Reverse Radial Forearm Fascial Flap for Soft Tissue Coverage of Hand and Forearm Wounds

2000 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 385-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. ROGACHEFSKY ◽  
C. G. MENDIETTA ◽  
P. GALPIN ◽  
E. A. OUELLETTE

Six patients with severe hand and forearm injuries involving open wounds and exposed structures were treated with reverse radial forearm fascial flaps and split-thickness skin grafts for soft tissue cover. There were five men and one woman aged between 16 and 36 years. Injuries included soft tissue avulsion on the dorsum of the hand and fingers, extensive flexor and extensor tendon damage, multiple phalangeal fractures, a grade IIIB open dislocation of the index to little carpometacarpal joints, a grade III open metacarpal fracture and a finger amputation. The average wound size was 9 cm in length and 7 cm in width. The mean duration of follow-up was 12 months (range, 5–20 months). All flaps healed well, and all patients were satisfied.

2018 ◽  
Vol 03 (02) ◽  
pp. e87-e90
Author(s):  
Fernando Herrera ◽  
Karen Horton ◽  
Ryan Brennan ◽  
Gregory Buncke ◽  
Rudolph Buntic

AbstractWe report a case of a 20-year-old patient who sustained a mutilating crush injury to the left-hand index and ring finger volar surface measuring 5 × 6 cm from the distal end of the proximal phalanx to the fingertips. After thorough debridement and stabilization of the skeletal injury, a radial forearm fascia only free flap measuring 6 × 7 cm was used to resurface the distal soft tissue volar defect of two adjacent fingers. Digital nerve grafting was also required, and this was done using autologous nerve graft from the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. This thin fascia only flap allows for stable soft tissue coverage and provides a gliding surface for the underlying tendons. The neosyndactylized digits were safely divided at 3-month follow-up, and excellent functional and aesthetic results were achieved. The radial forearm fascia is a thin, durable, and pliable tissue that is based on the radial artery as a vascular pedicle. We consider this free fascial flap as a valuable option for coverage of multiple complex distal digit injuries using a single flap and highly recommend its use.


Hand ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joohak Kim ◽  
Alfred P. Yoon ◽  
Neil F. Jones

Background: Toe-to-thumb transfer has become the gold standard for thumb reconstruction, but in badly mutilated hands, additional soft tissue coverage may be required or a suitable recipient artery may not be available. There are only 3 case reports describing the successful use of a reverse radial forearm flap for coverage of a soft tissue defect around the thumb as well as providing arterial inflow for a toe transfer, performed either simultaneously or secondarily. Methods: A single surgeon’s experience of all toe-to-hand transfers performed in conjunction with a reverse radial forearm flap between 1995 and 2014 was reviewed, including patient demographics, type of toe transfer and vascular pedicle, whether immediate or secondary, follow-up, and complications. Results: Eight toe-to-hand transfers were performed in 7 patients—3 children (age range, 3-15 years) and 4 adults (age range, 19-39 years). Three patients underwent primary toe-to-thumb transfer simultaneously with a reverse radial forearm flap, and 5 patients underwent secondary toe-to-hand transfer between 4 months and 2½ years after an initial reverse radial forearm flap. All toe transfers survived completely. Average follow-up was 5.1 years. All patients were satisfied with the function and appearance of their reconstructed thumb. Conclusion: The reverse radial forearm flap is a very reliable procedure as a “Sister” or “Siamese” flap to provide immediate arterial inflow to a simultaneous toe-to-thumb transfer, or to provide primary soft tissue coverage on the radial aspect of the hand and subsequently provide a recipient arterial inflow for a secondary toe transfer.


