Muscle Flap Research Articles

Reconstruction for extensive sacrococcygeal defects in complex tumor patients with personalized customized gluteus maximus myocutaneous flaps

AimTo evaluate the clinical effects of personalized customized gluteus maximus myocutaneous flaps (GMMF) for reconstruction of extensive sacrococcygeal soft tissue defects in complex tumor patients. MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted on 8 patients who underwent personalized customized GMMF reconstruction for large sacrococcygeal defect from December 2021 to August 2023. The personalized customized GMMF were designed based on the variations of tissue defect in location, shape and volume of different dead spaces. The principle of the personalized GMMF is to ensure that the rotation point of the flap can reach the farthest end of the defect. Patient demographics, operative characteristics, and perioperative risk factors were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were assessed, focusing on complications such as flap necrosis, wound dehiscence, infection, seroma, and hematoma. ResultsSix patients with rectal cancer and two with sacral tumors underwent personalized customized GMMF reconstruction for extensive sacrococcygeal defects. The average volume of the wound cavity was 104 mL, with a mean vertical depth was 10.8 cm. Six patients had low serum albumin (<35 g/L). After a mean follow-up of 15.5 months, no major complications occurred, except for one seroma that resolved within 2 weeks. ConclusionThe personalized customized GMMF described in this study is an effective method for reconstructing large sacrococcygeal wounds with significant depth in complex tumor patients. It allows for greater rotation of the muscle flap into the sacrococcygeal wound defect and provides adequate blood supply by utilizing the bulk of muscle tissue to obliterate dead space.

Dynamic Repair Surgery for Late-Stage Facial Paralysis: Advances in Restoring Movement and Function.

Purpose: Facial paralysis results from congenital or acquired facial nerve damage, leading to significant cosmetic and functional deficits. Surgical resection of parotid and midface tumors can cause facial paralysis, necessitating effective treatment strategies. This review addresses the challenge of restoring movement and function in late-stage facial paralysis, focusing on dynamic repair techniques involving nerve and muscle transplantation. Methods: The review encompasses studies on dynamic repair surgery for late facial paralysis, including techniques such as local muscle flap with pedicle transfer, vascularized nerve flap with pedicle transfer, and multiple muscle flap procedures. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering studies from 2000 to 2024. Keywords included "dynamic repair", "late-stage facial paralysis", "nerve and muscle transplantation", "muscle flap", and "tendon transposition". Included were clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses reporting surgical outcomes. Exclusion criteria included studies with insufficient data and non-peer-reviewed articles. Results: Dynamic repair techniques involving nerve and muscle transplantation are essential for treating late-stage facial paralysis. Each surgical method has strengths and limitations. The masseter muscle flap demonstrates high success rates, although it can cause horizontal tension and jaw contour issues. The temporalis muscle flap is effective for smile restoration but may lead to temporal concavity. The gracilis muscle flap is widely used, especially with dual nerve innervation, showing high success in spontaneous smiles but requiring a longer recovery period. The latissimus dorsi flap is effective but can cause edema and shoulder issues. The serratus anterior free flap offers flexibility with precise vector positioning but may not achieve adequate lip elevation and can cause cheek swelling. Combined multi-flap surgeries provide more natural facial expressions but increase surgical complexity and require advanced microsurgical skills. Conclusions: Dual nerve innervation shows promise for restoring spontaneous smiles. One-stage surgery offers faster recovery and reduced financial burden. Comprehensive patient evaluation is crucial to select the most suitable surgical method. Dynamic repair techniques involving nerve and muscle transplantation provide effective solutions for restoring function and aesthetics in late-stage facial paralysis. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, patient satisfaction, and standardizing surgical protocols to optimize treatment strategies.

To Shrink or Not to Shrink? An Objective Assessment of Free Gracilis Muscle Volume Change in Lower-Extremity Defect Reconstruction.

