Muscle Flap Coverage Research Articles

Soft-Tissue Optimization of Limb Salvage With Knee Endoprosthesis

Limb salvage in bone sarcomas requires resection and joint and soft-tissue reconstruction. Suboptimal coverage can lead to prosthesis infection, subsequent hardware exposure, or loss with eventual amputation. In the pediatric sarcoma population, it is essential to not only have viable soft-tissue coverage but one that minimizes donor site morbidity and maximizes function and growth over time. This is a retrospective review of all sarcoma patients with primary gastrocnemius and soleus muscle flap coverage of modular knee endoprosthesis over the 10-year period between 1997 and 2007. All patients had resection of the skin at the tibial biopsy site prior to their primary tumor resection surgery. After resection of the knee joint and proximal tibia with clear margins, the bony defect was reconstructed with an endoprosthesis. The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were then independently rotated to cover the prosthesis and the patellar tendon. Eleven patients (10 male, 1 female) with an average age of 13 years (range, 10-17) underwent resection of proximal tibia. Pathology included osteosarcoma in 9 patients, Ewing in 1, and spindle cell sarcoma in 1 patient. All patients had endoprosthetic coverage by gastrocnemius and soleus flaps; 4 patients had additional split-thickness skin graft over the gastrocnemius. The average level of tibial resection was 16.5 cm distal to the articular surface of the proximal tibia. Mean soft-tissue mass volume resected with bone was 157 cm. There was one flap failure that was reconstructed with a rectus abdominis free flap. Average follow-up was 32 months (range, 8-92 months). Two patients succumbed to metastatic disease. In this series, there was no limb loss or hardware exposure or infection. All patients achieved independent ambulation. Functionally, patients were evaluated based on the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scale. The average score was 29 (out of a perfect score of 30). Two patients had transient foot drop that resolved with ankle foot orthosis use. Anticipated leg length discrepancy was detected in 3 patients who underwent opposite limb epiphysiodesis with ultimate limb equalization. Soft-tissue reconstruction with gastrocnemius and soleus muscle flap coverage decreases wound complications and hardware exposure while maintaining function in the pediatric population.

Diagnosis and treatment of nine cases with carotid artery rupture due to hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal foreign body ingestion

The aim of our study is to present our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with carotid artery rupture (CAR) due to foreign body ingestion. A total of nine admissions with CAR due to foreign body ingestion were recorded in Second Xiangya Hospital between 1969 and 2011. The carotid artery was sutured with muscle flap coverage in six cases, ligated in three cases. We retrospectively compared different surgical procedures of the patients and their clinical outcomes. Results show that CAR was found in all of these nine cases in imaging examinations or surgery. Among these six patients treated by suture of the carotid artery, five patients had a complete recovery without any complications, one patient underwent common carotid artery (CCA) ligation after suture surgery, but finally died of massive hemorrhage due to uncontrollable infection with carotid artery erosion. Among these three patients treated only by CCA ligation, one patient had no complications, one patient had hemiplegia, and one patient died of severe cerebral edema. Hence, timely diagnosis and open surgery are important for the patients of CAR due to foreign body ingestion. Suture of the carotid artery with muscle flap coverage is a better method compared with ligation of the carotid artery in the treatment of CAR.

Single-Institution, Multidisciplinary Experience with Surgical Resection of Primary Chest Wall Sarcomas