2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (suppl_4) ◽  
pp. ONS-369-ONS-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kartik G. Krishnan ◽  
Thomas Pinzer ◽  
Gabriele Schackert

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our goals are to describe a method of treating painful peripheral nerve neuromas by means of vascularized tissue coverage, report the results in seven patients, and discuss the indications for this treatment modality. An analysis of pain, functionality of the affected body part, professional activities of the patients, and medications before and after surgery is presented. METHODS: Seven male patients (mean age, 45.1 yr) with posttraumatic nerve injuries, who had developed painful stump neuromas or neuromas-in-continuity, and who had unsuccessfully undergone several treatment procedures, were selected for the surgery described here. The operation included resection of the stump neuroma (four patients) or neurolysis of the neuroma-in-continuity (three patients) and coverage of the nerve with a vascularized fascial, fasciocutaneous, or perforator flap (three pedicled regional flaps and four free flaps). A modified quadruple visual analog scale was used to quantify pain before and after surgical treatment. The mean follow-up was 16.6 months. RESULTS: The mean values of the quadruple visual analog scale (pain now/typically/at its best/at its worst) before surgery were 6.5/6.5/4.7/7.9. These values changed to 0.3/0.4/0/0.9 at a mean follow-up of 16.6 months after surgery. Five patients returned to their original profession, one receives a pension, and one began a less demanding job after undergoing surgery. Six of the seven patients received opioids before surgery (one had a spinal cord stimulator). After surgery, all patients stopped taking regular pain killers and the spinal cord stimulator was deactivated in one; two patients still take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs occasionally, but not on a regular basis. CONCLUSION: Vascularized soft tissue coverage of painful peripheral nerve neuromas seems to be an effective and attractive, but also complex, method of treatment. This option may be considered and reserved for patients who have already undergone several pain treatment modalities without success.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110130
Author(s):  
Kyeong-Hyeon Park ◽  
Chang-Wug Oh ◽  
Joon-Woo Kim ◽  
Hee-June Kim ◽  
Dong-Hyun Kim ◽  
...  

Background: Severely displaced calcaneal fractures can result in considerable morphology derangement and may be accompanied by soft tissue compromise. Delayed operative restoration of the calcaneal morphology may result in acute retensioning of the damaged soft tissue with associated wound-related complications. In this study, we describe a staged treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures that uses temporary transarticular Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation and staged conversion to definite fixation. Methods: We identified all of the patients who were treated at our institution for calcaneal fractures between 2015 and 2019. A total of 17 patients with 20 calcaneal fractures were selectively treated with 2-stage management. Temporary transarticular K-wire fixation was performed 24 hours after the injury to restore calcaneal morphology and the surrounding soft tissue. After the soft tissue was considered safe, delayed open reduction and internal fixation was performed. The time to definite surgery, radiographic alignment, wound complications, time to radiographic union, and hindfoot American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were recorded. Results: The average follow-up period was 17 months (range, 12-43). The average Böhler angle increased from a mean of −22 degrees (range, −109 to 25) to 25 degrees (range, 0 to 47) after temporary transarticular K-wire fixation. The mean time from temporary pinning to conversion to definite internal fixation was 20 (range, 10-32) days. There were no immediate postoperative complications. The average time to radiographic union was 13.7 (range, 10-16) weeks. The mean AOFAS score was 87 (range, 55-100). No infections or wound complications were reported during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Temporary transarticular pinning for staged calcaneal fracture treatment is safe and effective in restoring the calcaneal morphology. This novel and relatively simple method may facilitate delayed operation and decrease wound-related complications. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1670.2-1670
Author(s):  
K. Ben Abdelghani ◽  
H. Boussaa ◽  
S. Miladi ◽  
A. Fazaa ◽  
K. Ouenniche ◽  
...  

