The reverse radial forearm flap is a powerful tool in the reconstruction of dorsal hand defects. Traditionally, only fasciocutaneous tissues perfused by retrograde flow through the radial artery are harvested to resurface the dorsal hand. Including vascularized tendon and bone within the flap, however, makes reconstruction of complex composite defects in a single stage possible, thereby decreasing morbidity and improving functional outcomes. The current case describes a single-stage reconstruction of a composite amputation defect of the dorsal hand and thumb with loss of dorsal and first webspace soft tissue, the metacarpophalangeal joint, and a segment of the extensor pollicis longus tendon. Reconstruction was performed using a chimeric osteo-tendino-cutaneous reverse radial forearm flap with vascularized intrasynovial flexor carpi radialis tendon. The flap healed with no complications, and the patient returned to work two months postoperatively. At five months follow-up, the patient was still working and could abduct his thumb to the proximal interphalangeal flexural crease of his small finger. Seven months postoperatively, he underwent scar revision for hypertrophic scarring and z-plasty of the first web space to further improve thumb abduction.
Lower extremity reconstruction best requires co-operation between orthopedic and plastic surgeons to preserve the musculoskeletal integrity while establishing essential skin coverage. Traditional dogma suggests microvascular tissue transfers alone would be preferable, but today inherent risks can be avoided by instead using mainly local perforator flaps.
Over a 5 year timeframe, 68 local flaps were used in 66 patients for non-specific lower extremity problems in all regions of the lower extremity in lieu of a free flap. These included both muscle and perforator flaps, the latter including peninsular, propeller, “true” island, and advancement variations. Particular emphasis on the choice of the keystone advancement flap alternative was here undertaken.
All chosen lower extremity local flaps were successful without resorting to a second flap or skin graft to treat complications. Muscle flaps were used only on 4 occasions, whereas the remaining flaps were perforator flaps. Of these, the keystone island perforator flap was by far the most common choice, [27 (42.2 %)], even exceeding the combined use of propeller and peninsular flaps [26 (40.6 %)]. Keystone flap complications were virtually nil. Keystone flaps were most often used within the flexible tissues of the thigh, but could be used throughout the lower extremity.
Perforator flaps may be the optimal local flap choice for the lower extremity. Since no discrete perforator need be dissected, the simplest variation is the keystone flap. Harvest and insetting is facile, reliable, aesthetically acceptable, and often sensate. The keystone island perforator flap indeed is an “ideal” lower extremity local soft tissue flap.
In the past two decades, plastic surgeons have advanced to the forefront of spinal surgery, joining orthopedic and neurosurgeons in the multidisciplinary field of spino-plastics. As the global disease burden grows with an increased incidence of spinal pathologies, vascularized bone grafts (VBGs) define the current frontier of spino-plastic surgery. Vascularized bone grafting involves lifting segments of bone with the muscular attachments but without the inclusion of a named vessel. When compared to traditional nonvascular bone grafts and allografts, VBGs have come forward as a favored technique for complex spinal reconstruction due to the unique opportunity to capitalize on the relationship between the tendons and Sharpey's fibers which maintain blood flow to both the bone and muscular segments. This technique ensures robust autologous tissue rearrangement and also takes advantage of the osteoinductive properties of the bone segments, promoting adequate structural support and the perfusion necessary for efficient direct healing and fusion in intricate spine reconstructions. Another one of the many favorable qualities of VBGs is the diversity of sources available to surgeons. The review explores the role of VBGs in enhancing spinal fusion rates and minimizing morbidity compared to traditional approaches. Additionally, a detailed examination of six common VBG sources-the iliac crest, ribs, medial scapula, occiput, spinous processes, and clavicle is included, highlighting each graft's specific techniques and emphasizing the range of options available to spino-plastic surgeons.
Degloving soft tissue injury is among the most devastating trauma types, especially when involving the lower extremities. This study aims to identify degloving soft tissue injury (DSTI) Patterns, Treatment, and Short-term Outcomes.
This is a prospective, cross-sectional, hospital-based study of patients with DSTIs over six months.
Fifty-six patients with lower extremity DSTIs were included. The mean age of the patients was. 29.2 years.
Males were predominant (71.4 %). The common site for DSTIs is the dorsum of the foot. Fourteen patients with degloving injury to the foot dorsum had open fractures with type 3 A Gustilo classification. Participants with MESS 1 did not have underlying fractures. Patients with higher MESS scores experienced a more severe form of injury. Most of the patients presented late to plastic surgery services. Definitive management offered to the patients includes secondary intention, direct closure, SSG, and loco-regional flap. The loco-regional flaps used were random fascia-cutaneous, sural, saphenous, Lateral gastrocnemius, and medial gastrocnemius. Thirty-nine of the participants had no complications following management. The complications encountered include Surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, and partial graft or flap loss. These complications were managed by local wound care and a local flap. More extended hospital stay was observed in patients with low revised trauma scores.
Lower extremity DSTIs are common injuries in Sudan, and it is management is challenging. DSTIs with underlying fractures are the most common pattern of injury, with the dorsum of the foot being the most commonly affected part. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for management.
To determine and evaluate the distal forearm and wrist's cutaneous blood supply and vascular territories.
Four cadaveric upper extremities were injected with a radiopaque, lead-based contrast agent through the brachial artery. After the lead-based contrast agent set, the cadaveric limbs underwent computed tomographic (CT) scanning to assess the perforators to the cutaneous skin of the distal forearm and wrist. High-resolution axial CT and three-dimensional reconstructions were generated to highlight perforating vessels stemming from their parent arteries. Subsequently, anatomic microdissections were performed to identify and trace the perforating vessels identified on CT.
CT analysis and anatomic microdissection demonstrated that the dorsal surface of the distal forearm and wrist are supplied by numerous perforators stemming predominantly from the anterior interosseous artery with some anastomotic contribution from the posterior interosseous, radial, and ulnar arteries. Perforators from the radial and ulnar arteries supply the volar surface. There are large anastomotic networks formed between the perforating vessels.
The distal forearm and wrist have a robust anastomotic blood supply that has contributions from the anterior interosseous, posterior interosseous, radial, and ulnar arteries.
The extensive perforator-derived blood supply to the skin likely accounts for the excellent soft tissue healing potential of the wrist following surgery utilizing multiple incisions.
The free vascularized fibula transfer has become a widely utilized method in reconstructive surgery, with successful applications across various anatomical areas. The biological properties of the graft, including its ability to fuse with recipient bone, repair fractures, and remodel in new biomechanical environments, have been key to its efficacy. However, stable bone fixation is crucial for successful fusion and to prevent complications like non-union. While early approaches focused on minimally invasive techniques to preserve the fibula's vascular network, stable internal fixation has become favored in preventing complications. This article aims to systematically describe bone fixation options for vascularized fibula grafts in the upper limb based on extensive experience, recommending internal fixation over external methods, such as long plates for humerus reconstruction. Different osteotomy techniques are discussed, including intramedullary, transverse, and step cut, with considerations for biomechanics and patient demographics. The discussion emphasizes the importance of stable osteosynthesis for successful outcomes, particularly in early rehabilitation. Additionally, advancements in 3D printing offer personalized solutions in osteosynthesis device design, further enhancing surgical outcomes.