Primary chest wall sarcomas are rare mesenchymal tumors and their mainstay of therapy is wide surgical resection. We report our single-institution, multidisciplinary experience with full-thickness resection for primary chest wall sarcomas. A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained databases revealed that 51 patients were referred for primary chest wall sarcomas from 1990 to 2009. All patients required resections that included rib and/or sternum. Twenty-nine patients (57%) had extended resections beyond the chest wall. Forty-two patients (82%) required prosthetic reconstruction and 17 patients (33%) had muscle flap coverage. Overall, 51% (26/51) of patients received neoadjuvant therapy. Seventy-three percent (11/15) of high-grade soft tissue sarcomas, 77% (10/13) of high-risk bony sarcomas, and 67% (4/6) of desmoid tumors were treated with induction therapy. Negative margins were obtained in 46 patients (90%). There were no perioperative mortalities. Eight patients (16%) experienced complications. Local recurrence and metastasis was detected in 14 and 23%. Five-year overall and disease-free survivals were 66% and 47%, respectively. Favorable prognostic variables for survival included age ≤50 years, tumor volume ≤200 cm, desmoid tumor, bony tumor, chondrosarcoma, and low-grade soft tissue sarcoma. We report our multidisciplinary experience with primary chest wall sarcomas that included induction therapy in the majority of high-risk soft tissue and bony sarcomas and desmoid tumors. Despite aggressive preoperative treatments, acceptable surgical results with low morbidity and mortality can be achieved. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy may reduce local and distant recurrence and improve overall survival.

A multi‐disciplinary approach to the management of fungal osteomyelitis: Current concepts in post‐traumatic lower extremity reconstruction: A case report

Limb salvage in fungal osteomyelitis of the post-traumatic lower extremity represents a difficult clinical problem requiring aggressive management. We report lower extremity salvage by radical bony debridement, free tissue transfer, distraction osteogenesis with bone-docking, and a novel antifungal regimen in a clinical setting of infection with Scedosporium inflatum, historically requiring amputation in 100% of cases. We treated Scedosporium inflatum osteomyelitis of the tibia and calcaneus with radical debridement of infected bone, free partial medial rectus abdominis muscle flap coverage, transport distraction osteogenesis, and combination voriconazole/terbinafine chemotherapy, a novel antifungal regimen. We achieved successful control of the infection, limb salvage, and an excellent functional outcome through aggressive debridement of infected bone and soft tissue, elimination of dead space within the bony defect, the robust perfusion provided by the free flap, the hypervascular state induced by distraction osteogenesis, and the synergism of the novel antifungal regimen.

The scalp or how to reduce the scarring associated with the harvesting of a split-thickness skin graft in head and neck surgery

Skin grafts are commonly used in head and neck recon-struction surgery. Muscle flap coverage [1] or closure ofa flap harvesting site [2] (e.g., antebrachial radial flap)may require split-thickness autograft. Harvesting, however,involves considerable postoperative pain, and healing islong, often leaving an unsightly or pathological scar outsideof the head-and-neck region [3].Reducing the scars left by reconstruction surgery shouldbe a constant concern. It helps improve patients’ quality oflife. In this perspective, we here present a harvesting tech-nique for split-thickness skin graft from the scalp in headand neck surgery.The scalp is routinely used as a split-thickness skin graftdonor region in burn surgery [4]. It avoids leaving an extrascar, which is completely hidden and invisible once the hairgrows back.

VASCULAR GRAFT INFECTIONS MANAGEMENT

Introduction: Despite routine antibiotic prophylaxis and refinements in implantation technique, microbial infection of the vascular prostehesis can occur. Infection involving a vascular graft is difficult to eradicate. If not recognized or treated promptly, implant failure will occur by producing sepsis, hemorrhage or thrombosis. Management involves graft excision alone, graft preservation within the implant wound, in/situ graft replacement, or graft excision in conjunction with extra-anatomic bypass grafting. Matherial and method: We retrospectively analysed the operative registers of our clinic as well as the regular archives, from 2000 until 2008, searching for reported graft infections which needed excisions and extraanatomical bypasses or for conservative therapy. There were 50 patients in this interval admitted and treated in Surgical Clinic No.1, out of a total of 950 vascular interventions. 10 of them were early graft infections( 4 months). Using Szilagyi’s classification, 10 were grade I, 17 were grade II and 23 grade III.We followed antibiotic prophylaxis protocols in all of the cases, prior to first vascular intervention. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent pathogen ( 95% ) found affecting our grafts. Results: We performed 20 graft excisions for infrainguinal graft infections, with the removal of the entire graft, radical debridement of infected perigraft tissues, closure of the arteriotomies with monofilament suture and the administration of systemic and topical antibiotics. We attempted graft preservation in 5 cases of infrainguinal prosthetic bypass graft infection( with serial surgical wound debridement, coupled with antibiotic therapy, early muscle flap coverage and repeated wound cultures to identify any development of bacterial resistance or change in the microbial flora). We used the staged approach in 20 cases, beginning with drainage of the perigraft abscess, followed in 2 or 3 days by graft excision and autogenous vein grafting. We performed none in-situ replacements with Rifampin-bonded prosthesis, partly because they were not available until a few years. For the patients with infection localized to only a portion of an aortofemoral graft, we preferred, for the decreased morbidity, the excision of the infected portion of the graft(partial graft excision) and after solving the inguinal infection, a staged extra-anatomical bypass- in cases.As for the gold standard regarding the aortic graft- total graft excision and ex-situ bypass, we only performed 5 of them. 3 patients died and 2 required major amputation. Conclusions: Dissatisfaction with the morbidity and the mortality of treating vascular graft infections, regardless of location, by total graft excision and remote bypass has been the impulse for the expanded application of lately performed in-situ bypasses or even for the prophylactic use of antibiotic-bonded grafts, in carefully selected cases.