Background: The use of free gracilis muscle flaps in reconstructive surgery of the lower leg is common practice to cover defects. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the morphometric changes that occur in the transferred muscle and area of interest over time, particularly the characteristic volume decrease that is observed over the course of the first year. This study aimed to assess volume changes in patients with free gracilis muscle flap reconstruction following infection, trauma, or malignancies of the lower extremity. Methods: Three-dimensional surface imaging was performed intraoperatively after 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months with the Vectra H2 system. A total of 31 patients were included in this study and analyzed. Results: There was an average volume increase of 146.67 ± 29.66% 2 weeks after reconstruction. Compared to this volume increase, there was a reduction of 108.44 ± 13.62% after 12 months (p < 0.05). Overall, we found a shrinkage to 85.53 ± 20.14% of the intraoperative baseline volume after 12 months. Conclusions: The use of non-invasive 3D surface imaging is a valuable tool for volume monitoring after free flap reconstruction of the lower extremity. The free gracilis muscle flap undergoes different phases of volume change over the first year, with the greatest influence on overall change being the development and decongestion of edema. Precise initial surgical tailoring is crucial for optimal long-term functional and cosmetic results.

Versatility of the myocutaneous pectoralis major flap in oncology reconstruction: A literature review and practical application.

Pectoralis major muscle flaps are considered versatile and allow large reconstructions of anatomical defects within a single surgical procedure. Considered a "workhorse" due to these characteristics, the pectoralis major muscle is an excellent option for surgical reconstruction. Several uses of this flap are described in the literature, such as protection of the jugulocarotid system after cervical lymph node dissection, oral, cervical, breast, diaphragmatic, hypopharyngeal, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and esophageal reconstructions.

Reconstruction of functional human lips utilizing a prelaminated flap.

Lips form a structure that are difficult to reconstruct after a traumatic avulsion injury or cancer ablative surgery secondary to loss of volumetric muscle mass. Traditional tissue engineering approaches of in vitro fabrication of mature tissue constructs can supply an alternative to the current surgical standard of care for functional lip reconstruction. We demonstrate a hybrid approach that combines the advantages of in situ muscle flap prefabrication with in vitro fabrication of an autogenous mucocutaneous construct as the laminate for prelamination to form a designer microvascular muscle free flap for lip reconstruction.

Novel use of the rectus abdominus muscle flap for vaginal reconstruction in complex obstetric fistula repair: A case series.

Globally, obstetric fistula is a tragic outcome following obstructed labour. Failure of complex repair and post-operative incontinence are common. We describe an innovative surgical technique incorporating the rectus abdominus flap at the time of fistula repair. Retrospective case series. Malawi, Fistula Care Centre. Patients were followed for 3 months after discharge to determine continence and healing. Five of six patients were continent at 3 months and one was lost to follow-up by dry at a one month post-operative phone call. There were no major complications. The rectus abdominus flap may be a useful adjunct to repair of complex obstetric fistula.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy outcomes in post-irradiated patient undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction: A preliminary retrospective comparative study

Radiotherapy is a challenge in autologous breast reconstruction because of its impact on cutaneous and vascular systems. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a recognized treatment of radiation-related complications. We aimed to assess the impact of perioperative HBOT on irradiated breast microvascular reconstructive outcomes. We reviewed the medical charts of patients who received radiotherapy and then underwent secondary free autologous breast reconstruction at our institution. Data on demographics, HBOT protocol, intervention characteristics and post-operative complications were collected. Outcomes of the irradiated patients were then compared between the HBOT and non-HBOT groups. Fourteen patients were included (11 unilateral and 2 bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps and 1 free transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap). Seven patients received HBOT and 7 did not. In the non-HBOT group, there were 1 Clavien-Dindo grade II, 1 Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa and 2 Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb post-operative complications. In the HBOT group, there were 3 Clavien-Dindo grade I, 1 Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa and 2 Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb post-operative complications. The mean operative time was 452.3 minutes (SD ±62.4 minutes) for unilateral cases without HBOT and 457.8 minutes (SD ±102.1 minutes) with HBOT (p=0.913). Mean ischaemia time per flap without HBOT was 109.4 minutes (SD ±51.8 minutes) versus 80.1 minutes (SD ±37.7 minutes) in the HBOT group (p=0.249). This study provides insights into the potential of HBOT treatment in preparing patients with irradiated breast cancer for secondary autologous reconstruction.