Background:Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a systemic inflammatory disease with articular and extra-articular features. In recent years, Ultrasonography (US) is playing an important role in the diagnosis and monitoring of this disease. Specific US features of PsA have been reported such as enthesitis, peritenon extensor tendon inflammation (PTI) and soft tissue edema.Objectives:The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of these US signs in PsA patients and to determine their association with disease duration and activity.Methods:Patients with peripheral PsA responding to the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) were enrolled. Clinical and biological data were extracted, and then US examination was performed by an experimented rheumatologist blinded to clinical data using a machine type Esaote MyLAb 60 with a linear probe of 6-18 MHz. The following US features were evaluated: PTI at the dorsal aspect of metacarpo-phalangeal (MCP) joints, soft edema at the volar aspect of MCP joints and enthesitis of the digitorum extensor at the dorsal aspect of distal inter-phalangeal (DIP) joints.A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:We included twenty PsA patients, 8 men and 12 women, with a mean age of 55 ± 11 [33-77] years old. The mean disease duration was of 10±8 [1-34] years. A family history of PsA or psoriasis was reported in 53% of cases.Oral corticosteroids were used in 21% of patients, at a mean daily posology of 7 mg [5-10] of Prednisone equivalent, Methotrexate in 84% of cases at a mean posology of 15 mg [10-20] per week, Sulfasalazine in 10% of cases and a biological DMARD in 32% of cases (Etanercept=4, Infliximab=1, Adalimumab=1).The mean number of tender and swollen joints were respectively of 8 [0-16] and 2 [0-8]. The mean rate of patient global evaluation and visual analogue scale was of 5 [0-9].The mean DAPSA (Disease Activity in PSoriatic Arthritis) score was of 32±27 [4-112].US examination demonstrated that all patients had at least one of the three specific signs that we were looking for. At MCP level, PTI was noted in 11% of joints with Power Doppler (PD) signal in one case and soft tissue edema was noted in 3% of joints.At DIP level, enthesitis of digitorum extensor tendon was noted in 39% of joints. The elementary lesions reported were: enthesophyte in 25%, erosion in 8%, calcification in 5% and thickened or hypoecoic tendon in 4% of joints. However, no PD signal was detected at the enthesis.A positive association was found between DAPSA score and soft tissue edema (p=0.000), but not with PTI (0.668) and enthesitis (0.137). No relation was found between these three lesions and the disease duration.Conclusion:The presence of soft tissue edema, enthesitis and/or PTI on US can be an argument for the diagnosis of PsA. Soft tissue edema is shown to be associated with disease activity.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 247301141880695
Author(s):  
Tyler A. Gonzalez ◽  
Jeremy T. Smith ◽  
Eric M. Bluman ◽  
Lauren V. Ready ◽  
William Ciurylo ◽  
...  

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) is commonly treated with proximal or distal first metatarsal osteotomy. Despite good correction, these procedures have inherent risks such as malunion, nonunion, metatarsal shortening, loss of fixation, and avascular necrosis. Suture button fixation has been used for HV treatment. It avoids the risks of corrective osteotomies while maintaining reduction of the intermetatarsal angle (IMA). The goal of this study was to assess the radiographic and functional outcomes of patients undergoing HV correction with a distal soft tissue procedure and proximal suture button fixation. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts and radiographs of 22 patients who had undergone HV correction using a distal soft tissue correction and proximal fixation with a miniature suture button device (Mini TightRope; Arthrex, Inc, Naples, FL). Mean follow-up was 27.7 months. The IMA, hallux valgus angle (HVA), and sesamoid station were measured on radiographs obtained preoperatively as well as in the immediate postoperative period and at final follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores were collected. Postoperative complications, and any additional operative procedures performed were also recorded. Results: The mean preoperative IMA and HVA were 16.9 and 32.6 degrees, respectively. The mean immediate postoperative IMA was 5.2 degrees ( P < .0001) and the mean HVA was 9.8 degrees ( P < .0001). At final follow-up, the mean IMA was 8.2 degrees ( P < .0001) and the mean HVA was 16.7 degrees ( P < .0001). The average change in HVA from preoperative to final follow-up was 16.0 degrees and the average change in IMA from preoperative to final follow-up was 8.6 degrees ( P < .0001). Sesamoid station assessment at the 2-week follow-up showed that 22 patients (100%) were in the normal position group; at final follow-up, 17 patients (77%) had normal position and 5 patients (23%) had displaced position. Although there were no clinically symptomatic recurrences, asymptomatic radiographic recurrence was noted in 5 patients (23%) who had a final HVA >20 degrees. All components of the FAAM and the SF-36 showed improvement from preoperative to final follow-up, although these changes were not statistically significant. Three patients experienced complications, including an intraoperative second metatarsal fracture, a postoperative second metatarsal stress fracture, and a postoperative deep vein thrombosis. Conclusion: The use of a distal soft tissue procedure in conjunction with proximal suture button fixation is a safe and effective procedure for treating symptomatic HV deformity. Our results show that this technique can correct the IMA, HVA, and sesamoid station without the need for osteotomy. Level of evidence: Level IV.


