Deep Soft Tissue Defects Research Articles

The free chimeric medial sural artery perforator flap for individualised and three-dimensional reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects in extremities.

Trauma or lesion resection often causes complex wounds with deep soft tissue defects in extremities. Simply covering with a skin flap will leave a deep dead space resulting in infection, non-healing wounds, and poor long-term outcomes. Thus, effectively reconstructing complex wounds with dead space leaves a clinical challenge. This manuscript presents our experience using chimeric medial sural artery perforator (cMSAP) flap, to reconstruct complex soft tissue defects of the extremities, thereby exploring broader analysis and indications for future reference. Between March 2016 and May 11, 2022, patients (8 males and 3 females) with a mean age of 41 years (range from 26 to 55 years) underwent reconstructive surgery with the cMSAP flap. The cMSAP flap consists of an MSAP skin paddle and a medial sural muscle paddle. The size of the MSAP skin paddle ranged between 9 × 5cm and 20 × 6cm, and the size of the medial sural muscle paddle ranged between 2 × 2cm and 14 × 4cm. Primary closure of the donor site was achieved in all cases. Of the 11 patients, the cMSAP flap survived in 10 cases. The vascular compromise occurred in one special case and was treated with surgical procedures. The mean follow-up duration was 16.5months (range of 5-25 months). Most patients present satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. The free cMSAP flap is a good option for reconstructing complex soft tissue defects with deep dead space in extremities. The skin flap can cover the skin defect, and the muscle flap can fill the dead space against infection. In addition, three types of cMSAP flaps can be used in a broader range of complex wounds. This procedure can achieve an individualised and three-dimensional reconstruction of the defects and minimise the donor site morbidities.

Application of Three Different Types of Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Flaps in Repairing Nearby Deep Soft Tissue Defects: Cosmetic Result and Shoulder Functionality Evaluation in One Center.

The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap has generally been considered a workhorse flap in clinics. However, the impairment of shoulder function and the dramatic appearance in the donor site are the major problems associated with traditional latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF). Here, we analyzed the reliability of three types of LD flaps in repairing deep soft tissue defects in the upper limbs, shoulder, back, and chest wall. From December 2016 to December 2020, 21 patients from our center underwent reconstruction of deep soft tissue defects using different types of LD flaps. The distribution of the thoracodorsal artery and the location of its branches were confirmed by imaging examination. Based on the defects, traditional LDMF, thoracodorsal artery perforator flap with capillary perforators (TAPcp), or low-skin-paddle pedicled LDMF was selected and specifically designed for each patient. The appearance satisfaction and shoulder functional of daily life recovery were evaluated. A total of 12 traditional LDMF, 4 TAPcp, and 5 low-skin-paddle pedicled LDMFs were used. All flaps survived well. The donor site was sutured directly with satisfactory appearance (n = 7) or repaired using skin grafts (n = 14). Compared to traditional LDMF, TAPcp and low-skin-paddle pedicled LDMF have faster shoulder function of daily life recovery. Based on the characteristics of defects, personalized design of different types of LD flaps is a reliable option to repair different defects.

Реконструкция дефектов покровных тканей методом транспозиции локо-регионарных перфорантных островковых лоскутов

Introduction Treatment of chronic non-healing wounds in the presence of deep post-traumatic soft tissue defects is a challenge for trauma reconstruction. The objective of the study was to improve healthcare quality for patients with chronic soft tissue defects of the limb. The goals included evaluation of the effectiveness of reconstruction of defects of the lower limb using local transposition perforant flaps, and rationale for a preferred choice for the keystone perforator flap. Material and methods The review included 48 patients with post-traumatic and osteomyelitic soft tissue defects of lower limbs. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Patients of the study group were treated with regional perforator fasciocutaneous flaps combined with osteonecrectomy that could be also performed later (n = 22). In the comparison group (n = 26), post-traumatic and osteomyelitic defects were treated with conventional methods of local wound treatment, staged osteonecrectomies followed by autodermoplasty. Results The use of the transposition loco-regional perforator flaps resulted in the incidence of secondary necrosis reduced by 33.7% and the two-fold reduction in the average number of staged operations. One-stage reconstruction was performed in 72.7 % patients of the study group. The length of inpatient treatment decreased by an average of 30 bed days. Discussion The reduced length of treatment in the study group could be caused by the absence or a significantly reduced stage of local wound treatment; there were fewer complications in the form of secondary necrosis of deep-lying tissues that would require additional treatment stages. Conclusions Reconstruction of osteomyelitic defects with the transposition of loco-regional perforant flaps allowed lower complication rate and improved functional outcomes for patients with posttraumatic and osteomyelitic defects of soft tissues of lower limbs.

