Objective To explore an improved method of reconstructing the scalp soft tissue defect with the expanded skin soft tissue and treating and preventing the related complication. Methods From October 2002 toJune 2005, 32 patients (20 males and 12 females, aged 5-48 years) underwent reconstruction of the scalp soft tissue defects with the expanded scalp soft tissue in thetwo-stage operation. In the first stage, a tissue expander (cylindrical form, 50-250 ml) was inplanted into the skin to achieve a skin soft tissue expansion. After a sufficient skin expansion (8 cm×5 cm to 25 cm×23 cm) was made by the routine water affusion for 6-16 weeks, a properly-designed skin flap was taken and transferred to reconstruct the scalp soft tissue defect in the second-stage of the operation. All the scalp defects were left after the resections of the scalp lesions, which ranged in size from 7 cm×5 cm to 20 cm×20 cm.Results After operation, all the 32 patients had their scalp defects repaired and reconstructed well.The expanded skin flaps of all the 32 patients survived except 1 patient who had a necrosis of the distal epidermis of the flap, which healed after the dressings of the wound. The hair grew well and the scars were hidden with a satisfactory appearance. Four patients developed complications (necrosis of the distal flapin 1 patient, hematoma in 1, expander exposure in 1, and wound rupture in 1).Conclusion Reconstruction of the scalp soft tissue defect with the skin soft tissue expansion is an ideal method.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of skin and soft tissue expansion in the treatment of deformity due to extensive severe burn injury and repair of severe deep electrical burned scalp and skull with fresh wound. METHODS: From 1988, 83 cases of application of skin and soft tissue expansion were reported. In those patients with deformity due to severe burn of large area and with whole nasal defect, soft tissue expander was used under the forehead skin graft and venter frontalis, followed by reconstruction of nose with the expanded vascularized skin flap and carved cartilago costalis as nasal frame. In patients of severe deep electrical burned scalp and skull with fresh wound, skin and soft tissue expansion were used to repair the wound simultaneously with scalp burn alopecia, anesthetics and antibiotics injected into the extracapsular space of the expander in case of pain and infection. RESULTS: All of the cases were successfully treated with little pain and minimized infection. CONCLUSION: Skin and soft tissue expansion in a safe and reliable measure in the treatment of deformity due to extensive severe burn injury and repair of severe deep electrical burned scalp and skull with fresh wound.
Objective To investigate the change law of the intracapsular pressure in vitro without outside force and the pressure of the expander upon the skin soft tissue in vivo during clinical routine expansion so as to provide some references for the safe application of the expander. Methods The rectangle expanders of 50, 80, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 400 mL were used for in vitro expansion at room temperature to 400% volume of the expander capacity. The pressures before and after saline injection were recorded. Twelve patients who needed scar plastic surgery were enrolled; 17 rectangle expanders were implanted in 5 areas (cheek, trunk, forehead and temporal, limb, and head) and expanded routinely. The pressures before and after saline injection were recorded. The pressure of the expander upon the skin soft tissue was calculated and the values of the pressure at 50%, 100%, 150%, and 200% volume of 5 areas were chosen and analyzed statistically. Results The intracapsular pressure of the expanders at different volumes in vitro without outside force during routine expansion before and after saline injection was beyond 0 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) at around 100% volume, increased rapidly from 100% to 250% volume, and kept stable from 250% to 400% volume. In vivo, 16 expanders within 200% volume had the maximum pressure before saline injection, 15 had the maximum pressure after saline injection. Before saline injection, the pressure of the expander upon the skin soft tissue was lowest in the cheek, showing significant difference when compared with those of the forehead and temporal and head (P lt; 0.05); the pressure in the trunk was significantly lower than that in the head (P lt; 0.05); and there was no significant difference between the other body sites (P gt; 0.05). After saline injection, the pressure of the expander upon the skin soft tissue was lowest in the cheek, and showed an increasing trend in the trunk, the limb, the forehead and temporal, and the head; no significant difference was found between in the cheek and in the trunk, and between in the forehead and temporal and in the limb (P gt; 0.05), and significant differences were found between the other body sites (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The pressure of expander upon skin soft tissue at early stage or middle stage is higher than that at late stage during expansion. The pressure is high in the head, and low in the cheek comparatively, and the pressures in the trunk, the forehead and temporal, and the limb are between them.
