ObjectiveTo summarize the effectiveness and experience of Wanger grade 3-5 diabetic foot treated with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) combined with transverse tibial bone transport.MethodsBetween March 2015 and January 2018, 21 patients with refractory diabetic foot who failed conservative treatment were treated with VSD combined with transverse tibial bone transport. There were 15 males and 6 females, aged 55-88 years (mean, 65 years). The diabetes history was 8-15 years (mean, 12.2 years). The duration of diabetic foot ranged from 7 to 84 days (mean, 35.3 days). The size of diabetic foot ulcer before operation ranged from 2 cm×2 cm to 8 cm×5 cm. According to Wanger classification, 8 cases were rated as grade 3, 11 cases as grade 4, and 2 cases as grade 5. Among the 21 cases, angiography of lower extremity before operation was performed in 5 cases, CT angiography of lower extremity in 16 cases, all of which indicated that the arteries below the knee were narrowed to varying degrees and not completely blocked. Preoperative foot skin temperature was (29.28±0.77)℃, C-reactive protein was (38.03±31.23) mg/L, leukocyte count was (9.44±2.21)×109/L, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.8±1.5, and ability of daily living (Barthel index) was 54.3±10.3.ResultsAfter operation, 2 patients with Wanger grade 4 and smoking history failed treatment and had an major amputation (amputation above ankle joint) at 30 days and 45 days after operation, respectively. One patient with Wanger grade 5 and chronic heart failure died of cardiac arrest at 60 days after operation. The remaining 18 patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 9.2 months). The external fixator was removed at 40-62 days after operation, with an average of 46 days. All the wounds healed, with a healing time of 50-120 days (mean, 62.5 days). The pain of 18 patients’ feet was relieved obviously, and there was no recurrence of ulcer in situ or other parts. There was no complication such as tibial fracture and ischemic necrosis of lower leg skin after operation. After ulcer healing, the foot skin temperature was (30.86±0.80)℃, C-reactive protein was (22.90±18.42) mg/L, VAS score was 2.4±1.2, and Barthel index was 77.3±4.6, all showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05); the leukocyte count was (8.91±1.72)×109/L, showing no significant difference (t=1.090, P=0.291).ConclusionVSD combined with transverse tibial bone transport can effectively promote the healing of Wanger grade 3-5 diabetic foot wounds, but smokers, unstable blood glucose control, and chronic heart failure patients have the risk of failure.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of free anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) with fascia lata in repairing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) with bone exposure. Methods Between January 2019 and January 2021, 20 patients with DFUs with bone exposure were admitted. There were 17 males and 3 females with a median age of 57.5 years (range, 48-76 years). There were 10 cases of Wagner grade 3 and 10 cases of grade 4. The DFUs formed 1 to 14 months, with a median time of 3 months. The patients underwent CT angiography, which showed extensive atherosclerosis in both lower limbs; 6 of them were severely narrowed or occluded and underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. The size of wound ranged from 7 cm×6 cm to 27 cm×10 cm after applied first-stage debridement combined with vacuum sealing drainage treatment. In the second-stage, free ALTF with fascia lata was used to repair wounds and partial defects of tendons. The size of flap ranged from 8 cm×5 cm to 28 cm×11 cm. The wound of the donor site was sutured directly. The survival of the flap, the healing time of the wound, and the complications were recorded. The laser speckle blood flow imaging system was used to detect the blood perfusion of the flap and the skin around the flap at 2 weeks and 6 months after operation. The foot function was evaluated by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at 6 months after operation. Results After operation, effusion under the flap happened in 6 cases, which cured after symptomatic treatment. Flaps survived completely in 14 cases. The tissue necrosis at the edges of the flaps occurred in 3 cases and healed after dressing changes. Venous crisis of flaps occurred in 3 cases, of which 1 case was completely necrotic after exploration, and the other 2 cases were partially alive. The wounds of 3 cases were repaired with skin grafts after debridement and dressing. The flap survival rate was 95.0%, and the limb