Large Soft Tissue Defects Research Articles

Application of External Force Regulates the Migration and Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem/Progenitor Cells by Altering Tissue Stiffness.

Large soft-tissue defects are challenging to reconstruct surgically. Expansion of soft tissue using an external volume expansion (EVE) device is a noninvasive method to improve such reconstruction; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we created fat flaps in Sprague-Dawley rats, applied an external force of 3 or 6 kPa using an EVE device, and investigated the migration and differentiation of adipose-derived stem/progenitor cells (ASCs). In addition, we performed finite element analysis to explore the stiffness of adipose tissue. An external force of 3 kPa promoted the migration and adipogenic differentiation of ASCs. By comparison, an external force of 6 kPa had a larger effect on migration of ASCs, but a smaller effect on adipogenic differentiation of ASCs. External force affected adipose tissue stiffness. In conclusion, external force generated by an EVE device increases the stiffness of adipose tissue, which influences the migration and differentiation of ASCs. The size of the external force can be altered according to the tissue stiffness required at particular time points to promote long-term adipose tissue regeneration. Impact Statement Stem cell therapy in clinic mostly requires the addition of exogenous stem cells, therefore the safety and controllability is always defective. In this study, the external force of external volume expansion regulates adipose-derived stem/progenitor cells (ASCs) migration and differentiation through tissue stiffness. Using tissue engineering without exogenous ASCs can promote long-term adipose tissue regeneration. The findings of this study provide theoretical support for clinical tissue engineering applications and improvements in stem cell therapy.

External Volume Expansion Adjusted Adipose Stem Cell by Shifting the Ratio of Fibronectin to Laminin.

External volume expansion (EVE) is an effective method of adipose tissue regeneration. However, it remains unclear how EVE induces adipose tissue regeneration. In this study, we developed EVE devices to generate expanded prefabricated adipose tissue (EPAT) in rats and investigated cell proliferation, adipogenesis, and the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins during the 12 weeks suction. In addition, EPAT-generated decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) was used to assess the role of ECM proteins in cell proliferation and differentiation. Matrix deposition was significantly increased after EVE suction, with fibronectin and laminin showing the most dramatic changes. Fibronectin expression peaked during weeks 1-4, when Ki67 cells in EPAT peaked. Laminin expression peaked during weeks 8-12, when peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ expression also peaked. In vitro, adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) displayed a higher proliferation rate in week 1 DAT, when fibronectin expression was highest, whereas ASC adipogenesis was significantly higher on week 12 DAT, when laminin expression was abundant. These results showed that EVE device enhanced ECM deposition, which is closely related to cell proliferation and differentiation. Impact Statement Large soft tissue defects caused by cancer, trauma, or deformity remain a major challenge for reconstructive surgery. External volume expansion (EVE) successfully induces adipose tissue regeneration and shows great therapeutic potential in correction for soft tissue defect. This study showed that EVE enhanced the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and regulated ASC proliferation and differentiation through shifting matrix synthesis from fibronectin to laminin. These findings revealed the relation between ECM modulation and ASC behavior, indicating that EVE can induce adipose regeneration by regulating matrix synthesis.

Selecting a free flap for soft tissue coverage in lower extremity reconstruction

BackgroundGoals of lower extremity microvascular reconstruction (LEMR) include the restoration of function, prevention of infection, and optimal cosmesis. Indications for LEMR include large defects that are not amenable to pedicled options, a large zone of injury, and large complex defects. The novice microsurgeon should first master a handful of free flaps to develop an armamentarium of options for addressing such defects. The scope of this review is to provide free flap options for LEMR in any of the thirds of the lower leg. After reading this article, the reader will understand variations, advantages, disadvantages, indications, and tips for raising each of these flaps. MethodsSix most commonly used free flaps for LEMR are described in this paper, including the anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) and its variations, the radial forearm flap (RFFF), the lateral arm flap (LAF), the gracilis muscle flap, the rectus abdominis flap (RAF) and the latissimus dorsi flap and its variations. Indications, advantages, disadvantages and technique tips are discussed for each flap. Moreover, selection of the recipient vessels, preoperative management along with an algorithm are also provided. ConclusionsThe ALT flap is a workhorse in covering defects of the leg, foot, and ankle. It's the flap of choice at our institution, especially given the number of traumatic wounds seen as a result of motor vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), lawnmowers, and gunshot wounds (GSW). At times, the lower extremity zone of injury requires a distant donor site. The RAF can also provide coverage for large soft tissue defects but donor-site morbidity remains its main drawback. The LAF and RFFF provide two pliable options, one that provides pliable soft tissue with minimal donor site morbidity and another that provides a long pedicle. The free gracilis flap is an excellent choice for crossing the ankle joint. Lastly, the free latissimus dorsi is indicated for large defects of the lower extremity independently of the location.

