstruction with limb-preservation purposes, and were treated from 1997 to 2002. Survival analysis was performed, and functional evaluation after resection was performed with the Enneking system 1 year after surgery. Results Thirty-two patients were included. The mean overall survival of the cohort was 5.6 years. Functional evaluation mean rating percentages for the upper and lower extremities were 86.5% and 75.2%. Functional outcomes were better for reconstruction with free flaps than with pedicled flaps in the lower extremities (rating percentages, 67% and 79.6%, respectively; P = .018). Conclusions Limb-preservation surgery is a safe treatment for malignant neoplasms. It can be performed with low morbidity and good oncological outcomes. Functional results in our series were good. Lower limb preservation has superior scores with free flap reconstructions because of their potential to cover extensive defects, and better results were obtained in walking, gait, and weight bearing.