Plastic surgery of extensive soft tissue defects of the lower leg in children with the use of a parotid flap after its prefabrication with tissue expanders (preliminary report)

Background. Extensive deep soft tissue defects in children are an indication for the microsurgical reconstruction using autotransplantation of a tissue complex. The use of a flap prefabrication before their microsurgical transplantation to various segments and areas is a promising approach in reconstructive surgery.
 Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibilities and immediate results of plastic surgery of extensive soft tissue defects of the lower leg with a tissue complex, after its prefabrication with a tissue expander, and the state of the donor area in different surgical treatment options.
 Materials and methods. Six patients aged 13 2.3 years were operated on for deep scar deformities of the lower leg and foot. For plastic surgery, a pericarpial flap was used. In two patients, the flap was prefabricated with tissue expanders at a volume of 720 ml. After filling the expander, the second stage of surgical treatment was performed. First, the expander was removed. Next, the flap on the artery surrounding the scapula was isolated. Last, it was transplanted into a soft tissue defect of the lower leg with the imposition of microvascular anastomoses. A layer-by-layer suture was applied to the donor wound. The Vancouver scale was used to assess the quality of the scar tissue in the donor area.
 Results. The removal of the tissue complex after the prefabrication with expanders made it possible to perform plastic surgery of extensive soft tissue defects of the lower leg in one stage of surgical treatment with the application of a cosmetic suture in the donor area. There were no complications in the postoperative period.
 At the examination after six months, patients who did not undergo flap prefabrication complained of cosmetic defects and discomfort when moving in the donor area.
 The evaluation of the quality of scar tissue by the Vancouver scale showed that the scars in patients after flap prefabrication were similar to optimal (total score in two patients is 2). In two patients without flap prefabrication, the total score was 7, and in two patients, it was 9, which indicated unsatisfactory cosmetic parameters of the postoperative scar.
 Conclusion. The prefabrication of a tissue complex using tissue expanders before microsurgical transplantation enables the collection of a large volume of tissue for plastic surgery of extensive defects. It also reduces the risk of trophic complications in the postoperative period and creates optimal conditions for closing the donor site.

Rescue of a Deep Burned Elbow Using a Radial Forearm Pedicled Flap, an Original Irrigation System and a Specific Immobilization

Abstract Deep soft tissue defects next to the joints can rapidly lead to irreversible damages and have to be covered urgently and effectively. In severely burned patients the usual approach is to use a flap even though it has its limitations in regards to the extent of the burn and the general condition of the patient. A 27-year-old male was admitted at the Burn Treatment Center for a thermic burn of 72% of his BSA. At first he has benefited from several skin grafts and later on a major open right elbow had to be treated urgently to rescue the joint. After the burn, a revascularization of the donor site was noticed, sufficient to use the radial forearm pedicled flap as a cover for the elbow. This case reports an innovative approach based on the use of an irrigation and drainage system placed underneath the flap. The elbow was rigidly immobilized with an external fixator in order to facilitate an optimal healing of the flap. In this case, the choice of this flap, combined with the irrigation and drainage system and the immobilization by external fixation, provided an original and efficient treatment. Postoperatively the healing of the flap and of the donor site was complete. The functional results exceeded the expectations with a complete recovery of the joint amplitude. Thus, in case of no other therapeutic options, it is probably possible to use a variety of flaps recently healed.

Cell Sheets of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Effectively Stimulate Healing of Deep Soft Tissue Defects.