Flap reconstruction for sacrectomy defects: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Following the excision of sacral tumors, plastic surgeons are often faced with a large soft tissue defect that necessitates flap coverage to promote wound healing and obliterate the resulting dead space. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes and complications following soft tissue reconstruction of sacrectomy defects. Applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), a comprehensive search of several databases was performed from 1950 to 2019 for articles reporting outcomes of soft tissue flap reconstruction after sacrectomy. Demographics, surgical characteristics, and complication rates were abstracted and analyzed. A total of 544 articles were identified in the initial search, out of which 26 met our inclusion criteria. Gluteal-based flap was the most commonly used (50%), followed by the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap (38%) and free latissimus dorsi (5%). Patients who underwent high sacrectomy had significantly higher local complications than those who underwent low sacrectomy [OR: 2.57(1.12,5.92); p = 0.03]. Patients who received preoperative radiation had a significantly higher complication rate than those who did not [OR: 2.91(1.25,6.79); p = 0.01]. The pooled local complication rate was 37% in the gluteal-based flap group and 50% in the VRAM flap group. Total flap loss was identified in 1 gluteal and 2 VRAM flaps. Gluteal-based and VRAM flaps are the two most common options for soft tissue reconstruction after sacrectomy. Both flaps demonstrate a high complication rate after this morbid procedure; however, total flap loss seems to be a rare occurrence. Most patients can achieve good functional outcome following reconstruction.

Reconstruction of complex hemipelvectomy defects: A 17-year single-institutional experience with lower extremity free and pedicled fillet flaps

Hemipelvectomy procedures result in massive soft tissue defects. The standard approach is to reconstruct the defect with anterior or posterior hemipelvectomy flaps. Certain situations preclude the use of local tissue flaps, and an alternative is the use of leg fillet flaps, circumferential pedicled or free flaps harvested from the amputated part. The purpose of this study is to present our institution's experience with using pedicled and free fillet flaps to reconstruct hemipelvectomy soft tissue defects. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent hemipelvectomy and fillet flap reconstruction from 2001 to 2018. Demographics, clinical and surgical characteristics, postoperative outcomes, and complications of patients were reviewed. Ten patients were identified and included. Their mean age was 51±SD 12.4 years. Six patients underwent standard external hemipelvectomy and 4 patients underwent extended external hemipelvectomy. Seven lower extremity fillet flaps were performed as free tissue transfers, and 3 were pedicled flaps. The mean flap size was 1,153±SD 1137cm2. The mean follow-up was 5 months (range: 1-24 months). Five patients developed postoperative complications; none of them required operative intervention. There were no partial or total flap losses postoperatively. Reconstruction with pedicled or free lower extremity fillet flaps is a valuable reconstructive approach, for managing large soft tissue defects following hemipelvectomy when the standard anterior and posterior thigh flaps are unavailable or inadequate for complete soft tissue coverage. This useful technique mitigates donor site morbidity, while simultaneously achieving massive soft tissue coverage with an acceptable complication profile.

Reverse sural flap – A feasible option for oncological defects of the lower extremity, ankle, and foot: Our experience from Northeast India

Background:Soft-tissue management around the lower third of the leg and foot presents a challenge to the surgeon. To achieve local control of tumor, additional surgical margins are required, thus creating large soft-tissue defects. The reverse sural artery flap (RSAF) is a popular option for many of these defects.Materials and Methods:This is a retrospective study of 26 patients who underwent resection of tumor around the lower leg, ankle, and foot, and reconstruction with RSAF was performed at our institute from 2012 to 2018.Results:Among the 26 studied patients, aged between 22 and 71 (mean age: 50.8) years, 5 were female and rest were male. The most common site of involvement by tumor was heel (42.3%), followed by sole (26.9%). The most common histopathological diagnosis was melanoma (61.5%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (26.9%) and soft-tissue sarcoma (11.5%).Conclusion:The distally based sural flap is a reliable flap for the coverage of soft-tissue defects following oncological defects of the distal lower extremity and foot.