【Abstract】 Objective To research the method and effectiveness of V-Y advancement of skin flap pedicled with the upper limb lateral branch in the treatment of small skin defect in the dorsal elbow. Methods Between March 2008 and August 2010, 6 cases of skin defect in the dorsal elbow were treated by V-Y advancement of skin flap pedicled with the upper limb lateral branch, including 4 males and 2 females with a mean age of 53 years (range, 16-76 years). Defects were caused by crushing in 3 cases, by punching in 2 cases, and the disease duration was 4 hours 30 minutes to 7 days (mean, 29.5 hours); and by chronic infection in 1 case, and the disease duration was 12 months. The defect size ranged from 4.0 cm × 2.5 cm to 9.5 cm × 3.5 cm, all complicating by bone or tendon exposure. The flap size ranged from 6.0 cm × 4.0 cm to 12.5 cm × 9.5 cm; the donor sites were sutured directly. Results All flaps survived completely, wounds and incisions at donor sites healed by first intention. Six cases were followed up 6-12 months after operation. The flaps had good texture and color. Two-point discrimination of the skin flap was 12-16 mm. The function of limb was normal, and elbow flexion and extension activity averaged 105° (range, 95-125°). Conclusion It is ideal to treat small skin defect in the dorsal elbow with V-Y advancement of skin flap pedicled with the upper limb lateral branch because of easier operation and less injury at donor site.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgical technique and the effectiveness of the free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap to repair soft tissue defect of fingers.MethodsBetween June 2014 and June 2017, 10 cases (10 fingers) of soft tissue defects of fingers were repaired with the free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flaps. There were 8 males and 2 females with an average age of 29.8 years (range, 23-42 years). The causes of injury included the chainsaw cutting injury in 6 cases, the machine crush injury in 2 cases, and the glass scratching in 2 cases. The time from injury to admission was 1-8 hours with an average of 3 hours. The locations were the volar of the middle of index finger in 3 cases, the volar of the distal of index finger in 1 case, the volar of the distal of middle finger in 3 cases, the ulnar side of distal interphalangeal joint of ring finger in 1 case, and the volar of the distal of the little finger in 2 cases. The area of soft tissue defect ranged from 1.8 cm×0.9 cm to 2.8 cm×2.1 cm, and the area of flap ranged from 2.0 cm×1.0 cm to 3.0 cm×2.3 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly.ResultsAll flaps survived after operation, and the wounds healed by first intention. The incisions of donor site also healed by first intention with a linear scar. All cases were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 9 months). The appearance and texture of the flaps were satisfactory. The pain sensation, warm sensation, and touch sensation of the flap recovered. At last follow-up, the two-point discrimination of the flap was 6-13 mm (mean, 7.5 mm). According to the assessment of the upper limb function issued by tha Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the results were graded as excellent in 8 cases and good in 2 cases.ConclusionThe free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap is easy to harvest and anastomose and has small injury. It is an ideal method in repairing of soft tissue defects of fingers.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of Ilizarov technique in treatment of rigid congenital clubfoot in older children. Methods A clinical data of 55 patients (69 feet) with rigid congenital clubfoot (Diméglio grade Ⅳ) between September 2005 and September 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 33 boys and 22 girls with an average age of 11 years (range, 6-14 years). There were 41 cases of unilateral clubfoot and 14 cases of bilateral clubfeet. The degree of foot deformity was rated as fair in 24 feet and as poor in 45 feet according to International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) score before operation. Sixty-nine feet were treated by Ilizarov external fixator combined with limited soft tissue release, and 21 feet were combined with individualized V-shaped osteotomies. Results All patients were followed up 2-10 years ( mean, 4.2 years). The incisions healed well after operation. Five cases of needle tract infection occurred and were cured by local dressing change. The effectiveness was excellent in 39 feet, good in 21 feet, and fair in 9 feet according to ICFSG score, with the excellent and good rate of 87.0%. During the follow-up, X-ray films showed that no blood supply disorder or necrosis of talus, scaphoid, cuneiform, metatarsal, calcaneus, and cuboid occurred. No osteomyelitis occurred. Conclusion Ilizarov technique combined with limited soft tissue release or V-shaped osteotomy for the older children with rigid congenital clubfeet is safe and can obtain significant orthopedic effectiveness.