We used rat model of splinted defect of the skin and soft tissues to compare the efficiency f mesenchymal stromal cells applied in sheets or in suspension for the treatment of these injuries. Transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells significantly accelerated wound healing in comparison with the control. In the group treated by application of mesenchymal stromal cell sheets, the defect was closed by day 28, in the group treated with cell suspension by day 35, and in the control group after 49 days. According to histological analysis of the tissue samples, the formation of the granulation tissue and fibrosis occurred earlier after application of mesenchymal stromal cells. Application of mesenchymal stromal cells in the form of cell sheets demonstrated high efficiency, which allowed us to consider this approach as a promising method of healing of skin and soft tissue injuries.

Paraumbilical Perforator Flap: A Good Choice for the Repair of the Deep Soft Tissue Defects in the Hand and Forearm

Objective: Severe trauma to the hand or forearm often results in the deep soft tissue defect with the exposure of tendon or bone, which needs to be repaired by skin flaps. In this study, we introduced the use of paraumbilical perforator flap in the repair of such defects, and discussed its advantages and disadvantages. Methods: From Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2016, 14 patients with deep soft tissue defects in the hand and forearm were admitted into our clinic. The defects were caused by hot-crush injury (n=2), electrical injury (n=4), severe burn (n=2), crush injury (n=3), and avulsion injury (n=3). After admission, the patients underwent the debridement, vacuum suction, and skin graft to repair partial wound. The deep defects with the exposure of tendon and bone were repaired by paraumbilical perforator flap finally. Methods: From Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2016, 14 patients with deep soft tissue defects in the hand and forearm were admitted into our clinic. The defects were caused by hot-crush injury (n=2), electrical injury (n=4), severe burn (n=2), crush injury (n=3), and avulsion injury (n=3). After admission, the patients underwent the debridement, vacuum suction, and skin graft to repair partial wound. The deep defects with the exposure of tendon and bone were repaired by paraumbilical perforator flap finally. Conclusions: The paraumbilical perforator flap has reliable blood supply, good texture, sufficient area, and is convenient to transfer. It's an ideal choice for the repair of the deep soft tissue defect in the hand and forearm.

Paraumbilical Perforator Flap: A Good Choice for the Repair of the Deep Soft Tissue Defects in the Hand and Forearm

Paraumbilical Perforator Flap: A Good Choice for the Repair of the Deep Soft Tissue Defects in the Hand and Forearm

Repair of large and deep skin and soft tissue defects around the knee joints with free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps

To investigate the clinical efficacy of free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps in repairing large and deep skin and soft tissue defects around the knee joints. Twenty-five patients with large and deep skin and soft tissue defects around the knee joints were hospitalized from March 2005 to March 2014. The area of defects around the knee joints ranged from 10 cm × 8 cm to 43 cm × 23 cm. The free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps were used to repair the defects, with the area ranging from 12 cm × 10 cm to 45 cm × 25 cm. The thoracodorsal artery and its concomitant vein of the musculocutaneous flap were anastomosed to the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its concomitant vein respectively to reconstruct blood supply. Split-thickness skin grafts around the flap donor sites were harvested to cover the muscle surface of the musculocutaneous flaps. The flap donor sites were closed directly with suture, and the skin donor sites were healed by dressing change. All the 25 flaps survived without vascular crisis. The flaps were in satisfactory appearance. The flap donor sites were healed with linear scar. All the patients were followed up for 3 to 6 months. At last, they were able to stand up and walk. The free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap transplantation is an effective treatment for the repair of large and deep soft tissue defects around the knee joints, and the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery and its concomitant vein are the appropriate recipient vessels.

Dermatologic surgery on the scalp

Soft tissue defects of the scalp can be closed with varying techniques depending on size and depth of the defect. While small and superficial defects can be closed primarily or be left open for secondary intention healing, larger and deeper defects may need flaps or skin grafts. Extensive defects may require combined flaps or vacuum assisted closure techniques. Defects of the periosteum with denuded skull bone must be treated immediately to avoid bony complications. Usually, the tabula externa is fenestrated with holes or abraded totally to create better healing conditions. Granulation tissue may be induced on the properly prepared skull with vacuum-assisted closure, by using collagen sheets or with dermal skin substitutes. New developments in tissue engineering will surely provide new techniques for dealing with deep and extensive soft tissue defects.