Reconstruction of a dorsal thoracic wall defect with a dorsal intercostal artery perforator flap after removal of a bulky cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

IntroductionSurgical reconstruction of large soft tissue defects of the upper back is challenging. Although the usefulness of free perforator flaps has been demonstrated, local options remain limited. The dorsal intercostal artery perforator flap was recently described but its use is still uncommon.Case reportAn 88-year-old Causasian woman presented with a large, ulcerated, left prescapular cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (T3N0M0). Complete excision was performed, and the resulting defect was reconstructed with a dorsal intercostal artery perforator flap based on two perforators. Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated and adjuvant radiotherapy commenced 10 weeks later.ConclusionCompared to conventional muscle flaps, the dorsal intercostal artery perforator flap offers greater protection of muscle function, is less invasive, and lowers donor site morbidity. Based on these advantages, this flap should be considered a useful local option for reconstructing large cutaneous defects of the upper back.

Modified Submental Island Flap for the Surgical Treatment of 4 Patients With Stage 3 Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Mandible

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in its advanced stages requires surgical treatment to resolve the pathology and to achieve good long-term results. After complete removal of the necrotic bone and infected soft tissue, it is essential to cover the exposed bone using well-vascularized soft tissue such as local, regional, and microvascular free flaps. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical usefulness of the modified submental island flap (SIF) for covering large bone and soft tissue defects of the mandible after decortication in patients with stage 3 medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. The modified SIF, which consists of the conventional SIF plus the mylohyoid muscle, was used for reconstruction of large defects in the mandible in 4 patients, and no problems were noted in the treated areas at 12months postoperatively. Despite the limited number of cases, the modified SIF was found to be a robust flap requiring only a single-stage procedure and resulting in excellent coverage of large defects with sufficient blood supply for a good bone-healing process.

Neurotized Free Tissue Transfer for Foot Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Soft tissue reconstruction of the foot represents a complex reconstructive challenge given the unique anatomical properties of the glabrous plantar skin. For large soft tissue defects and/or complex injuries, free tissue transfer is often the optimal reconstructive modality. The decision to pursue a neurotized free flap remains controversial and an area of debate. Given the trend toward increasing use of neurotized free flaps, we performed a systematic review to determine if nerve coaptation is a beneficial adjunct to free tissue transfer. A systematic search of the English literature using PubMed and Web of Science was performed. Studies were identified between 1985 and 2018. Manuscripts were eligible if they contained original clinical outcomes research of patients who underwent free tissue transfer to the foot or heel with neurotization. A total of 189 studies were identified with initial screening and 19 studies were included in our analysis. A total of 175 patients underwent free flap reconstruction to the foot; of these, 107 patients had a nerve coaptation performed. Patients who underwent neurotization had improved sensory characteristics (two-point discrimination, light touch, and pain sensation), quicker return to ambulation and activities of daily living, and decreased ulcer formation compared with those who did not. Overall complications were infrequent, with ulceration being the most common. Neurotized free flaps appear to have an overall decreased rate of ulceration, improved sensory discrimination, and quicker return to ambulation/activities of daily living in comparison to nonneurotized free flaps. However, when examining free anterolateral thigh (ALT) and free medial plantar artery (MPA) fasciocutaneous flaps, durability (i.e., frequency of ulcer formation) and functionality (ambulation and return to activities of daily living) do not appear to be significantly different between neurotized and nonneurotized flaps.

The double muscle gastrocnemius-soleus flap in resurfacing large lower limb defects: Modifications and outcomes

IntroductionLarger soft tissue defects over critical areas of the lower limb involving the knee and proximal two thirds of the tibia present a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. Options include a large free flap or pedicled local flaps. The gastrocnemius or soleus flap alone is not sufficient. Combined gastrocnemius-soleus flaps can be used adequately without the need to resort to free flaps. We review the use and outcomes of the combined pedicled gastrocnemius and hemi-soleus double muscle flap to cover large defects of the leg and discuss our technique. Material and methodsA retrospective review of the patients who underwent the pedicled double muscle (gastrocnemius and soleus) flap for wound resurfacing in our institution between 2008 and 2013 was performed. The patients’ case notes were analyzed and data collected included their age, comorbidities, wound characteristics, surgical procedures and post-operative outcomes and complications. ResultsThere was a total of ten double flaps in ten patients; eight due to trauma and two due to infection. Mean follow up period was 12 months. All flaps achieved primary healing without major complications. There were two cases of minor complications: flap tip necrosis and superficial infection. Nine patients were able to achieve ambulation without aid at final follow up. ConclusionThe combined pedicled gastrocnemius and hemisoleus double muscle flap is a useful alternative for reconstruction of large critical soft tissue defects around the knee and leg.

