scholarly journals The L-shaped modification of the transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 837-842
Author(s):  
Juan Enrique Berner ◽  
John M. D. Henton ◽  
Adam Blackburn

AbstractA variety of free tissue flaps have been described for autologous breast reconstruction. Although the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is most microsurgeons’ first choice, there is no consensus regarding which is the second-best alternative. The transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap has gained popularity for cases where the abdomen is not a suitable donor site. This musculocutaneous flap has the advantage of an easy dissection, allowing the harvest of tissue from the medial thigh area with the patient supine. However, drawbacks include a tedious donor site closure and a limited amount of soft tissue that can be transferred. The authors hereby present a modification of the TUG flap, introducing an L-shaped skin paddle: the L-shaped upper gracilis (LUG) flap. This alternative allows harvesting extra tissue from the medial thigh, while providing an easier donor site closure with the patient supine. A prospective case series of 14 LUG flaps is presented. No flap failures or episodes of fat necrosis were encountered; only one developed a donor site seroma that settled after drainage. The LUG flap is a useful development of the TUG flap concept providing up to 50% more tissue than a standard TUG flap with an aesthetically pleasing donor site closure which is useful for cases in which abdominal flaps are not possible.Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (07) ◽  
pp. 455-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosaria Laporta ◽  
Michail Sorotos ◽  
Benedetto Longo ◽  
Fabio Santanelli di Pompeo

Background The aim of this study is to present technical strategies to decrease donor-site complications, to optimize breast shaping, and to achieve symmetry in one-stage procedure in latissimus dorsi (LD) flap reconstruction. Methods Between 2004 and 2014, a retrospective review was performed on LD flap reconstructions. Demographics, reconstructive details, clinical and aesthetic outcomes were collected and analyzed. Patients were divided in historical control group (HCG) and new strategy group (NSG). In HCG, a horizontal/oblique LD skin paddle (SP) was drawn; only LD muscle was harvested for the implant pocket; and a contralateral symmetrization was planned without any algorithm. In NSG, a transverse LD-SP was centered on the middle to lower bra strap area; a double-layer muscle coverage was used to create the implant pocket; and a planning algorithm was developed to achieve symmetry. Results A total of 418 breast reconstructions were performed on 296 patients. The two groups were homogeneous regarding demographics, mastectomy weight, and implant volume (p > 0.05). No differences were observed in the incidence of a contralateral surgery, mean hospitalization time, and mastectomy skin flap and nipple–areola complex complications (p > 0.05), while surgical revision of the balancing procedure was more common in HCG than NSG (p = 0.001). Overall, donor-site morbidities occurred in 50 cases including 3 (1%) seroma in NSG and 17 (14.1%) in HCG, and 8 (2.7%) wound dehiscence in NSG and 18 (14.5%) in HCG (p = 0.001). Mean number of take backs to the operating room for secondary procedure was statistically significant between the groups in favor of NSG (p = 0.001). Conclusion Careful preoperative planning and adoption of appropriate reconstructive strategies can improve clinical and aesthetic outcomes in LD flap breast reconstruction at long-term follow-up. Level of Evidence This is a level III, therapeutic study.


Author(s):  
Marta García-Madrid ◽  
Irene Sanz-Corbalán ◽  
Aroa Tardáguila-García ◽  
Raúl J. Molines-Barroso ◽  
Mateo López-Moral ◽  
...  

Punch grafting is an alternative treatment to enhance wound healing which has been associated with promising clinical outcomes in various leg and foot wound types. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of punch grafting as a treatment for hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Six patients with chronic neuropathic or neuroischemic DFUs with more than 6 months of evolution not responding to conventional treatment were included in a prospective case series between May 2017 and December 2020. All patients were previously debrided using an ultrasound-assisted wound debridement and then, grafted with 4 to 6 mm punch from the donor site that was in all cases the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. All patients were followed up weekly until wound healing. Four (66.7%) DFUs were located in the heel, 1 (16.7%) in the dorsal aspect of the foot and 1 (16.7%) in the Achilles tendon. The median evolution time was 172 (interquartile range [IQR], 25th-75th; 44-276) weeks with a median area of 5.9 (IQR; 1.87-37.12) cm2 before grafting. Complete epithelization was achieved in 3 (50%) patients at 12 weeks follow-up period with a mean time of 5.67 ± 2.88 weeks. Two of the remaining patients achieved wound healing at 32 and 24 weeks, respectively, and 1 patient showed punch graft unsuccessful in adhering. The median time of wound healing of all patients included in the study was 9.00 (IQR; 4.00-28.00) weeks. The wound area reduction (WAR) at 4 weeks was 38.66% and WAR at 12 weeks was 88.56%. No adverse effects related to the ulcer were registered through the follow-up period. Autologous punch graft is an easy procedure that promotes healing, achieving wound closure in chronic DFUs representing an alternative of treatment for hard-to-heal DFUs in which conservative treatment has been unsuccessful.