Rectus abdominis muscle flap in complex vesico-vaginal fistula repair: unique situation, uncommon option

BackgroundComplex vesico-vaginal fistulae (VVF) pose unique surgical challenges and necessitate the use of interposition tissue to ensure surgical success. Herein, we describe a case of complex VVF with right uretero-vaginal fistula post radical surgery for locally advanced ovarian cancer and chemotherapy in which the rectus abdominis muscle flap was used as the interposition tissue, as the more routine used options such as omentum and peritoneum were removed in the prior radical surgery.Case presentationWe describe a case report of a vesico-vaginal and right uretero-vaginal fistula in a 34-year-old female post ovarian cancer radical surgery managed surgically with the traditional transvesical technique of repair and ureteric reimplantation with a unique interposition with rectus abdominis muscle considering the absence of the more routine options.ConclusionComplex VVFs pose unique surgical challenges and necessitate the use of interposition tissue to ensure surgical success. The inferior pedicle based rectus abdominis muscle flap is an excellent interposition tissue for repairs via the transabdominal approach especially in scenarios where the more routine options are unavailable.

Unusual Multiple and Bilateral Combinations of Arterial and Neural Variations in the Axillae of Single Cadaver

Nerve During the dissection of the axillae and upper limbs of an 80-year-old male donor, multiple vascular and neural variations were encountered. On the right side, the thoracoacromial artery and the lateral thoracic artery were absent. On the left side the subscapular artery was absent, and the posterior cord of the brachial plexus gave branch to two upper subscapular nerves and then divided into radial nerve and a common stem that branched into thoracodorsal nerve, lower subscapular nerve, nerves to teres major and minor muscles and the axillary nerve. Additionally, in the left arm there was a variant communication between the musculocutaneous nerve and the median nerve. Although the existence of these variations is well documented in the literature as individual entities or few combinations, the occurrence of such multiple variations in a single cadaver in a limited area of the body involving vessel and nerves is not common. A multitude of variations in a small area of the body such as this can be a source of diagnostic and imaging interpretation errors. Unpredictable iatrogenic injuries can also occur during various procedures in the area such as during preparation of muscle flap, mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery of the breast and other clinical procedures including shoulder arthroplasty.

Outcomes of Muscle versus Fasciocutaneous Free Flap Reconstruction in Acute Burns: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Free flap reconstruction in acute burns is high risk but often required for limb salvage and coverage of vital structures. Prior studies have shown a flap loss rate up to 44%. This study aimed to compare the complications associated with muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps in acute burn reconstruction. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered on the PROSPERO database (CDR42023471088). The databases accessed were Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was free flap failure rate based on flap type. Secondary outcomes included venous congestion, arterial thrombosis, amputation, and need for reintervention. Twelve studies with 181 free flaps were included: 87 muscle flaps and 94 fasciocutaneous flaps. Muscle flaps had a higher risk ratio (RR) for total flap loss [RR: 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-5.32, P = 0.04], arterial thrombosis (RR: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.17-8.42, P = 0.02), and amputations (RR: 8.89, 95% CI: 1.27-70.13, P = 0.03) compared with fasciocutaneous flaps. No significant differences were found in venous thrombosis (RR: 1.33, 95% CI: 0.37-4.78, P = 0.65) or need for reinterventions (RR: 1.34, 95% CI: 0.77-2.32, P = 0.29). Muscle flaps in burn injuries are associated with higher risks of flap failure, arterial thrombosis, and amputations. Fasciocutaneous free flaps in acute burns seem to be safer with better outcomes, though further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Unusual Presentation of Giant Malignant Melanoma in the Deltoid: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

AbstractThe term giant melanoma was previously characterized as a significantly large melanoma, often exceeding 10 cm in diameter. The present case report presents our experience in managing a giant malignant melanoma in the deltoid region in a 79-year-old patient. Due to the size of the lesion, surgical resection with reconstruction using the pectoralis major muscle flap to cover the defect was chosen. The results showed that experimental treatment regimens and new therapeutic agents and techniques should be considered, since giant melanomas are often associated with several negative prognostic factors. Therefore, more studies are necessary for a better understanding of this pathology, which requires a multidisciplinary team for its treatment.

Pulsed Radiofrequency in the Management of Postsurgical Abdominal Wall Chronic Pain: A Report From a Single Oncological Center.