salvage rate was 100%. The wound healing time after flap transplantation was 14-30 days, with an average of 19.1 days. Two patients had recurrence of peripheral skin ulcers of the flaps within 1 month after healing, which healed after conservative dressing changes. Eighteen cases of incisions at donor site healed by first intention, 2 cases had local skin necrosis and healed by debridement and suture. All patients were followed up 6-30 months, with a median time of 11 months. The texture, appearance, and elasticity of the flaps were good. All patients could walk alone without pain. At 6 months after operation, the AOFAS score was 75.9±11.9, which was significantly different from that (44.7±18.4) before operation (t=−7.025, P=0.000). The blood perfusion value increased from (38.1±7.8) PU at 2 weeks to (42.7±10.3) PU, and the difference was significant (t=−4.680, P=0.001). Conclusion Free ALTF with fascia lata has a rich blood supply and a high survival rate. It can be used to repair DFUs with bone exposure. After the free skin flap healed, it can promote revascularization of the affected foot, reduce the probability of ulcer recurrence, and avoid amputation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of free-style perforator flap in repairing the soft tissue defect of knee.MethodsBetween December 2011 and October 2017, 13 patients with the soft tissue defects of knees were repaired with the free-style perforator flaps. There were 9 males and 4 females, with an average age of 40 years (range, 14-65 years). The injuries were caused by traffic accident in 7 cases, crushing in 4 cases, and falling from height in 2 cases. The soft tissue defects in 9 cases formed after 2 weeks-2 months (mean, 1 month) of lower extremity fractures fixation. The other 4 cases were urgently admitted to the hospital after injury, and the time from injury to admission was 0.5-18.0 hours (mean, 8 hours). The size of soft tissue defect ranged from 3 cm×2 cm to 12 cm×8 cm after debridement. Nine propeller flaps, 6 rotating flaps, and 2 V-Y advanced flaps were used; and 9 cases were repaired by single flap and 4 cases were repaired by combined flaps. The size of flap ranged from 7.5 cm×2.5 cm to 20.0 cm×6.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly.ResultsThe flaps survived smoothly and incisions healed by first intention in 12 cases. The congestion occurred in 1 case, which obtained delayed healing after symptomatic treatment. All incisions at donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 3-24 months with an average of 6 months. The shape and motions of knee were satisfactory.ConclusionThe free-style perforator flap can maximize the utilization of the donor area around the knee wound, with reliable blood supply, small trauma, and easy operation. It is an ideal flap for the soft tissue defect of knee.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of the superior lateral genicular artery perforator flap for repairing of soft tissue defects in extremities.MethodsBetween September 2010 and October 2017, 11 cases of skin and soft tissue in extremities were repaired with the superior lateral genicular artery perforator flap. There were 10 males and 1 female, with an average age of 37.6 years (range, 6-72 years). The causes of injury were traffic accident in 6 cases, machine injury in 1 case, falling down injury in 1 case, falling from height in 1 case, crushing injury in 1 case, and electric injury in 1 case. The defects located at the forearm in 1 case, knee in 5 cases, popliteal fossa in 2 cases, shank in 1 case, and foot and ankle in 2 cases. The area of the wound ranged from 8.0 cm×4.5 cm to 27.0 cm×8.0 cm. The interval from injury to admission was 6 days on average (range, 3-12 days). The area of perforator flap ranged from 9.0 cm×5.5 cm to 28.0 cm×9.0 cm. There were 8 cases of pedicle flap and 3 cases of free flap. All the donor sites were closed directly.ResultsEight flaps survived without any complications and the donor sites healed by first intention. Two flaps had arterial crisis and 1 flap had venous crisis after operation, and the wounds healed after symptomatic treatment. There was no hematoma and secondary infections in all patients after operation. Ten patients were followed up 2-48 months (mean, 13.1 months). All flaps had satisfied appearance and texture. There was no motion limitations in the hip and knee joints of the operated legs.ConclusionThe superior lateral genicular artery perforator flap not only can be used to repair the soft tissue defect around the knee joint as pedicle flap, but also can be used to repair the forearm and foot skin and soft tissue defects as free flap, which is a feasible way to repair soft tissue defects in extremities.