Author(s):  
Renata Migliardi ◽  
Alessandra Modugno ◽  
Fabrizio Chirico ◽  
Nicola Zerbinati ◽  
Giovanni Francesco Nicoletti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background One of the primary goals of enucleation and evisceration surgery is the restoration of an adequate orbital volume through the use of appropriately sized alloplastic or autogenous tissues. In patients inadequately treated, post-enucleation or evisceration socket syndrome occurs. Fillers are an ideal alternative for eyelid and eyebrow arcade volume enhancement since their injection is easily performed in an outpatient setting avoiding several complications. The aim of this study is to report the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers to treat volume deficits of the upper and lower eyelids, projecting the brow arcade and reducing the asymmetry. Methods Thirteen patients (2 male, 11 female, mean age 32.7 years) were treated from June 2012 to May 2020. Non-surgical treatment by HA filler injection for aesthetic rehabilitation of deep superior sulcus, inferior tear trough deformity, and scleral show was performed. Results No complications as orbital-ache and/or vasovagal response were reported during the injections. Minor complications such as light swelling at the site of injection, self-resolved within 2 days, were recorded. Stable results were observed at follow-ups. In two cases, two successive treatments were required at 3 and 6 years from the first injection. Conclusions Hyaluronic acid fillers offer a versatile and safe method for replacing soft tissue lost from the upper eyelid/brow complex in cases of post-enucleation or evisceration socket syndrome. Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Loris Perticarini ◽  
Stefano Marco Paolo Rossi ◽  
Marta Medetti ◽  
Francesco Benazzo

Abstract Background This prospective study aims to evaluate the mid-term clinical outcomes and radiographic stability of two different types of cementless trabecular titanium acetabular components in total hip revision surgery. Methods Between December 2008 and February 2017, 104 cup revisions were performed using trabecular titanium revision cups. Mean age of patients was 70 (range 29–90; SD 11) years. The majority of revisions were performed for aseptic loosening (86 cases, 82.69%), but in all the other diagnoses (18 cases), a significant bone loss (Paprosky type II or III) was registered preoperatively. Bone defects were classified according to Paprosky acetabular classification. We observed 53 type II defects and 42 type III defects. Cups were chosen according to the type of defect. Results Average follow-up was 91 (range 24–146) months. Mean Harris Hip Score (HHS) improved from 43.7 (range 25–70; SD 9) preoperatively to 84.4 (range 46–99; SD 7.56) at last follow-up. One (1.05%) cup showed radiographic radiolucent lines inferior to 2 mm and was clinically asymptomatic. One (1.05%) cup was loose and showed periacetabular allograft reabsorption. Kaplan–Meier survivorship was assessed to be 88.54% (95% CI 80.18–93.52%) at 71 months, with failure of the cup for any reason as the endpoint. Conclusion Trabecular titanium revision cups showed good clinical and radiographic results at mid-term follow-up in Paprosky type II and III bone defects. Level of evidence Level IV prospective case series