Vascularized scapula and latissimus dorsi flap for CAD/CAM assisted reconstruction of mandibular defects including the mandibular condyle: technical report and clinical results

BackgroundReconstruction of mandibular continuity and function after tumor resection is challenging, particularly in cases including the mandibular condyle. Various approaches for reconstruction after disarticulation resection have been reported. However, the scapula flap has received little attention as a treatment option in these cases.Patients and methodsThree cases of computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) assisted reconstruction after disarticulation resection using a vascularized scapula and latissimus dorsi flap are reported. All cases required reconstruction of the mandibular ramus and condyle in combination with the reconstruction of large and complex soft tissue defects.ResultsThe surgical procedure was deemed successful in all cases. The scapula flap could be placed as preoperatively planned and patients regained their preoperative occlusion pattern and satisfying mouth opening-ranges. The large soft tissue defects could reliably be reconstructed using a latissimus dorsi flap.ConclusionsThe scapula and latissimus dorsi flap can be considered a suitable option for the reconstruction of mandibular disarticulation resection defects in combination with large soft tissue defects.

Combined transplantation of bilateral perforator flaps based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery for the reconstruction of large area tissue defects of upper limbs

Objective To explore the feasibility and clinical efficacy of combined transplantation of bilateral perforator flaps based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery for the reconstruction of large area tissue defects of upper limbs. Methods From January 2014 to June 2018, 22 patients with large area skin and soft tissue defects of upper extremities were treated with bilateral perforator flaps based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery. The donor site was closed directly. The wound involved upper arm, forearm, hand and elbow stump. The area of defect ranged from 16 cm×13 cm to 40 cm×15 cm. Results Twenty-one cases (95.45%) of the combined flaps survived completely. One case had partial necrosis of the distal part of the flap, which was healed by second-stage skin grafting. The donor sites of the flaps were closed directly and achieved primary healing without complications. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 38 months with an average of 20 months. All the cases had good wound healing and limb functional recovery. Conclusion The combined transplantation of bilateral perforator flaps based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery is an effective method for repairing large skin and soft tissue defects of upper extremities. The operation is simple, the perforator vessel is reliable and the flaps can be cut in large area with less damage to donor site. Key words: Upper extremity; Surgical flaps; Descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery; Upper extremity reconstruction

Masquelet technique combined with artificial dermis for the treatment of bone and soft tissue defects in rabbits

To investigate the effect of Masquelet technique combined with artificial dermis on repairing bone and soft tissue defects in rabbits, and to observe the microstructure and vascularization of induced membrane, so as to guide the clinical treatment of Gustilo-Anderson type Ⅲ open fracture with large bone defect and soft tissue defect. Eighty male rabbits, weighing 2.03-2.27 kg (mean, 2.11 kg), were selected. The bilateral thighs of 64 rabbits were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, the remaining 16 rabbits were sham operation group. Bone and soft tissue defect models of femur were made in all rabbits. In the experimental group, the first stage of Masquelet technique was used [polymethyl methacrylate bone cement was filled in bone defect area] combined with artificial dermis treatment; in the control group, the first stage of Masquelet technique was used only; in the sham operation group, the wound was sutured directly without any treatment. Four rabbits in sham operation group and 16 rabbits in the experimental group and control group were sacrificed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after operation, respectively. The induced membranes and conjunctive membranes were observed on both sides of the femur. The membrane structure was observed by HE staining, and the microvessel density (MVD) was counted by CD34 immunohistochemical staining. Gross observation showed that the spongy layer of collagen in the artificial dermis of the experimental group disappeared completely at 4 weeks after operation, and the induced membrane structure of the experimental group and the control group was complete; the membrane structure of the control group was translucent, and the membrane structure of the experimental group was thicker, light red opaque, accompanied by small vessel proliferation. The membrane structure of the experimental group and the control group increased gradually from 6 to 8 weeks after operation. In the sham operation group, only scar tissue proliferation was observed over time. HE staining showed that a large number of muscle fibers and a small amount of collagen fibers proliferation with inflammatory cell infiltration could be seen in the experimental group and the control group at 2 weeks after operation; most of the sham operation group were muscle fibers with a small amount of interfibrous vessels. At 4 weeks after operation, collagen fibers increased and some blood vessels formed in the experimental group. The nuclei of collagen fibers in the control group were round-like, while those in the experimental group were flat-round. At 6 and 8 weeks after operation, the collagen fibers in the experimental group and the control group increased. The nuclei of the collagen fibers in the control group were still round-like. The nuclei of the collagen fibers in the experimental group were fusiformis and deeply stained compared with those in the control group. The proliferation of blood vessels was observed in both groups, and the number of proliferation vessels in the experimental group was increased compared with that in the control group. In the sham operation group, a large number of fibroblasts still appeared, but no significant proliferation of blood vessels with time was observed. CD34 immunohistochemical staining showed that MVD in each group increased gradually with the prolongation of time after operation. MVD in the sham operation group was significantly higher than that in the experimental group and the control group at 2 weeks after operation, and significantly smaller than that in the experimental group and the control group at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after operation ( P<0.05). MVD in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 4 and 6 weeks after operation ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in MVD between the two groups at 2 and 8 weeks ( P>0.05). Masquelet technique combined with artificial dermis in the treatment of femoral bone defect and soft tissue defect in rabbits can significantly promote the vascularization of membrane structure at 4-6 weeks after operation. The combination of these two methods has guiding significance for the treatment of Gustilo-Anderson type Ⅲ open fracture with bone and soft tissue defects.

