Objective To investigate the anatomic foundation of using main branch of posterior femoral nerve to restore the sensation function of distal basedsural island flap. Methods Thirty cases of adult human cadaver legs fixed by 4%formaldehyde were used. Anatomical investigation of the posterior femoral nerves of lower legs was conducted under surgical microscope to observe their distribution, branches and their relationship with small saphenous vein. Nerve brancheswith diameter more than 0.1 mm were dissected and accounted during observation.The length and diameter of the nerves were measured. Results The main branch of posterior femoral nerve ran downwards from popliteal fossa within superficial fascia along with small saphenous vein. 70% of the main branch of the posterior femoral nerves lay medially to small saphenous vein, and 30% laterally. They wereclassified into 3 types according to their distribution in lower legs: typeⅠ (33.3%) innervated the upper 1/4 region of lower leg (region Ⅰ), type Ⅱ (43.3%) had branches in upper 1/2 region (region Ⅰ and Ⅱ), and type Ⅲ (23.3%) distributed over the upper 3/4 region (region Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ). In type Ⅱ, the diameter of the main branches of posterior femoral nerves in the middle of popliteal tossa was 10±04 mm and innervated the posterior upper-middle region (which was the ordirary donor region of distal based sural island flaps) of lower legs with 2.0±0.8 branches, whose diameter was 0.3±0.2 mm and length was 3.5±2.7 mm. The distance between the end of these branches and small saphenous vein was 0.8±0.6 mm. In type Ⅲ, their diameter was 1.2±0.3 mm and innervated the posterior upper-middle region of lower legs with 3.7±1.7 branches, whose diameter was 0.4±0.1 mm and length was 3.7±2.6 mm. The distancebetween the end of these branches and small saphenous vein was 0.8±0.4 mm. Conclusion 66.6% of human main branch of posteriorfemoral nerves (type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ) can be used to restore the sensation of distal based sural island flap through anastomosis with sensor nerve stump of footduring operation.
It was a difficult clinical problem to repair the defects of the distal part of the foot. Since 1987, We had used the reversed first dorsal metatarsal artery island flap in 4 cases, the results were satisfactory. The surgical anatomy, design and harvest of the flap were introduced, and it s blood supply and circulation, indication and main advantages were also discussed.
This paper reported the use of superficial temporal vessels pedicled postauricular island flap for the reconstruction of eye socket. Six cases were treated by this method since 1988 with universal satisfactory results. The disign of the flap was diseribed. The operative procedure was detailed, and the advantages of the flap were evaluated: 1. The donor defect was hidden behind the ear; 2. The flap has a relatively long pedicle, hence easy for distant transfer, and 3. the blood supply was highly reliable.
Objective To explore the method and effectiveness of index finger proximal dorsal island flap supplied by the nutrient vessels of superficial branch of radial nerve for treatment of thumb skin and soft tissue defect. Methods Between August 2019 and December 2024, 12 patients with thumb skin and soft tissue defects caused by trauma accompanied by variation of the first dorsal metacarpal artery were treated. There were 8 males and 4 females, aged 19-55 years, with an average age of 32 years. The wound area ranged from 2.2 cm×2.0 cm to 5.5 cm×3.5 cm. The time from injury to operation ranged from 1.5 to 6.0 hours, with an average of 4.5 hours. After thorough debridement, the wound was repaired with a index finger proximal dorsal island flap supplied by the nutrient vessels of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. The flap area ranged from 2.4 cm×2.2 cm to 6.0 cm×4.0 cm. The donor site was repaired with free skin grafting. Regular follow-up was conducted postoperatively to observe the appearance, texture, sensory recovery of the flap, and the condition of the donor site. Results The operation time ranged from 30 to 72 minutes, with an average of 47 minutes; intraoperative blood loss ranged from 30 to 70 mL, with an average of 46 mL. After operation, partial necrosis occurred at the skin edge of the radial incision on the dorsum of the hand in 1 case, which healed after dressing changes; all other flaps survived uneventfully, with primary wound healing. The skin grafts at the donor sites all survived. All 12 patients were followed up 5-36 months, with an average of 14 months. The appearance and texture of the flaps were good. At last follow-up, the two-point discrimination of the flaps ranged from 4 to 9 mm, with an average of 5.2 mm. According to the functional evaluation criteria for upper limb issued by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the results were excellent in 11 cases and good in 1 case. No scar contracture, pain, or joint movement limitation was observed at the donor sites. Conclusion For patients with skin and soft tissue defects of the thumb accompanied by variation of the first dorsal metacarpal artery, the index finger proximal dorsal island flap supplied by the nutrient vessels of the superficial branch of the radial nerve can be selected. This method has advantages such as shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, and good postoperative appearance and sensation of the flap.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of different flaps for repair of severe palm scar contracture deformity. MethodsBetween February 2013 and March 2015, thirteen cases of severe palm scar contracture deformity were included in the retrospective review. There were 10 males and 3 females, aged from 14 to 54 years (mean, 39 years). The causes included burn in 9 cases, hot-crush injury in 2 cases, chemical burn in 1 case, and electric burn in 1 case. The disease duration was 6 months to 6 years (mean, 2.3 years). After excising scar, releasing contracture and interrupting adherent muscle and tendon, the soft tissues and skin defects ranged from 6.0 cm×4.5 cm to 17.0 cm×7.5 cm. The radial artery retrograde island flap was used in 2 cases, the pedicled abdominal flaps in 4 cases, the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in 2 cases, the anterolateral thigh flap in 1 case, and the scapular free flap in 4 cases. The size of flap ranged from 6.0 cm×4.5 cm to 17.0 cm×7.5 cm. ResultsAll flaps survived well. Venous thrombosis of the pedicled abdominal flaps occurred in 1 case, which was cured after dressing change, and healing by first intention was obtained in the others. The mean follow-up time was 8 months (range, 6-14 months). Eight cases underwent operation for 1-3 times to make the flap thinner. At last follow-up, the flaps had good color, and the results of appearance and function were satisfactory. ConclusionSevere palm scar contracture deformity can be effectively repaired by proper application of different flaps.