An alternative approach in the treatment of thumb web contracture skin defects： lateral tarsal artery flap

Background Thumb web contracture is a common complication after hand injury, and can markedly affect whole hand function. Therefore, surgery involving thumb web reconstruction is often necessary to restore normal function of the involved hand. In this study, we present the application of the lateral tarsal artery （LTA） flap in first web reconstruction. Methods From November 1, 2005 to October 31, 2007, seven patients with severe post trauma or burn contractures around the first web space were treated with a LTA flap. All the patients were followed up. Results All flaps survived, with an average size of 6.7 cm×4.8 cm. There were no complications or recurrent contractures during follow-up. All patients were satisfied with the esthetic appearance and functional outcome of the reconstruction. Conclusion The L＇I-A flap could be an excellent option for covering various defects in the thumb web space, serving as an excellent alternative for the thumb web space reconstruction.

Supraclavicular artery island flap for reconstruction of hypopharynx and upper esophagus defects:A case report and literature review

We report a case of a 74-year-old female with hypopharyngeal cancer who developed a pharyngoesophageal fistula and neck skin defect after total laryngectomy.To reconstruct the hypopharynx,upper esophagus,and neck skin defect,we used a supraclavicular artery island flap(SCAIF)for one-stage reconstruction.SCAIF offered reliable blood supply,minimal donor site morbidity,and excellent cosmetic outcomes.Although a small portion of the flap developed necrosis,it healed without surgical intervention.We also conducted a literature review of previously published articles on SCAIF for head and neck reconstruction.Our review highlights the advantages and limitations of SCAIF as a promising option for one-stage reconstruction of complex hypopharyngeal and upper esophageal defects with neck skin defects in selected patients.This case report provides valuable insights into the use of SCAIF in complex head and neck reconstructions,which can help improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Application of fascial flaps of supraclavicular artery in repair of neck scar contracture

Objective To observe eflect uf fascial flaps of supraclavicular artery on treatment of neck scar contracture. Methods The supraclavicular flaps were designed according to direction of supraclavicular arteries and transferred into detective areas caused by scar releasing.

Applied anatomy of radial midforearm flap pedicled with intermuscular branch of radial artery

To provide anatomic basis for transposition of vascularized radial midforearm flap.Methods On 40 adult cadaveric upper limb specimens injected with red dye,the origin,course,branchs,diameters and anastomosis of intermuscular branch of radial artery and its cutaneous branch were observed.Results Originating from radial artery,intermuscular branch of radial artery descended along periosteum closely between pronator teres and supinator,the main stem was (4.8±1.0)cm in length and (1.2±0.2)mm in diameter.After its periosteal branches were sent off to distribute over middle and inferior shaft of radius,its cutaneous branch perforated from intermuscle and deep fascia and anastomosed with some other cutaneous branches in the forearm.Perforating point of the cutaneous branch was located (11.1±1.3)cm beneath lateral epicondyle of humerus,its diameter was about (0.6±0.1)mm.Conclusion Radial midforrarm flap pedicled with intermuscular branch of radial artery can be transferred to repair soft tissue defect of elbow,forearm or hand.7 refs.

Repairing small wounds around ankle by medial planta island flaps pedicled with anterior tibial artery perforator in front of inner malleolus

Objective To discuss the application of medial planta island flaps pedicled with anterior tibial artery perforator in front of inner malleolus for repairing small wounds around ankle Methods From Jan. 2005 to Jun. 2009,10 cases with small wounds around ankle

Quadrilobed superior gluteal artery perforator flap for sacrococcygeal defects

Background Perforator flaps are used extensively in repairing soft tissue defects. Superior gluteal artery perforator flaps are used for repairing sacral defects, but the tension required for direct closure of the donor area after harvesting of relatively large flaps carries a risk of postoperative dehiscence. This research was to investigate a modified superior gluteal artery perforator flap for repairing sacrococcygeal soft tissue defects. Methods From June 2003 to April 2010, we used our newly designed superior gluteal artery perforator flap for repair of sacrococcygeal soft tissue defects in 10 patients （study group）. The wound and donor areas were measured, and the flaps were designed accordingly. Wound healing was assessed over a follow-up period of 6-38 months. From January 1998 to February 2003, twelve patients with sacrococcygeal pressure sores were treated with traditional methods, VY advancement flaps or oblong flaps, as control group. Results After debridement, the soft tissue defects ranged from 12 cm× 10 cm to 26 cm× 22 cm （mean 16.3 cm× 13.5 cm）. Four patients were treated using right-sided flaps ranging from 15 cm × 11 cm to 25 cm × 20 cm （mean 18.2 cm × 14 cm）. Four patients were treated using left-sided flaps, and two were treated using both right- and left-sided flaps. Suction drains were removed on postoperative Days 3-21 （mean 5.9） and sutures were removed on postoperative Days 12-14. Each flap included 1-2 perforators for each of the donor and recipient sites. Donor sites were closed directly. All flaps survived. In eight patients, the wounds healed after single-stage surgery. After further debridement, the wounds of the remaining two patients were considered healed on postoperative Days 26 and 33, respectively. The rate of first intention in the study group （80%, 8/10） significantly increased than that of control group （（25%, 3/12）, X2=4.583, P=0.032）. Follow-up examinations found that the flaps had a soft texture without ulceration. In the two patients without paraplegia, the range of motion of the hip joints was not affected. Conclusion The use of the quadrilobed superior gluteal artery perforator flap can overcome the disadvantages of traditional perforator flaps and represents an improved approach for repairing soft tissue defects in the sacrococcygeal region.

Twenty years of experience with the rabbit model,a versatile model for tracheal transplantation research

Pathologies comprising more than half the length of the trachea are a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon.Innovative tracheal transplantation techniques aim to offer the patient a curative solution with a sustained improvement in quality of life.This review summarizes the authors’experience with the rabbit as a versatile model for research regarding tracheal transplantation.Because of the segmental blood supply of the trachea,it is not feasible to transplant the organ together with a well-defined vascular pedicle.As such,the key element of successful tracheal transplantation is the creation of a new blood supply.This vascularized construct is created by prelaminating the rabbit trachea heterotopically,within the lateral thoracic fascia.After prelamination,the construct and its vascular pedicle are transferred to the orthotopic position in the neck.This model has become gold standard because of the advantages of working with rabbits,the anatomy of the rabbit trachea,and the reliability of the lateral thoracic artery flap.In this paper,the key elements of surgery in the rabbit are discussed,as well as the tracheal anastomosis and the harvest of the lateral thoracic artery flap.Practical tips and tricks are presented.The data described in this review represent the fundaments of ongoing translational research in the center over the past twenty years.