Thoracoabdominal Flap: a Simple Flap for Covering Large Post-mastectomy Soft Tissue Defects in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer.

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) constitutes 40-50% of breast cancer in developing countries. Large soft tissue defects after mastectomy often require some additional cover. The primary aim of reconstruction in this group should be an expeditious and simple closure with good-quality skin cover, early recovery, and short hospital stay so that the patients can receive early post-operative radio-chemotherapy. Thoracoabdominal (TA) flap is a type-c fasciocutaneous flap and the skin and fat of the upper abdomen are used, based on medial or lateral perforating vessels. We present our experience of TA flap cover for large post-mastectomy defects. A retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained breast cancer database in the Department of Surgical Oncology from January 1994 to December 2017 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, was performed. The medical records of patients undergoing TA flap cover were analyzed to assess operative duration, blood loss, post-operative morbidity, hospital stay, adjuvant treatment, recurrence patterns, and survival outcome. A total of 3142 breast cancer patients underwent surgery, of which 1840 were LABC and 88 patients (4.13%) of LABC required flap cover for the closure of mastectomy defect. TA flap was used in majority of these patients 72/83 (86.7%) for cover. Majority was stage IIIB (54 out of 72) and we could achieveR0 resection in all patients. TA flap was done following MRM in 60 patients and RM in 12 patients. Upfront primary surgery was performed in 27 patients and 45 underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Most commonly laterally based flaps were done, except 4 medially based flaps. The mean operating time was 30min and blood loss was 45ml. Mean hospital stay was 4.45days. Superficial flap necrosis occurred in 6 and wound infection in 4 patients, all managed conservatively. Only 2 patients had major flap loss and required debridement and skin grafting. Planned post-operative radiation could be delivered in most of the patients in time. At a mean follow-up of 24months, only 9 out of 72 (12.5%) patients had a loco-regional recurrence. Results of our experience show that TA flap is a simple, cost-effective procedure for managing large post-mastectomy soft tissue defects in LABC. It has huge potential in developing countries dealing with a large number of LABC because of simplicity and short learning curve.

Tetramethylpyrazine improved the survival of multiterritory perforator flaps by inducing angiogenesis and suppressing apoptosis via the Akt/Nrf2 pathway.