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of dorsal perforator flap of cross-finger proper digital artery in the treatment of finger soft tissue defect caused by high-pressure injection injury. MethodsBetween July 2011 and June 2020, 14 cases of finger soft tissue defect caused by high-pressure injection injury were repaired with dorsal perforator flap of cross-finger proper digital artery. All patients were male, with a mean age of 36 years (range, 22-56 years). The defects were located on the index finger in 8 cases, middle finger in 4 cases, and ring finger in 2 cases. The causes of injury include 8 cases of emulsion paint injection, 4 cases of oil paint injection, and 2 cases of cement injection. The time from injury to debridement was 2-8 hours, with a mean time of 4.5 hours. The soft tissue defects sized from 4.0 cm×1.2 cm to 6.0 cm×2.0 cm. The flaps sized from 4.5 cm×1.5 cm to 6.5 cm×2.5 cm. The donor site of the flap was repaired with skin graft. The pedicle was cut off at 3 weeks after operation, and followed by functional exercise. ResultsAll flaps and skin grafts at donor sites survived, and the wounds healed by first intention. Twelve patients were followed-up 16-38 months (mean, 22.6 months). The texture and appearance of all flaps were satisfactory. The color and texture of the flaps were similar to those of the surrounding tissues. The two-point discrimination of the flap was 10-12 mm, with a mean of 11.5 mm. There were different degrees of cold intolerance at the end of the affected fingers. At last follow-up, the finger function was evaluated according to the Upper Extremity Functional Evaluation Standard set up by Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association, 3 cases were excellent, 8 cases were good, and 1 case was poor. Conclusion The dorsal perforator flap of cross-finger proper digital artery can effectively repair finger soft tissue defect caused by high-pressure injection injury. The operation was simple, and the appearance and function of the finger recover well.
Objective To explore the results of repairing widespread traumatic soft tissue defects in the heels and adjacent regions with free latissimus dorsi muscle-skin flaps. Methods From March 1998 to May 2005, 10 cases of widespread traumatic soft tissue defects in the heels and adjacent regions were repaired with free latissimus dorsi muscleskin flaps. Of the 10 patients, 9 were male and 1 was female, whose ages ranged from 32 to 60years, and the disease course was 2 hours to 2 months. The defect was by ploughmachine injury in 5 cases, by crush injury in 2 cases, by snake injury in 2 cases, and electricity injury in 1 case. Eight cases of defects involved in the posteriorof heel and leg, the defect area ranged from 21 cm×12 cm to 35 cm×15 cm; 2 cases had widespread soft tissue defects on heel, ankle, sole and dorsal foot, and the defect area was 27 cm×14 cm and 30 cm×21 cm respectively. All cases were accompanied by the exposure of bone; 6 cases by fracture; 4 cases by openinfection of ankle joint; and 2 cases by injuries of the posterior tibial vessel and the tibial nerve. The sizes of the dissected flap ranged from 25 cm×14 cm to 33 cm×24 cm. The donor sites were covered by large mid-thickness flap. Results There were no postoperative complication of vascular crisis and infection. Ten flaps survived completely and the wounds healed by first intention. After a follow-up of 3 to 24 months, five cases received twostageplastic operation because bulky flaps bring some trouble in wearing shoes. In 5cases of reconstructed sensation, two cases recovered pain and temperature sensation. All cases recovered the abilities to stand and walk without ulcer complication. Conclusion The free latissimus dorsi muscle-skin flap is an ideal flap for repairing widespread traumatic soft tissue defects and infectious wounds with muscle defects and bone exposure in the heel and adjacent regions, because it has such advantages as adequate blood supply, big dermatomic area, and excellent ability to resist infection.