Acellular Dermal Matrix in the Treatment and Prevention of Exposed Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Ribs

Case series. To illustrate the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in treatment and prevention of exposed vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) implants. In the pediatric population with severe kyphoscoliosis, VEPTR is an effective tool during growth for the correction of ribcage deformity. Prolonged VEPTR therapy can result in wound breakdown, implant exposure, and infection. Treatment includes the use of prolonged antibiotics, muscle flaps, and, when salvage fails, removal of the VEPTR. The use of ADM in the treatment and prevention of VEPTR exposure has not been previously described. Between January 2002 and January 2010, eight patients who underwent placement of ADM for the treatment and prevention of exposed VEPTR devices were identified. Their records were reviewed for diagnosis, sex, age of patient at initial VEPTR placement, position of VEPTR placement, number of VEPTR expansions, wound complications, ADM use, adjunct procedures, and length of wound follow-up. ADM was used in eight patients. In five patients ADM was used for compromised soft tissue overlying the VEPTR and threatened exposure of the hardware. In these cases, subsequent expansions occurred without incident and the wound remained stable with an average follow-up of 7.6 months. In three patients, ADM was used for exposed VEPTR hardware secondary to wound breakdown. Average follow-up was 3.3 months. In two of the three cases of exposed and contaminated hardware, stable soft tissue coverage was achieved and continued VEPTR therapy was achieved. One of the three cases of exposure involved infected and prominent hardware with purulence. This patient failed to clear the infection and required complete device removal. ADM can treat and prevent exposed VEPTR, allowing subsequent VEPTR expansions and minimizing the need for muscle flap coverage and/or implant removal and replacement.

Reconstruction of complex groin defects with inferior epigastric artery-based rectus abdominis muscle flaps: report of two cases

Because the extremities are dependent on a single vascular supply, namely the brachial and femoral arteries, injuries around the girdles are challenging, and may contribute to high morbidity rates such as extremity loss, or even mortality due to bleeding, sepsis or vascular compromise. The reconstruction or aided closure of these regions may present additional technical difficulties in the presence of a vascular injury that complicates the use of a microvascular-free transfer, which sometimes may be needed to cover the exposed vessels, bones, tendons, and cartilages whenever the neighboring skin and subcutaneous tissue are inadequate or demised. In these circumstances, pedicled regional flaps of muscular or musculocutaneous consistency (especially if a bulk or rich vascular tissue is needed) would be an alternative. In this report, we present two cases that underwent femoral artery repair via saphenous vein grafting in the vascular surgery clinic followed by our inferiorly based pedicled rectus abdominis muscle flap coverage procedure.

Flap surgery for pressure sores: Should the underlying muscle be transferred or not?