Background: Multiterritory perforator flaps were commonly designed to cover the large soft-tissue defects in reconstructive surgery. But the high risk of partial necrosis in the distal portion of the flaps hindered their clinical application. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on the survival of the multiterritory perforator flaps and to explore the underlying mechanism.Materials and methods: Seventy-two Sprague–Dawley rats underwent multiterritory perforator flap procedure and were divided into three groups with 24 each. Flap survival and water content were measured, and the area of angiogenesis and apoptosis in the ischemia skin flaps were assessed on the postoperative day 7. The expressions of angiogenesis-related protein VEGF and apoptosis-related protein Bax, Bcl-2 in each group were detected by Western blotting, which also had been used to assess the expressions levels of Akt, p-Akt, and Nrf2.Results: Following TMP treatment, the survival area and number of microvessels presented in the skin flaps increased and tissue edema reduced on postoperative day 7. The expressions of angiogenesis-related protein VEGF increased in the TMP treatment group than in the control group. In addition, compared with the control group, TMP inhibited apoptosis, and increased the expression levels of p-Akt, Nrf2 in the areas of ischemia. These effects were reversed by an Akt protein inhibitor LY294002. Similarly, treatment with LY294002 inhibited TMP induced by interfering the Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway.Conclusion: These results illustrated that TMP could promote the survival of multiterritory perforator flaps by enhancing angiogenesis and attenuating apoptosis. These were involved in Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Clinical effect of free anterolateral thigh flap in repairing large annular soft tissue defect of lower leg after burn

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of free anterolateral thigh flap in repairing large annular soft tissue defect of lower leg after burn. Methods: From January 2014 to December 2018, 9 patients with large annular soft tissue defects of lower legs after burns were hospitalized in Zhengzhou First People's Hospital, including 1 case with wounds on both legs. After debridement, area of wounds was 16 cm×11 cm-38 cm×21 cm, and the burn wounds were repaired with free anterolateral thigh flaps in the area of 18 cm×12 cm-32 cm×24 cm. End-to-end anastomosis of posterior tibial vessels or anterior tibial vessels with lateral circumflex femoral vessels was performed in manual way or by microvascular stapler. For the affected legs without condition for anastomosis, the sound medial lower leg flaps with areas of 10 cm×8 cm-15 cm×10 cm were excised and made into skin tubes, the posterior tibial vessels of the flaps were anastomosed with the vessels of free anterolateral femoral flaps, and the wounds of the injured lower legs were repaired by bridge-type cross-over free transplantation of anterolateral thigh flaps. The pedicles were broken 4 to 5 weeks later. The donor site was transplanted with autologous intermediate split-thickness skin graft from thigh. The outcome of the treatment, the number of perforators included in the flaps, and the anastomotic vessel in the recipient area of patients were recorded. The anastomosis time between manual way and microvascular staplers was recorded and compared. The patency of blood vessels, methods of free transplantation, and follow-up condition were recorded. Data were processed with Wilcoxon rank sum test for two independent samples. Results: All the 10 free flaps and skin grafts of 9 patients survived, and all the wounds were closed by primary operation. Seven flaps contained two perforators each, and three flaps contained three perforators each. The anastomotic vessels were posterior tibial vessels in 6 recipient areas and anterior tibial vessels in 4 recipient areas. Microvascular stapler was used to anastomose 12 veins, while 8 veins and 10 arteries were anstomosed manually. The time consumed by the former method was 4.00 (3.55, 4.38) min, significantly shorter than 12.80 (12.13, 13.40) min of the latter (W=78.00, P<0.01). The patency rates of veins and arteries were 100%. There was no vascular crisis due to vascular anastomosis. Three patients underwent bridge-type cross-over free transplantation, while the others underwent conventional free transplantation. Follow-up for 3 to 30 months showed that the donor site of the thigh had good motor function, without numbness or pain, but hypertrophy of scar could be seen. Four patients had slightly overstaffed flaps transplanted in the recipient area of the lower legs, while the other patients were satisfied with their appearance, and the walking function of the affected limbs gradually recovered. Conclusions: Free anterolateral thigh flap transplantation is a safe and reliable clinical limb salvage method for the repair of large annular soft tissue defect of lower leg after burn. Intraoperative application of microvascular stapler for venous anastomosis can shorten the time of vascular anastomosis and has great clinical application value.

Use of a sequential chimeric perforator flap for one-stage reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects of the extremities.