Author(s):  
Linda Tallroth ◽  
Håkan Brorson ◽  
Nathalie Mobargha ◽  
Patrik Velander ◽  
Stina Klasson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Objectively measured breast softness in reconstructed breasts and its relation to patients’ subjective satisfaction with breast softness has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate breast softness in patients 1 year following delayed breast reconstruction with an expander prosthesis (EP) or deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, using objective and subjective methods. Methods Seventy-three patients were randomised to breast reconstruction with an EP or DIEP flap between 2012 and 2018. Of these, 69 completed objective evaluation at a mean of 25 (standard deviation, SD 9.4) months following breast reconstruction. Objective evaluation included measurements of breast volume, jugulum-nipple distance, clavicular-submammary fold distance, ptosis and Baker scale grading. Breast softness was assessed with applanation tonometry. Subjective evaluation was performed using the BREAST-Q questionnaire. Results Objectively, DIEP flaps were significantly softer than EP breast reconstructions. Non-operated contralateral breasts were significantly softer compared with reconstructed breasts. In the subjective evaluation, the median score on the question (labelled 1.h) “How satisfied or dissatisfied have you been with the softness of your reconstructed breast (s)?” was higher in the DIEP flap group corresponding to greater satisfaction in this group. A fair correlation was found between the applanation tonometry and the patient-reported satisfaction with the reconstructed breast’s softness (rs = 0.37). Conclusions In terms of breast softness, breast reconstructions with DIEP flaps result in more satisfied patients. Concerning applanation tonometry as an objective tool for softness assessment, future studies on interobserver agreement are warranted. Level of evidence: Level I, therapeutic study


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 247301141879007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Wagner ◽  
Emilio Wagner

Background: Hallux valgus deformity consists of a lateral deviation of the great toe, metatarsus varus, and pronation of the first metatarsal. Most osteotomies only correct varus, but not the pronation of the metatarsal. Persistent postoperative pronation has been shown to increase deformity recurrence and have worse functional outcomes. The proximal rotational metatarsal osteotomy (PROMO) technique reliably corrects pronation and varus through a stable osteotomy, avoiding fusing any healthy joints. The objective of this research is to show a prospective series of the PROMO technique. Methods: Twenty-five patients (30 feet) were operated with the PROMO technique. The sample included 22 women and 3 men, average age 46 years (range 22-59), for a mean prospective follow-up of 1 year (range 9-14 months). Inclusion criteria included symptomatic hallux valgus deformities, absence of severe joint arthritis, or inflammatory arthropathies, with a metatarsal malrotation of 10 degrees or more, with no tarsometatarsal subluxation or arthritis on the anteroposterior or lateral foot radiograph views. The mean preoperative and postoperative Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) score, metatarsophalangeal angle, intermetatarsal angle, metatarsal malrotation, complications, satisfaction, and recurrence were recorded. Results: The mean preoperative and postoperative LEFS scores were 56 and 73. The median pre-/postoperative metatarsophalangeal angle was 32.5/4 degrees and the intermetatarsal angle 15.5/5 degrees. The metatarsal rotation was satisfactorily corrected in 24 of 25 patients. An Akin osteotomy was needed in 27 of 30 feet. All patients were satisfied with the surgery, and no recurrence or complications were found. Conclusions: PROMO is a reliable technique, with good short-term results in terms of angular correction, satisfaction, and recurrence. Long-term studies are needed to determine if a lower hallux recurrence rate occurs with the correction of metatarsal rotation in comparison with conventional osteotomies. Level of evidence: IV, prospective case series.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 232596712096068
Author(s):  
Laylaa Ramos ◽  
Matthew J. Kraeutler ◽  
Eric Marty ◽  
K. Linnea Welton ◽  
Tigran Garabekyan ◽  
...  

Background: Despite the rapid growth in the use of hip arthroscopy, standardized data on postoperative pain scores and activity level are lacking. Purpose: To quantify narcotic consumption and use of the stationary bicycle in the early postoperative period after hip arthroscopy. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: In this prospective case series, patients undergoing a primary hip arthroscopy procedure by a single surgeon were asked to fill out a daily survey for 9 days postoperatively. Patients were asked to report their pain level each day on a visual analog scale from 1 to 10, along with the amount of narcotic pain pills they used during those postoperative days (PODs). Narcotic usage was converted to a morphine-equivalent dosage (MED) for each patient. Patients were also instructed to cycle daily starting on the night of surgery for a minimum of 3 minutes twice per day and were asked to rate their pain as a percentage of their preoperative pain level and the number of minutes spent cycling on a stationary bicycle per day. Results: A total of 212 patients were enrolled in this study. Pain levels (POD1, 5.5; POD4, 3.8; POD9, 2.9; P < .0001) and the percentage of preoperative pain (POD1, 51.6%; POD4, 31.8%; POD9, 29.5%; P < .01) significantly decreased over the study period. The amount of narcotics used per day (reported in MED) also significantly decreased (POD1, 27.3; POD4, 22.3; POD9, 8.5; P < .0001). By POD4, 41% of patients had discontinued all narcotics, and by POD9, 65% of patients were completely off narcotic medication. Patients were able to significantly increase the number of minutes spent cycling each day (POD1, 7.6 minutes; POD4, 13.8 minutes; POD9, 19.0 minutes; P < .0001). Patients who received a preoperative narcotic prescription for the affected hip were significantly more likely to require an additional postoperative narcotic prescription ( P < .001). Conclusion: Patients can expect a rapid decrease in narcotic consumption along with a high degree of activity tolerance in the early postoperative period after hip arthroscopy.