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of self-made limb chronic wound closure device in the treatment of scarred lower limbs and complex skin and soft tissue defects.MethodsBetween January 2014 and January 2017, 29 patients with complex fractures of the lower extremities and skin and soft tissue defects were treated. There were 19 males and 10 females with an average age of 31.1 years (range, 21-66 years). The causes of injury included 14 cases of traffic accidents, 5 cases of falling from height, 4 cases of heavy object crushing injury, 4 cases of mechanical crushing injury, and 2 cases of exposed steel plate after fracture. There were 26 cases of calf fracture and skin defect, 3 cases of metatarsal bone fracture and skin defect of the foot. The skin defect ranged from 5 cm×3 cm to 18 cm×8 cm. The time from injury to admission was 5-31 days, with an average of 14.3 days. All patients underwent a thorough debridement, open wound drainage, self-made chronic wound closure device combined with Ilizarov stretching technique for a slow skin and soft tissue traction. After the wound was cleaned up and the granulation tissue was freshened, the skins on both sides were closed, and then proceed to the second stage operation of skin grafting or direct suture closure based on the size of the wound.ResultsAll patients were followed up 8-20 months, with an average of 13 months. Twenty-nine patients were treated with self-made chronic wound closure device combined with Ilizarov technique for 1-2 times with an average of 1.3 times, then the wound infection was controlled and the granulation tissue grew well. In the course of treatment, the pain was not obvious and the patients had good compliance. All patients’ wounds healed clinically without skin traction complications and formed linear or flaky scars.ConclusionThe self-made chronic wound closure device is effective in repairing complex scarred wounds of lower extremities, and it is easy to operate.
Objective To investigate the vascular anatomy and the clinical application of type Ⅲ perforator flap based on the oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery on skin soft tissue defect at the limbs. Methods Vascular anatomy of anterolateral thigh flap was performed on a 43-year-old male cadaver perfused with red latex, and the travel and perforating distribution of the oblique branches of lateral circumflex femoral artery were observed. A retrospective case series study was used to analyze the clinical data of 12 patients with skin soft tissue defects of the extremities admitted between January 2018 and September 2019, including 9 males and 3 females; aged from 18 to 65 years, with a median age of 32 years. The injury site included 7 cases of foot and ankle, 3 cases of calf, and 2 cases of hand. The wound size was ranged from 9 cm×7 cm to 28 cm×10 cm. The time from injury to operation was 1-2 weeks, with an average of 10 days. All patients were repaired with type Ⅲ perforator flap based on the oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery, including 3 cases of single-leaf flap, 6 cases of double-leaf flaps, and 3 cases of tri-leaf flaps. The flap ranged from 15 cm×5 cm to 28 cm×10 cm. The donor site was directly sutured or repaired with local flap. The flap survival and complications were observed after operation. ResultsThe results of vascular anatomy showed that the lateral femoral circumflex artery sent out transverse branches, oblique branches, and descending branches. The oblique branches sent out multiple muscle perforating branches along the way, the perforating branches passed through the anterolateral femoral muscle, and the blood supply scope was the skin of the anterolateral femoral region. The clinical results showed that all flaps survived completely and the incisions healed by first intension. There was no complication such as vascular crisis. All 12 patients were followed up 3-12 months, with an average of 7 months. The appearance and texture of the flap were good. At last follow-up, according to the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) Society for neurological trauma standard, the sensory of the flap reached S2 in 9 cases and S3 in 3 cases. Linear scar remained in the donor area, without pain, pruritus, tactile allergy, and other discomfort. The patients and their families were satisfied. Conclusion Type Ⅲ perforator flap based on the oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery is a reliable method for repairing the soft tissue defect of the limbs, with reliable blood supply, large cutting area, various types of perforator flaps.