Musculocutaneous flaps have become the first choice in the surgical repair of pressure sores, but the indication for including muscle in the transferred flaps still remains poorly defined. This study compares outcomes after muscle and non-muscle flap coverage of pressure sores to investigate whether it is still necessary to incorporate muscle tissue as part of the surgical treatment of these ulcers. A retrospective revision of 94 consecutive patients with ischial or sacral pressure sores operated between 1996 and 2002 was performed. Depending on the inclusion of muscle into the flap, the patients were divided in two groups: musculocutaneous flap group and fasciocutaneous flap group. Charts were reviewed for patient characteristics, ulcer features and reconstructive information. Data between groups were compared with emphasis on early (haematoma or seroma, dehiscence, infections, necrosis and secondary procedures) and late (recurrence) postoperative complications. A total of 37 wounds were covered with muscle and 57 wounds covered without muscle tissue. The groups were comparable in relation to age, gender, ulcer characteristics and timing for surgery. There were no significant differences in early complications between the study groups. The mean follow-up period was 3.10 ± 1.8 years (range: 0.5 to 6.7). There were no statistical differences in ulcer recurrence between the groups. The type of flap used was not associated with postoperative morbidity or recurrence in the univariate and multivariate analyses. The findings of this clinical study indicate that the musculocutaneous flaps are as good as fasciocutaneous flaps in the reconstruction of pressure sores, and they question the long-standing dogma that muscle is needed in the repair of these ulcers.

Management of early (

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy without muscle flap coverage is our primary approach for graft preservation in early, deep groin infections with and without exposed grafts; however, concerns exist regarding its safety. We report our experience in a consecutive series of patients with early groin infections managed without muscle flap closure. All patients with early (<30 day), deep vascular groin infections without (Szilagyi II) or with (Szilagyi III) exposed vascular graft or suture line between January 2004 and December 2008 were reviewed. Graft preservation followed by local wound care with VAC was attempted in all with intact anastomoses, patent grafts, and absence of systemic sepsis. Szilagyi classification, microorganism cultured, duration of VAC use, time to healing, additional interventions, and follow-up data (limb salvage, survival) were analyzed. Twenty-two patients (26 groins, mean age 69.1 +/- 9.5 years [range, 44-86 years]) presented with deep groin infections 16 +/- 5 days (range, 7-28 days) after the index procedure (bypass-polytetrafluoroethylene [n = 11], autologous vein [n = 3], endarterectomy/patch [n = 6], extra-anatomic bypass [n = 5], percutaneous closure device [n = 1]). Grafts were exposed in 12 groins (Szilagyi III, nine with suture lines). VAC was started one to six days (median, three) after operative debridement. All had positive wound cultures and received culture-directed antibiotic therapy for 47 +/- 45 days (range, 14-180 days). Length of stay was significantly more in Szilagyi III, whereas mean VAC use and time-to-healing were similar. Mean follow-up was 33.4 +/- 19.5 months (range, 2-72 months). All wounds healed (mean, 49 +/- 21 days). Two treatment failures occurred in the Szilagyi III group (17%). One patient had bleeding from the anastomotic heel eight days after debridement, had graft removal/in situ replacement and one presented with reinfection on day 117 and had partial graft removal/extra-anatomic bypass. There was no perioperative mortality or limb loss, but six late unrelated mortalities and one amputation at 46 months unrelated to the groin infection. Management of early, deep groin wound infections with debridement, antibiotics, and VAC treatment is safe and enables graft preservation in the majority of patients with minimal morbidity, no perioperative limb loss, or mortality.

Combined Midfoot Arthrodesis, Muscle Flap Coverage, and Circular External Fixation for the Chronic Ulcerated Charcot Deformity

Combined Midfoot Arthrodesis, Muscle Flap Coverage, and Circular External Fixation for the Chronic Ulcerated Charcot Deformity

Treatment of Skin Graft Donor Sites With a Unique Transparent Absorbent Acrylic Dressing

Split-thickness skin grafting is a common plastic surgical procedure to achieve quick coverage of a skin deficit, including burn reconstruction, muscle-flap coverage, and acute and chronic full-thickness wounds. Despite the varied uses of the skin graft, there is always a donor site from which the skin is harvested. The focus of our study was the treatment of the donor site.