One-stage reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects of the extremities is a challenging problem. Repair of complex soft tissue defects requires adequate skin tissues to cover the large surface wound and special tissues for obliterating the dead space. The chimeric flap is one of the most popular approaches for reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects. However, the problems of donor-site morbidity and inability to repair very large defects at one-stage remain. The purpose of this study was to present our clinical experience using sequential chimeric perforator flaps for reconstruction of complex extremity defects with primary closure of the donor site. From August 2013 to March 2017, 12 patients with complex soft tissue defects underwent extremity reconstruction using sequential chimeric perforator flaps, which were composed of a chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap and an additional free perforator flap. The skin paddles were placed side-by-side to cover the large surface soft tissue defects, and the muscle component was used to obliterate the dead space. Of these patients, one was injured by a crushing accident, while the other 11 patients were injured in traffic accidents. The size of the skin paddles ranged from 26 cm × 8 cm-10 cm × 6 cm to 30 cm × 8.5 cm-29 cm × 9 cm. The muscle paddle size ranged from 2 cm × 3 cm × 4 cm to 22 cm × 4 cm × 2 cm. All-components of the sequential chimeric flaps survived in all-patients. Vascular compromise was observed in one case. One case suffered minor wound-edge necrosis and was treated conservatively. Primary closure of donor-site was successfully achieved in all-patients, and all-donor-site wounds healed uneventfully. The mean follow-up time was 15.25 months. Most of the cases showed a satisfactory contour, and only two patients presented with mildly bulky appearance that treated with a debulking procedure. The sequential chimeric perforator flap is an alternative procedure for reconstruct complex soft tissue defects of the extremities. This approach allows for flexible design, a larger cutaneous area, and low donor site morbidity.

Sequential chimeric deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap and flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flap for one-stage reconstruction of complex tissue defects

Simultaneous reconstruction of composite bone and large soft-tissue defect areas is challenging for reconstructive surgeons. This study presents a microsurgical sequential chimeric flap composed of a flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap and a deep circumflex iliac artery perforator (DCIAP) chimeric flap for one-stage reconstruction of a complex tissue defect in limbs. A retrospective analysis was performed among patients who underwent reconstruction of bone composite and large soft-tissue defect areas in limbs using a sequential chimeric flap. A flow-through ALTP flap and a DCIAP chimeric flap were microsurgically fabricated as sequential chimeric flaps. Ten patients were successfully treated with the sequential chimeric flaps. All components of the flaps survived in all patients. Primary closure of the donor site was achieved in all cases. The sizes of the flow-through ALTP flaps ranged from 16 × 6 cm to 27 × 8 cm. The size of the cutaneous portion of the DCIAP chimeric flap ranged from 11 × 4 cm to 20 × 9 cm, and bone flap sizes ranged from 1 × 3 × 2 cm to 2.5 × 8 × 3 cm. A vascular compromise was observed postoperatively in one case. Only one case suffered minor wound-edge necrosis. Mean follow-up time was 13.1 months. Most cases showed a satisfactory contour, and no fracture of transferred iliac segments occurred. The sequential chimeric ALTP-DCIAP flap is a valuable alternative for one-stage reconstruction of composite bone and large soft-tissue defects in limbs. This approach is flexible and provides a large cutaneous area with primary closure of the donor site.

Outcome of Islanded Gastrocnemius Musculocutaneous Flap in Orthopaedic Practice.

Introduction: Large wounds in the leg require combination of local flaps or free flap for wound coverage. Gastrocnemius musculocutaneous flap (GMCF) allows a large wound to be covered by a single local flap. However, the conventional GMCF is often associated with donor site morbidity where the exposed soleus raphe causes poor uptake of the skin graft. Islanding the skin on the muscles allows the donor site to be closed primarily, thus avoiding the donor site morbidity.Materials and Methods: Medical records of twelve patients who underwent islanded GMCF surgery from 2004 till 2018 were reviewed retrospectively.Results: The mean age was 31 years old. Eight cases were with open fracture of the tibia, two degloving injury exposing the patella, one open fracture of patella and necrotising soft tissue infection. The wound size ranged from 12cm2 to 120cm2. All flaps survived. Three patients required skin grafting at the donor site while in the rest the donor sites were able to be closed primarily. Four patients developed deep infection, one healed after vacuum dressing, one after bone transport and one after split thickness skin graft. One patient ended up with below knee amputation after developing chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia.Conclusion: Islanded gastrocnemius musculocutaneous flap is an effective simple alternative for coverage of large soft tissue defects from the knee to half of the leg distally with minimal donor site morbidity. Aggressive debridement of unhealthy tissue is necessary to prevent infection following wound coverage with this flap.

Novel Scrotal Reconstruction after Fournier's Gangrene Using the Integra™ Dermal Regeneration Template

We report a novel use of the Integra™ dermal regeneration template to facilitate a functional recovery in a young male with Fournier's gangrene. After multiple debridements he had a large soft tissue defect and local flaps were not possible for reconstruction. Integra™ facilitated reconstruction of a neo-scrotum to allow a good cosmetic outcome.