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is defined as pain that develops or increases in intensity after a surgical procedure or tissue injury and persists beyond the healing process, lasting at least three months after the precipitating event. Often neuropathic in nature, CPSP can be challenging to manage. CPSP is a common complication, with data suggesting an incidence ranging from 5% to 85%, depending on the type of procedure. Meralgia paresthetica (MP) and ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric neuralgias (IH/IL N) are two possible clinical scenarios of CPSP following lower abdominal procedures. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is a minimally invasive technique of peripheral neuromodulation effective in various pain etiologies; however, evidence is scarce regarding its use in MP and IH/IL N. This case series aims to assess the potential role of PRF in the management of CPSP following abdominal wall procedures. This case series was set in a single oncological center between January 2017 and February 2022 and included adult patients (>18 years old) referred to our unit with a high suspicion of postsurgical MP or IH/IL N refractory to conservative treatment. PRF was performed after a positive diagnostic block in patients whose pain could not be controlled despite optimal medical treatment. The efficacy of PRF was assessed regarding pain intensity using the verbal numeric scale (VNS) and the duration of pain relief in weeks. The follow-up period was from the initial PRF procedure to the end of data collection. Parametric data were presented as mean and standard deviation (SD), and non-parametric data as median (minimum-maximum). Seventeen patients were included: 82.35% (n=14) were female, and the mean age was 58.0 ± 11.35 years. MP was present in 47.1% (n=8) and IH/IL N in 52.9% (n=9). Transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap reconstruction (TRAM) was the most common procedure (n=5, 29.41%). Diagnostic blocks were performed in 88.24% (n=15) of the patients. Initial VNS scores were 7.59 ± 2.62; 2.82 ± 2.62 at 24 hours; and 2.47 ± 1.58 at 15 days. During follow-up, 70.59% (n=12) of patients had no recurrence of initial symptoms. A second PRF was performed in 29.41% (n=5) cases based on the recurrence of symptoms, following a mean period of pain relief of 112 (8-238) weeks. No major or minor complications were identified during early or late follow-up. PRF can be a useful tool to improve the multimodal management of postsurgical abdominal wall chronic pain.

A single-center retrospective comparison of muscle versus cutaneous free flaps for posterior elbow defect reconstruction

IntroductionComparative data regarding free flap outcomes for elbow defect reconstruction is still lacking. This study aims to compare complication rates of free muscle (MFs) versus cutaneous flaps (CFs) for posterior elbow reconstruction. MethodsIn a single-center retrospective analysis, patients with free MFs and CFs for posterior elbow reconstruction from 2000 until 2021 were analyzed. Retrospective chart review included patient demographics, operative details, and postoperative complications. Compared outcomes of interest were microvascular complications, partial or total flap necroses, wound dehiscence, hematoma or flap infection, and donor-site complications. ResultsSixty-six free flaps (CFs: n=42; MFs: n=24) were included, with a trend over time towards using CFs (64%). MFs were used for larger defects (CF: 175 ± 82 vs MF: 212 ± 146 cm2; p=0.13). Outcome analysis revealed an equal distribution of microvascular complications (10% vs 13%; p=0.7), partial flap necrosis (7% vs 8%; p>0.9), wound dehiscence (7% vs 4%; p>0.9), evacuation of hematoma (10% vs 4%; p = 0.7), and infection (0% vs 4%; p = 0.4). Total flap necrosis requiring additional flap surgery was necessary in one CF (2%) and in no MF (0%) (p>0.9). ConclusionSurgical outcomes, flap necrosis rates, and microsurgical complications did not differ between CFs and MFs. Both flap types are safe and effective options. The free anterolateral thigh and latissimus dorsi flaps represent indispensable workhorses for the reconstruction of extensive elbow defects.

Clinical Effect of Combined Fascia Sheath Suspension With Shortening Levator Muscle on Severe Blepharoptosis.

To study the clinical effect of conjoint fascial sheath (CFS) suspension and levator palpebrae superioris muscle shortening in the treatment of severe blepharoptosis. Forty-five patients with severe blepharoptosis (75 eyes) from May 2020 to February 2022 in the authors' hospital were divided into 2 groups: group A (n = 33, 43 eyes) and group B (n = 24, 32 eyes). Group A was operated on by CFS + levator muscle shortening, and group B was operated on by frontal muscle flap suspension + levator muscle shortening. Both groups were followed up for 12 months (until February 2023). The clinical effect was counted in 6 months after operation, the early complications were counted in 1 month after operation, and the late complications were counted in 1 month to 12 months after operation. Margin to corneal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and palpebral fissure height (PFH) were recorded before, 1 week, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively, and the amount of eyelid retrogression was counted again. The good correction rate was 90.70% in group A, higher than in group B (71.88%), and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05); the early postoperative complication rate was 9.30%, lower than in group B (24.38%), and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05); the late postoperative complication rate was 2.33%, lower than group B (18.75%), and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). The MRD1 and PFH of group A were higher than those of group B (P< 0.05) at 3 months postoperatively and 12 months postoperatively; the MRD1 and PFH of group A were lower than those of group B (P< 0.05) at 3 months postoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Repeated measurement analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences in the main effects of MRD1, PFH, eyelid retrogression, and time in group A and group B (P< 0.05), and there was interaction between intervention and time (P< 0.05). Conjoint fascial sheath suspension combined with levator palpebrae superioris muscle shortening can effectively improve MRD1 and PFH, and the amount of upper eyelid retraction is controllable 1 year after operation.