Allograft-Prosthetic Composite Reconstruction of the Proximal Part of the Tibia

Allograft-prosthetic composite reconstruction of the proximal part of the tibia is one option following resection of a skeletal tumor. Previous studies with use of this technique have found a high prevalence of complications, including fracture, infection, extensor mechanism insufficiency, and loosening. To address some of these problems, we adopted certain measures, including muscle flap coverage, meticulous tendon reconstruction, rigid implant fixation, and careful rehabilitation. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the functional outcome and complications in patients undergoing allograft-prosthetic composite reconstruction of the proximal part of the tibia. Twelve patients who underwent allograft-prosthetic composite reconstruction of the proximal part of the tibia after tumor resection were retrospectively evaluated at a median follow-up of forty-nine months. Clinical records and radiographs were reviewed to evaluate patient outcome, healing at the allograft-host junction, function, construct survival, and complications. Nine patients had no extensor lag, and three patients had 5 degrees to 15 degrees of extensor lag. The mean amount of knee flexion was 103 degrees (range, 60 degrees to 120 degrees ). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 24.3 (81%) of a maximum of 30. Complete bone union occurred in nine patients, and partial union occurred in three patients. At the time of writing, no secondary bone-grafting procedures had been required to achieve union, and no revision or removal of the reconstruction had been performed. Rotational or free flaps provided satisfactory wound coverage in all patients. A deep infection occurred in one patient whose allograft and prosthesis were successfully retained after treatment with surgical débridement and intravenous antibiotics. After osteoarticular resection of destructive tumors of the proximal part of the tibia, an allograft-prosthetic composite reconstruction can provide consistently good functional results with an acceptably low complication rate. Technical aspects of the procedure that may favorably affect outcome include soft-tissue coverage with muscle flaps and rigid fixation with a long-stemmed implant.

Surgical Treatment of Early Wound Complications Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Wound-healing problems are a known complication after primary total knee arthroplasty. However, little is known about the clinical outcomes for patients who require surgical treatment of these early wound-healing problems. The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and long-term sequelae of early wound complications requiring surgical treatment. The total joint registry at our institution was reviewed for the period from 1981 to 2004. All knees with early wound complications necessitating surgical treatment within thirty days after the index total knee arthroplasty were identified. The cumulative probabilities for the later development of deep infection and major subsequent surgery were determined. A case-control study in which these patients were matched with an equal number of controls was performed to attempt to identify risk factors for the development of early superficial wound complications requiring surgical intervention. From 1981 to 2004, 17,784 primary total knee arthroplasties were performed at our institution. Fifty-nine knees were identified as having early wound complications necessitating surgical treatment within thirty days after the index arthroplasty, for a rate of return to surgery of 0.33%. For knees with early surgical treatment of wound complications, the two-year cumulative probabilities of major subsequent surgery (component resection, muscle flap coverage, or amputation) and deep infection were 5.3% and 6.0%, respectively. In contrast, for knees without early surgical intervention for the treatment of wound complications, the two-year cumulative probabilities were 0.6% and 0.8%, respectively (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). A history of diabetes mellitus was identified as being significantly associated with the development of early wound complications requiring surgical intervention. Patients requiring early surgical treatment for wound-healing problems after primary total knee arthroplasty are at significantly increased risk for further complications, including deep infection and/or major subsequent surgery, specifically, resection arthroplasty, amputation, or muscle flap coverage. These results emphasize the importance of obtaining primary wound-healing after total knee arthroplasty.