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of free anterolateral thigh flap in repairing hand twist trauma combined with forearm main vascular injury.MethodsBetween February 2016 and March 2020, 14 patients with hand twist trauma combined with forearm main vascular injury were admitted. There were 10 males and 4 females. The mean age was 36.3 years (range, 22-53 years). There were 5 cases with left hand and 9 cases with right hand. The degloving injury of hand was rated as type ⅢA in 2 cases, type ⅢB in 9 cases, and type Ⅳ in 3 cases. The size of soft tissue defects range from 8.0 cm×4.5 cm to 13.5 cm×8.0 cm. Of all patients, 11 cases were ulnar artery injury and 3 cases were radial artery injury. Time from injury to operation was 2-16 hours (mean, 7.1 hours). The free anterolateral thigh flaps with the size of 10.0 cm×5.5 cm to 15.0 cm×9.5 cm were used to repair the soft tissue defects with the “T” shape anastomosis of blood vessel in 8 cases or direct anastomosis of blood vessel in 6 cases. The donor sites were directly sutured in 9 cases and repaired with free skin graft in 5 cases.ResultsAll patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 10.5 months). The vascular crisis occurred in 1 case and the flap survived with symptomatic treatment after operation. Other flaps survived and the wounds healed by first intention. All donor sites healed by first intention and the skin grafts survived. Three cases underwent the fat-free trimming at 4-5 months after operation. According to the evaluation standard of the upper limb part of the Chinese Medical Association, the hand function was evaluated as excellent in 4 cases, good in 7 cases, and fair in 3 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 78.6% at last follow-up.ConclusionBecause the diameter of the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery is similar to that of the ulnar artery and radial artery, the use of free anterolateral thigh flap can not only repair the wound and obtain a good hand shape, but also repair blood vessels and promote recovery of hand function.
Objective To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of antibiotic bone cement directly inducing skin regeneration technology in the repairing of wound in the lateral toe flap donor area. MethodsBetween June 2020 and February 2023, antibiotic bone cement directly inducing skin regeneration technology was used to repair lateral toe flap donor area in 10 patients with a total of 11 wounds, including 7 males and 3 females. The patients’ age ranged from 21 to 63 years, with an average of 40.6 years. There were 3 cases of the distal segment of the thumb, 2 cases of the distal segment of the index finger, 1 case of the middle segment of the index and middle fingers, 1 case of the distal segment of the middle finger, and 3 cases of the distal segment of the ring finger. The size of the skin defect of the hand ranged from 2.4 cm×1.8 cm to 4.3 cm×3.4 cm. The disease duration ranged from 1 to 15 days, with an average of 6.9 days. The flap donor sites were located at fibular side of the great toe in 5 sites, tibial side of the second toe in 5 sites, and tibial side of the third toe in 1 site. The skin flap donor site wounds could not be directly sutured, with 2 cases having exposed tendons, all of which were covered with antibiotic bone cement. ResultsAll patients were followed up 6 months to 2 years, with an average of 14.7 months. All the 11 flaps survived and had good appearance. The wound healing time was 40-72 days, with an average of 51.7 days. There was no hypertrophic scar in the donor site, which was similar to the color of the surrounding normal skin; the appearance of the foot was good, and wearing shoes and walking of the donor foot were not affected. ConclusionIt is a feasible method to repair the wound in the lateral foot flap donor area with the antibiotic bone cement directly inducing skin regeneration technology. The wound heals spontaneously, the operation is simple, and there is no second donor site injury.