Racial and ethnic disparities in reception of muscle flap closure during oncologic spinal surgery

BackgroundRacial disparities persist in surgical outcomes after spine surgery for primary and metastatic cancers. Muscle flap closure of spinal defects after oncologic resection has been shown to reduce wound complication rate with favorable cost-effectiveness. It is currently unknown whether racial disparities may affect the reception of this treatment. MethodsSpinal surgery procedures for tumor resection and subsequent reconstruction were identified in the 2011-2022 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases. Cases were propensity score matched for covariates like age, comorbidities, number of vertebral levels reconstructed, and length of stay to isolate the predictive impact of race on reception of muscle flap closure (p<0.05). Results9,467 patients that underwent oncologic spine surgery and had known race and ethnicity were identified in the final cohort. Two hundred thirty-two (2.5%) cases included muscle flap closure during the index surgery. After matching (n=4,196), minority race/ethnicity was associated with lower rates of muscle flap closure (2.2%) than non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity (3.8%) (p=0.0037). Upon weighted univariate logistic regression, minority racial and ethnic identification also predicted lower likelihood of muscle flap closure (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.52-0.63, p<0.001). Among patients who received muscle flap closure, overall rate of all, major, or minor thirty-day postoperative complications were not different depending on race and ethnicity (p>0.05). ConclusionThere are evident racial disparities in the reception of muscle flap closure after oncologic spine surgery. Further work may investigate the role of intersecting socioeconomic factors like insurance status and hospital characteristics. LAY SUMMARYMuscle flap closure is a surgical technique within plastic surgery that has been associated with lower rates of complications after spine surgery to remove tumors. Our study shows that minority racial and ethnic groups are less likely on average to receive muscle flap closure. Data availability statementThe data that support the findings of this study are publicly available.

Analysis of the use of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap in breast reconstruction

Analysis of the use of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap in breast reconstruction

The free vastus lateralis-And conjoined vastus lateralis anterolateral thigh/tensor fascia lata flap for oncological chest wall reconstruction.

A reconstructive option for extensive chest wall reconstruction is the free myocutaneous vastus lateralis muscle (VL) flap which can be performed in isolation or in conjunction with a fasciocutaneus anterolateral thigh (cVLALT) and/or myofasciocutaneous tensor fascia lata flap (cVLTFL). We aimed to directly compare the outcomes of these reconstructive options. Patients who underwent oncological chest wall reconstruction with a free VL, cVLALT, or cVLTFL flap between February 2010 and 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, as well as medical and reconstructive outcomes, were evaluated. The operative outcomes between myocutaneous VL, cVLALT, and cVLTFL flap reconstructions were compared. A total of 41 patients underwent chest wall reconstruction with a free myocutaneous VL (n = 25; 61%), cVLALT (n = 14; 34%), or cVLTFL Three acute flap thromboses occurred in the entire cohort (3/41, 7%), with one myocutaneous VL flap failing because of recurrent venous thrombosis during the salvage procedure. Total flap necrosis was seen in two cases (5%; VL flap: n = 1; cVLALT flap: n = 1), and partial flap necrosis in one VL flap (1/25, 4%) and in the distal ALT portion of three cVLALT flaps (3/14, 21%). No significant difference was seen between isolated VL and conjoined VL flaps regarding the partial (p = .28) or total flap necrosis rate (p = .9). The free (conjoined) VL flap provides reliable outcomes for obliterating dead space achieving durable reconstruction of complex chest wall defects.