Reconstructing Complex Central Facial Defects Involving Multiple Cosmetic Subunits

Defects of the central face can pose significant reconstructive challenges and are some of the most frequently encountered defects in facial reconstructive surgery. Familiarity with the repair of such defects is essential. At our institution, we have found that a systematic approach to central facial defects allows for superior results. We present that approach here using several cases to demonstrate the intraoperative planning involved. The cosmetic units and subunits within the defect must be identified. The defect must then be assessed for structural defects and deep soft tissue defects, which can be repaired utilizing cartilage grafts and hinge flaps respectively. Superficial defects of the cheek, lip, and nasal sidewall can then be assessed and repaired, taking advantage of the available tissue reservoirs using adjacent sliding flaps. The remaining distal nasal defect can then be repaired, depending on size, with a full-thickness skin graft, a cheek interpolation flap, or if necessary, a paramedian forehead flap. This systematic approach to reconstructing central facial defects simplifies seemingly complex reconstructive challenges and optimizes results.

Use of a collagen–elastin matrix for hard to treat soft tissue defects

As deep soft tissue defects with exposed bone, cartilage or tendons are not suitable for wound closure with skin mesh grafts, other techniques are needed. We report on six patients, one female and five males, aged between 32 and 89 years, and deep soft tissue defects with exposed tendons, cartilage or bone. The aetiology of these defects was vascular (n = 3), tumour surgery (2), and post-traumatic (1). Wounds were treated with a collagen-elastin matrix applied above the exposed structures. In five patients, the procedure was combined with mesh graft transplantation in the same setting. Follow-up varied between 12 and 40 weeks. Wound healing was uncomplicated in all transplanted patients until first dressing change after 7 days. All but one transplant showed a 100% take rate and the transplant was stable within 10-14 days. A complete wound closure was also achieved without transplantation, but this took 8 weeks. No adverse effects were noted. There was no skin contracture of the skin grafts. Collagen-elastin matrix with split-thickness skin grafts is a useful tool in deep soft tissue. The time to heal can be reduced.

Description of a Technique for Vacuum-Assisted Deep Drains in the Management of Cavitary Defects and Deep Infections in Devastating Military and Civilian Trauma

Deep soft-tissue defects often present in high-energy trauma and during the surgical treatment of infection. Injuries caused by high-velocity projectiles can create deep soft-tissue defects that are challenging to manage. Persistent, deep wound cavities have been associated with infection and prolonged wound healing. This article presents a technique that marries vacuum-assisted wound closure technology with traditional drains to allow for management of deep soft-tissue cavities. A deep drain was placed in the cavitary lesion with application of a negative-pressure wound therapy sponge in the standard fashion. The deep drain was brought into the sponge and fenestrated as to allow the sponge to evacuate the deep drain. Several illustrative cases are presented. Conversion of deep cavitary defects to superficial defects allowed for delayed primary or secondary closure of the wound defects without the need for increasing the size of the superficial wound to facilitate drainage. Deep infection was also successfully controlled without incurring the additional surgical soft-tissue trauma typical of standard technique. The use of the active deep suction decreases edema and dead space, theoretically reducing the chance of infection. It also prevents premature walling off of deeper cavities, which can occur with the use of vacuum-assisted closure therapy on superficial defects. Our method of wound management allows for the reduction of the deep cavitary defects without delaying wound closure or creating more tissue damage.

The Vastus Lateralis Muscle Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction

The reconstructive ladder for large head and neck defects includes a number of muscle free flaps. One ideal flap that continues to be underutilized is the vastus lateralis muscle free flap.Between April and October 2008, 5 patients underwent head and neck tumor extirpation with reconstruction utilizing a vastus lateralis muscle free flap.All flaps survived with no recipient or donor site complications. The procedure did result in a small area of numbness on the donor thigh in all patients.The vastus lateralis muscle flap is an underutilized alternative for reconstruction of deep soft tissue defects of the head and neck. Its advantages include its consistent anatomy and large caliber pedicle, adequate volume, a location enabling a 2-team approach and low donor site morbidity. This versatile flap should be included as an option in complex soft tissue reconstructions of the head and neck.