2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Al-Qattan

Over a 20-year period, six patients (19 tendons) underwent two-staged extensor tendon reconstruction using silicone rods followed by palmaris longus tendon grafts sutured proximally to the divided flexor carpi radialis tendon. All patients were young men (mean age, 22 years) who sustained the injury in car accidents. The soft tissue loss from the dorsum of the hand was associated with extensor tendon loss over the entire zone 6 with or without loss in zone 7. Primary soft tissue coverage was done elsewhere, and patients presented for secondary tendon reconstruction. All patients had supple metacarpophalangeal joints before reconstruction. After the two-staged tendon reconstruction, full or near-full active flexion at the metacarpophalangeal joints was obtained in all patients. However, minor extension lags (10°–15°) at the metacarpophalangeal joints were seen in 15 out of 19 reconstructed fingers.


1987 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-33
Author(s):  
D. J. FORD ◽  
S. EL-HADIDI ◽  
P. G. LUNN ◽  
F. D. BURKE

Thirty-six patients were treated for 38 phalangeal fractures using 1.5 mm and 2 mm A. O. screws. Plates were not used in the fingers. Oblique fractures of the condyles, shafts or bases of the proximal or middle phalanges were treated by internal fixation because of instability, displacement or rotation. 40% of fractures had associated skin wounds, were comminuted or had damage to the extensor mechanism. The mean duration of post-operative immobilization was 9 days and the mean time off work was 6 weeks. Total active movement in the involved ray was 220 degrees or greater in 24 cases, 180 degrees to 215 degrees in eight cases, and less than 180 degrees in two patients at follow up. The patients were reviewed between three and 54 months after treatment and the mean duration of follow up was 24 months. The most frequent complication was 10 degrees to 30 degrees of flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint after internal fixation of condylar fractures. Results were satisfactory in 90% of cases.


2020 ◽  
pp. 107110072097128
Author(s):  
Kyung Rae Ko ◽  
Jong Sup Shim ◽  
Jiwon Kang ◽  
Jaesung Park

Background: We aimed to report surgical outcomes and analyze prognostic factors of medial toe excision for polysyndactyly of the fifth toe. Methods: We reviewed the details of 139 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for postaxial polydactyly of the foot from 2009 to 2018. Among these, 83 patients (90 feet) with polysyndactyly of the fifth toe, treated by medial toe excision (between the duplicated toes) and reconstruction of the fourth web space using a dorsal rectangular flap, were included. The toe alignment and stability were restored by chondroplasty and soft tissue balancing without an osteotomy. A full-thickness skin graft was performed in 52 feet. The mean age at surgery was 27.1 ± 17.5 months and the mean duration of follow-up was 42.8 ± 24.9 months. Results: At the last follow-up, a relatively small size of the reconstructed toe was observed in 19 feet (19/90, 21.1%). Proximal duplication level (metatarsal or proximal phalanx type) and preoperative hypoplasia of the remaining toe were related to the small postoperative size. Valgus deformity of the remaining toe was observed in 2 feet (2/90, 2.2%). We observed 17 cases with delayed healing or early postoperative wound infection. Among these, 7 cases (7/90, 7.8%) showed postoperative thickening or advancement of the web, which was not observed in cases without wound problems. No cases had functional disturbance or pain. Conclusion: The overall surgical outcomes were satisfactory without an osteotomy. Patients with a proximal duplication level or preoperative hypoplasia of the remaining toe should be informed of its possible small size postoperatively. Levels of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


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