Rate of Free Flap Failure and Return to the Operating Room in Lower Limb Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Background: Soft tissue defects of the lower limbs pose significant challenges in reconstructive surgery, accounting for approximately 10% of all reconstructive free flaps performed. These reconstructions often encounter higher complication rates due to various factors such as inflammation, infection, impaired blood flow, and nerve injuries. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, reviewing literature from 2017 to 2024. Eligible studies included those on free flap reconstruction of lower limb defects in living human subjects, with more than three cases and reported rates of flap failure and return to the operating room. Systematic reviews and metanalysis were excluded. Results: A total of 17 studies comprising 5061 patients and 5133 free flap reconstructions were included. The most common defects were in the lower leg (52.19%) due to trauma (79.40%). The total flap necrosis rate was 7.78%, the partial necrosis rate was 9.15%, and the rate of return to the operating room for suspected vascular compromise was 13.79%. Discussion: Lower limb reconstruction presents challenges due to diverse etiologies and variable tissue requirements. Factors such as recipient vessel availability, flap selection, and multidisciplinary approaches influence outcomes. Muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps remain common choices, each with advantages and limitations. This systematic review underscores the importance of individualized treatment planning. Conclusions: Microsurgical reconstruction of lower limb defects demonstrates safety and reliability, with overall favorable outcomes. Flap selection should be tailored to specific patient needs and defect characteristics, emphasizing meticulous surgical techniques and multidisciplinary collaboration. This systematic review provides valuable insights into current standards and encourages adherence to best practices in lower limb reconstruction.

Are There Differences in Short-Term Postoperative Outcomes Among Surgical Subspecialists Performing Lower Extremity Flap Procedures? A National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) Analysis of 1324 Patients

Introduction: Soft tissue flaps are an integral and versatile tool to help manage soft tissue defects of varying severities. These complex procedures can be done by a variety of specialties and can lead to a variety of postoperative complications. Locoregional flaps are the middle rung of the reconstructive ladder and can be performed by surgeons of various training pathways. The profile of patients and their complications when stratified by surgical specialty is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term postoperative outcomes between surgical subspecialists performing a locoregional flap of the lower extremity to determine factors influencing complication rates. Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology code 15,738 to identify adult patients undergoing a muscle, myocutaneous, or fasciocutaneous lower extremity flap procedure from 2016 to 2019. We examined the primary outcome of a pooled wound complication rate with secondary outcomes including the individual NSQIP wound- and nonwound complications. Results: A total of 1324 patients were identified. Plastic surgeons performed 926 (70%) procedures, general surgeons performed 243 (18%) procedures, orthopedic surgeons performed 89 (7%) procedures, and vascular surgeons performed 66 (5%) procedures. On multivariate analysis, surgical subspecialty was not associated with the primary outcome, but malignancy-related operations and nonelective status were considered significant. Conclusions: Patient characteristics, but not surgeon subspecialty, account for the variation in patient outcomes in lower extremity flap reconstruction. Larger, prospective studies examining these outcomes are needed to further characterize complication risk factors in this patient population.

A retrospective study of the anterolateral thigh perforator flap in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the leg with skin defects

BackgroundAs a chronic inflammatory process, chronic osteomyelitis is caused by bacterial infections that lead to bone destruction. This disease is more common in patients with open fractures and those undergoing multiple surgical procedures after trauma. We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview and critical assessment of the therapeutic efficacy of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap in the management of chronic osteomyelitis with dermatologic and soft tissue imperfections localized in the lower extremity. MethodsA retrospective analysis involving a cohort of 16 patients who underwent ALT perforator flap reconstruction for the management of chronic osteomyelitis in the calf region that manifested with integumentary deficiencies was conducted. ResultsDuring the follow-up period spanning from 4 months to 2 years, all 16 patients who underwent ALT perforator flap transplantation exhibited flap viability. Among these cases, 15 patients made a full recovery from the infection and 1 patient had partial survival. Among the 15 cases, 2 patients developed vascular crisis (owing to venous thrombosis during surgical exploration). One patient had a relapse of the disease 1-year post-surgery. The success rate of this surgical method was 15/16, and the surgical complications included flap crisis, flap necrosis, delayed wound healing, and recurrence of infection. ConclusionThe ALT perforator flap, which can cover bone and soft tissues and effectively control infections, can be applied to the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the lower limbs with skin defects. Overall, the muscle flap fills the dead space and medullary cavity and skin flap covers the skin defect.