Use of the Pericranial Flap in Medial Canthal Reconstruction: Another Application for This Versatile Flap

To describe the use and outcomes of a versatile surgical technique in the reconstruction of deep soft tissue and bony defects of the medial canthus. A retrospective review of consecutive cases requiring reconstruction of medial canthal defects involving loss of periosteum or bone by a median forehead pericranial flap and full-thickness skin grafting in a tertiary referral hospital setting. Two techniques were used: an open technique, using a midline forehead incision; and an endoscopic technique, using 2 incisions behind the hairline. Twenty-one cases were identified: 19 open and 2 endoscopic. The average length of follow-up was 13 months (range, 6-50 months). Ten cases required additional oculoplastic procedures including local periosteal flaps and mucous membrane grafts. Two cases (10%) had complete flap failure; one of these was caused by infection. Five (24%) had partial (< 50%) skin graft necrosis. Two cases (10%) have required further surgery. Our experience shows the pericranial flap to be versatile, robust, and easy to manipulate, offering advantages over alternative techniques when used for the repair of deep medial canthal defects. It is a valuable reconstructive technique that can yield good cosmetic and functional results.

Open Wound Integrated Regenerative Therapy with Topical bFGF Trafermin for Deep Soft Tissue Defects with Bone Exposure

Aim: Recently advocated concept of wound bed preparation (WBP) has systematically concreted the critical components of wound care, including debridement, bacterial balance, and management of exudate. We succeed in experiences by topical pharmaceutical therapy combined with WBP. We aimed to demonstrate availability of the wound management.Methods: Since 1999, 18 exteriorized‐bone patients with deep soft tissue defects were treated with this treatment. Our procedure was composed of four steps; 1) Resection or debridement, 2) Wound cleansing (soaking foot and hand in the hot bath with antibacterial carbonated agent), 3) Topical medication: basic fibroblast growth factor (Trafermin; KAKEN, Tokyo) and bucladecine sodium (Actocin ointment; Daiichi Pharmaceu. Co. Ltd, Tokyo), and 4) Dressing.Results: The average time for whole coverage of the exposed‐bone area with healthy granulation was 23 ± 13( median;19, range; 7–47) days after surgical treatment (the 1st step). The average time for complete epithelization was 72 ± 42 (55, 26–150) days in the patients who had not undergone skin graft. For minor amputations of diabetic feet the healing time until complete epithelization was 65 ± 46 (44, 26–150) days on an average.Conclusions: We concluded that the integrated approach mobilizing commercial available products for wound healing under optimally prepared environment offers advantage of facilitating the efficacy of exogenous therapeutic measures on condition that endogenous regeneration has been accelerated.

Operative treatment of vulnerable scars and deep soft-tissue defects of the thumb with a free toe pulp neurovascular flap

Because of the capability of opposition, the thumb is the most important digit of the hand. In case of deep soft-tissue defects of the pulp, it is necessary to reconstruct the palmar surface of the distal phalanx of the thumb using tissue with good sensibility. Between 1982 and 1998 at the Department of Hand Surgery, Plastic and Microsurgery of the Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallkrankenhaus Hamburg, we used a free toe pulp neurovascular flap for reconstruction of the pulp of the thumb in nine patients. All flaps healed without complications. Indications, operative techniques, and results of this procedure are described.

The incidence of osteitis in open fractures: an analysis of 948 open fractures (a review of the Hannover experience).

Even though treatment protocols of open fractures have been improved in the past two decades, osteitis is still a major complication in these injuries. To investigate the primary factors responsible for posttraumatic osteitis, 19 cases of osteitis out of 297 open fractures (retrospective series from 1981 to 1983) and nine cases of osteitis out of 651 open fractures (prospective series from 1984 to 1989) were analyzed. The Hannover fracture scale was used for quantitative evaluation of the injury. A high prognostic index for bone infections was found for the amount of bone loss, the fracture type, the type of bacteriologic contamination, deep soft-tissue defects, compartment syndromes, vascular injuries, and soft-tissue infections.