Estudo do alcance do retalho do músculo grande dorsal para o revestimento cutâneo da coluna

INTRODUÇÃO: A crescente indicação cirúrgica na terapêutica das patologias da coluna vertebral, ocasionada pela melhoria tecnológica aplicada ao tratamento cirúrgico, que proporciona cada vez mais uma cirurgia mais segura, mais rápida, menos invasiva e com melhores resultados funcionais, tem nos levado a um aumento nas complicações pós-operatórias da coluna vertebral. As complicações podem ser mecânicas, biológicas, estruturais ou relacionadas ao material de síntese. As infecções em cirurgia de coluna vertebral, embora raras, ocorrem em 3-6%, constituem um dilema para o cirurgião de coluna, além de graves desdobramentos clínicos para o paciente. A importância do uso do retalho do grande dorsal esta implicada na tentativa de cobertura de partes moles e melhora no padrão vascular regional. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a confiabilidade do retalho do músculo grande dorsal para cobertura de defeitos cutâneos na coluna. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram dissecados 17 músculos grande dorsal de cadáver e medido o quanto eles passavam da linha média na altura de C7, T7 e transição toracolombar. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: O estudo anatômico realizado comprovou a eficácia desse método.

Early Return to Surgery for Evacuation of a Postoperative Hematoma After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Development of a postoperative hematoma is a reported complication after primary total knee arthroplasty. However, little is known about the clinical outcomes in patients who require surgical evacuation of an acute hematoma. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and long-term sequelae of postoperative hematomas requiring surgical evacuation. From 1981 to 2004, 17,784 primary total knee arthroplasties were performed at our institution. Forty-two patients (forty-two knees) returned to the operating room within thirty days of the index arthroplasty for evacuation of a postoperative hematoma. A case-control study, with forty-two patients matched one-to-one with forty-two control subjects, was performed to attempt to identify risk factors for the development of postoperative hematoma requiring surgical evacuation. The rate of return to surgery within thirty days for evacuation of a postoperative hematoma was 0.24% (95% confidence interval, 0.17% to 0.32%). For patients undergoing postoperative hematoma evacuation, the two-year cumulative probabilities of undergoing subsequent major surgery (component resection, muscle flap coverage, or amputation) or having a deep infection develop were 12.3% (95% confidence interval, 1.6% to 22.4%) and 10.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.2% to 20.2%), respectively. In contrast, for knees without early hematoma evacuation, the two-year cumulative probabilities were 0.6% (95% confidence interval, 0.5% to 0.7%) and 0.8% (95% confidence interval, 0.6% to 0.9%), respectively (p < 0.001 for both outcomes). A history of a bleeding disorder was identified as having a significant association with the development of a hematoma requiring surgical evacuation (p = 0.046). Patients who return to the operating room within thirty days after the index total knee arthroplasty for evacuation of a postoperative hematoma are at significantly increased risk for the development of deep infection and/or undergoing subsequent major surgery. These results support all efforts to minimize the risk of postoperative hematoma formation.

Evolving Microbiology and Treatment of Extracavitary Prosthetic Graft Infections

The authors report the microbiology and outcomes following an individualized treatment algorithm for extracavitary (EC) prosthetic graft infection, including the use of graft preservation and in situ graft replacement techniques. A retrospective 8-year review of 87 patients treated for EC prosthetic graft infections was carried out. The treatment algorithm included culture-specific antibiotic therapy, surgical site debridement with antibiotic bead placement, selected graft preservation with muscle flap coverage, or graft excision with in situ conduit replacement. Outcomes measured included death, limb loss, and recurrent infection. It was found that present-day management of EC prosthetic graft infections is associated with lower mortality and morbidity despite changes in microbiology and the increased application of graft preservation and in situ grafting treatments.

External fixation in early treatment of severe open tibiofibular fractures following earthquake

Objective To evaluate the external fixators used in early treatment of severe open tibiofibular fractures following the 5.12 earthquake in Sichuan, China. Methods From 12th to 17th of May, 2008, we admitted a total of 116 open tibiofibular fractures of grade Ⅲ in 83 patients who were injured in the Sichuan earthquake catastrophe. They were treated by radical debridement combined with external fixation. Early effects of our treatment were analyzed in terms of incidence of deep infection, amputation and wound healing. Results The short term observation showed that the overall infection rate for all grade Ⅲ open tibiofibular fractures was 17.2% (20 factures). Amputation of limbs was done for 9 fractures of grade Ⅲ C due to ischemic necrosis and 1 fracture of grade III b due to infective necrosis complicated with septicopyemia. The total amputation rate was 8.62%. Twenty injured limbs had deep infections which were controlled by repeated debridement and curettage. Union rate was 100% among all the saved limbs, although some cases required free tissue transfer or rotational muscle flap coverage. Wounds healed by first intention in 52 cases and by second intension in 54 cases. Conclusion In the early treatment of severe open tibiofibular fractures following an earthquake, external fixation may be a useful instrumentation. Key words: Earthquake; Tibia; Fibula; Fracture, open; External fixator