Objective To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of fascial tissue flaps and skin flaps with layered sutures for repairing wounds after excision of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. Methods Between March 2019 and August 2022, 9 patients with sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus were admitted, including 7 males and 2 females with an average age of 29.4 years (range, 17-53 years). The disease duration ranged from 1 to 36 months, with a median of 6 months. There were 7 cases with obesity and dense hair, 3 cases with infection, and 2 cases with positive bacterial culture of sinus secretion. The wound area after excision ranged from 3 cm×3 cm to 8 cm×4 cm, with a depth of 3-5 cm, reaching the perianal or caudal bone; there were 2 cases with perianal abscess formation and 1 case with caudal bone inflammatory edema. Enlarged resection was performed during operation, and the fascial tissue flap and skin flap were designed and excised at both left and right sides of the buttock, ranging from 3.0 cm×1.5 cm to 8.0 cm×2.0 cm. A cross drainage tube was placed at the bottom of the wound, and the fascial tissue flap and skin flap were advanced and sutured in three layers, namely, 8-string sutures in the fascial layer, barbed wire reduction sutures in the dermis, and interrupted skin sutures. Results All 9 patients were followed up 3-36 months, with an average of 12 months. All incisions healed by first intention, and no complication such as incisional dehiscence or infection in the operative area occurred. There was no recurrence of sinus tracts, the shape of gluteal sulcus was satisfactory, both sides of buttocks were symmetrical, local incision scar was concealed, and the shape disruption was minimal. ConclusionFascial tissue flaps and skin flaps with layered sutures for repairing wounds after excision of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus can effectively fill the cavity and reduce the incidence of poor incision healing, with the advantages of small trauma and simple operation.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of the perforator-based propeller flaps (PPFs) based on digital artery (DA) and dorsal metacarpal artery (DMA) in repairing hand wounds. Methods The clinical data of 45 patients with hand wounds between January 2018 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 27 males and 18 females with an average age of 41.2 years (range, 14-72 years). The causes of injury included twist injury in 15 cases, crush injury in 19 cases, and cut injury in 11 cases. The injured parts included 32 cases of digits, 10 cases of dorsal hand, and 3 cases of palmar hand, all of which had tendon, joint, and bone exposure. The time from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 8 hours (mean, 4.3 hours). The wound sizes after debridement ranged from 1.8 cm×1.0 cm to 5.0 cm×3.5 cm. Twenty-eight cases were repaired by the PPFs based on DA and 17 cases were repaired by the PPFs based on DMA. The flap size ranged from 2.5 cm×1.1 cm to 8.5 cm×4.0 cm. The defects of the donor sites in 14 patients were closed directly and the defects in the left 31 patients were resurfaced with free full-thickness skin graft from the proximal medial forearm.Results All the flaps survived after operation. Two cases of the PPF based on DA and 1 case of the PPF based on DMA underwent partially blisters at the distal end and healed after dressing change. The incisions in the donor site healed by first intention and the skin grafts survived. All patients were followed up 10-33 months, with a mean of 15.4 months. At last follow-up, the static two-point discrimination of the PPFs based on DA and DMA were 4-14 mm and 8-20 mm with the averages of 8.1 mm and 13.3 mm, respectively. According to the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, 20 patients were very satisfied with the appearance of the PPF based on DA and 8 patients were satisfied; 8 patients were very satisfied with the appearance of the PPF based on DMA and 9 patients were satisfied. Based on the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the appearance scores of the donor site of the PPFs based on DA and DMA were 2-7 and 4-9, with the averages of 4.2 and 6.1, respectively. ConclusionThe two kinds of PPFs are reliable in blood supply and easy to harvest, which provide a good method for emergency repair of small and medium area wounds in the hand.
Objective To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of free vastus lateralis flap combined with skin grafting for repairing small- and medium-sized lacunar defects in the non-weight-bearing area of diabetic foot. Methods Between January 2022 and October 2023, 8 patients (8 feet) with small- and medium-sized lacunar defects in the non-weight-bearing area of diabetic foot were admitted. There were 6 males and 2 females, with an average age of 64.3 years (range, 58-76 years). The duration of the diabetic foot ulcer ranged from 2 to 7 weeks (mean, 4.3 weeks). The wound was located between the metatarsal bones in 4 cases, on the medial side of the foot in 2 cases, on the lateral side of the foot in 1 case, and on the dorsal and lateral sides