2009 ◽  
Vol 141 (3) ◽  
pp. 390-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamer A. Ghanem ◽  
Mark K. Wax

OBJECTIVE: To eliminate morbidity of the thigh split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site in forearm flaps, the feasibility of harvesting from an alternate site was assessed. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with planned data collection. SETTING: A tertiary care academic setting. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data were collected from patients undergoing forearm flap reconstruction over 13 months. The forearm flap harvesting procedure was modified to incorporate STSG harvest directly from the flap skin paddle. RESULTS: There were 66 patients in this cohort, with mean age of 62.6 years. There were 58 fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs), three osteocutaneous RFFF, three ulnar flaps, and two reverse-flow RFFFs. The majority of flaps were used for mucosal coverage (n = 54), but 12 flaps were used for external skin coverage. The mean forearm defect was 36.5 cm2 (12–77 cm2). Harvesting from the forearm skin paddle was successful in 64 patients (97%). Two patients required a thigh STSG; both patients were octogenarians with frail skin. CONCLUSION: A thigh STSG donor site, with its associated morbidities, can be eliminated in 97 percent of patients undergoing forearm flaps. Older patients with frail skin may require a thigh donor site.


2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-56
Author(s):  
C. Dana ◽  
J.-C. Aurégan ◽  
A. Salon ◽  
S. Guéro ◽  
C. Glorion ◽  
...  

Metacarpal lengthening is a useful procedure to address hand deficiencies in children. In this study, we aimed to compare the results of three different techniques from one consecutive clinical series of hand deficiencies. A total of 15 metacarpal lengthenings have been performed in 12 children aged from 9 to 14 years. The callotasis technique was used in seven cases, the two-stage distraction-graft technique in four cases and the single-stage lengthening in four cases. All the metacarpals healed with bone. The lengthening obtained was a mean of 13 mm (range 8–21 mm), a mean of 22 mm (range 13–32 mm) and a mean of 12 mm (range 9–15 mm), respectively, in the three different techniques. The healing index was longer for callotasis (81 days/cm) compared with the other techniques (41 days/cm and 46 days/cm, respectively). We observed one case of fracture after callotasis and one after distraction-graft. One patient underwent tenolysis of the extensor mechanism after single-stage lengthening. In conclusion, distraction graft and single-stage lengthening may be valuable alternatives to callotasis. Level of evidence: IV; therapeutic study; multi-case series


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-56
Author(s):  
Daniel Maricondi Massari ◽  
Marcio Gomes Figueiredo ◽  
Helencar Ignácio ◽  
Rafael Guirado ◽  
Wilisson Ribeiro Filho ◽  
...  

Objective: Assess patient performance and quality of the stump after amputation at the Chopart (midtarsal) joint, with double-bundle transfer of the tibialis anterior muscle tendon to the talar neck. Methods: This study evaluated the medical records of 5 patients who underwent Chopart amputation with double-bundle transfer of the tibialis anterior tendon to the talar neck, assessing pre and postoperative performance and gait. Results: The patients were operated on between January 2008 and December 2018, and the data obtained from the survey allow us to conclude that, after the proposed procedure, all patients reported an improvement in walking, besides noting a significant reduction in the degree of stump equinus. Conclusion: The surgical technique described in this article produced a significant improvement in patient performance as assessed by the AOFAS hindfoot score, and prevented the formation of ulcers in the anterior region of the stump. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Study; Case Series.


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