Use of the Greater Omentum for Reconstruction of Infected Sternotomy Wounds

Use of the omentum for poststernotomy mediastinitis is typically viewed as a last resort. Formal debridement and muscle flap coverage is sufficient most of the time; however, there are situations when the omental flap is more appropriate. The purpose of this series is to critically evaluate the outcome in those patients who require omental flap reconstruction of poststernotomy mediastinitis. A retrospective review was performed on consecutive patients undergoing omentum flap transposition for poststernotomy mediastinitis from 1990-2005 at Emory University Hospitals. Data points queried included patient demographics, risk factors, type of reconstruction, and outcome. Patient survival was determined at 60 days and 1, 3, and 5 years postomentum reconstruction using the Social Security Death Index. These data points were compared with age- and risk-matched patients from our institution, treated during the same time period with muscle flaps alone. Fifty-two patients had omental flap reconstruction, with an average age of 61 years (range: 35 to 78). The average follow-up was 5.1 years (range: 1 day to 15 years). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the most common organism identified at time of omental transfer (56%). The omentum was used either for primary reconstruction, n = 35/52 (67%), or as a salvage procedure following failed muscle flap coverage, n = 17/52 (33%). Complications included donor site 27%, flap related 23%, and general 71% of patients. Those patients undergoing salvage reconstruction had a proportionally greater 60-day mortality (24%) and complication rate. The overall mortality was higher in those patients who required an omental flap transfer when compared with 52 muscle-flap controls (42% versus 18% at 3 years). The greater omentum is still an invaluable tool in the management of mediastinal wound infections when other options have failed or are insufficient. Although reliable and well indicated, the omental flap appears to be a marker for increased mortality, especially when used as a salvage procedure. This association is not directly related to the omental flap but rather to the complexity of the clinical situation leading up to its use. Patients who require omental flap coverage should be counseled and treated appropriately.

Management of exposed total knee prostheses with microvascular tissue transfer

Exposure of a knee endoprosthesis represents a limb-threatening condition, requiring long-term antibiosis, irrigation, and serial debridement to avoid knee arthrodesis or amputation. Although traditional orthopedic surgical doctrine mandates removal of exposed hardware under a dehisced wound, salvage of exposed prostheses using local muscle flap coverage has been reported. However, the complex three-dimensional geometry of the soft tissue surrounding the knee as well as the requirement for sustained local tissue levels of antibiotics to re-sterilize the hardware suggest that microvascular tissue transfer may constitute an advantageous means of wound coverage, increasing both limb and prosthesis salvage rates. We report our experience with free tissue transfer reconstruction of these complex wounds. We treated 11 complex wounds with exposed total knee arthroplasty prostheses with free tissue transfer. Three of 11 patients had failed previous local muscular rotation flap coverage. Five latissimus dorsi muscle flaps and 6 rectus abdominis muscle flaps were used in our series. Wounds were closed after aggressive surgical debridement, antibiotic irrigation, and intravenous antibiosis. Eleven of 11 free flaps were successful (100%), and we achieved limb salvage in 11/11 limbs (100%) and prosthesis salvage in 10/11 knees (91%), with one prosthesis removed at an outside facility followed by knee arthrodesis. The advantages of microvascular tissue transfer are well suited to the treatment of exposed knee endoprostheses. The reliable rectus and latissimus flaps provide robust local perfusion to the wound, fill complex three-dimensional contour defects around knee implants, and lead to a high rate of salvage of both limbs and prostheses.