of the foot in 1 case. The length of wound was 4.0-12.0 cm, the width was 3.0-5.0 cm, and the depth was 1.2-2.0 cm. The free vastus lateralis flaps were designed to repair the wounds, and skin grafting covered the vastus lateralis flaps. The length of the vastus lateralis flap was 5.0-14.0 cm, the width was 3.5-6.0 cm, and the thickness was 1.0-1.5 cm. The donor sites of the muscle flaps were directly sutured. Results The time for vastus lateralis flaps harvested ranged from 30 to 80 minutes (mean, 55.0 minutes), and the total operation time ranged from 125 to 170 minutes (mean, 147.5 minutes). All muscle flaps and skin grafts survived successfully, and the wounds and the incisions at the donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-24 months, with an average of 12.8 months. The appearances of 3 patients who did not follow the doctor’s instructions for pressure treatment of the muscle flaps were a little bloated, and the rest had a good appearance. The texture of the muscle flaps was soft. There were linear scars at the donor sites. There was no recurrence of ulcers during follow-up. All patients could walk independently without limitation of daily activities at last follow-up. Conclusion The application of free vastus lateralis flap combined with skin grafting to repair small- and medium-sized lacunar defects in the non-weight-bearing area of diabetic foot has the advantages of simple operation and time-saving as well as small damage to the donor site, with good repair effect, especially for the elderly patients who are not suitable for prolonged anesthesia.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of free paraumbilical perforator flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects in children. Methods Between February 2018 and March 2024, 12 children with skin and soft tissue defects were treated with the free paraumbilical perforator flaps. There were 7 boys and 5 girls with an average age of 6.3 years (range, 2-12 years). The defects located on the upper limbs in 6 cases, lower limbs in 5 cases, and neck in 1 case. The causes of wounds included 7 cases of electrical burns, 1 case of thermal burn, 2 cases of scar release and excision due to scar contraction after burns, 1 case of scar ulcer at the amputation stump after severe burns, and 1 case of skin necrosis after a traffic accident injury. The size of defects after debridement ranged from 7.0 cm×4.0 cm to 18.0 cm×10.0 cm. According to the defect size, 11 cases were repaired with unilateral paraumbilical perforator flaps centered on the umbilicus, among which 3 cases with larger defects were designed as “L”-shaped flaps along the lateral and lower ends of the perforator; the donor sites were directly closed. One case with extensive defect after scar excision and release was repaired with bilateral expanded paraumbilical perforator flaps; the donor sites were repaired with autologous split-thickness skin grafts. The size of flaps ranged from 9.0 cm×4.0 cm to 20.0 cm×11.0 cm. Postoperatively, analgesia and sedation were provided, and the blood supply of the flaps was observed. Results All operations were successfully completed. The operation time was 4-7 hours, with an average of 5.0 hours. After postoperative analgesia and sedation, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain in all children was less than or equal to 3, and there was no non-cooperation due to pain. All flaps and skin grafts survived completely, and the wounds healed by first intention. Ten children underwent 1-4 times of flap de-fatting, finger separation, and trimming. All children were followed up 6-48 months (mean, 26.6 months). No obvious swelling of the flaps occurred, and the texture was soft. At last follow-up, among the 6 children with upper limb defects, 2 had upper limb function grade Ⅳ and 4 had upper limb function grade Ⅴ according to the Carroll upper limb function assessment method. The 4 children with lower limb defects had no limitation of joint movement. The neck flexion and rotation in the 1 child with neck defect significantly improved when compared with that before operation. The 1 child with residual ulcer at the amputation stump could wear a prosthesis and move without limitation, and no new ulcer occurred. Linear scars were left at the donor sites, and no abdominal wall hernia was formed. ConclusionThe free paraumbilical perforator flap has abundant blood supply and can be harvested in large size. It can be used to repair skin and soft tissue defects in children and has the advantages of short operation time, minimal injury, high safety, and minimal impact on the growth and development of children.