scholarly journals Reconstruction of Plantar Forefoot in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Comparative Study of Perforator Flaps and Random Flaps

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23
Author(s):  
Yun-Seob Kim ◽  
Si-Gyun Roh ◽  
Jong-Lim Kim ◽  
Nae-Ho Lee ◽  
Jin Yong Shin
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Foot Ulcers ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcers ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tissue Defects

Background: Plastic and reconstructive surgeons consider a variety of options to salvage limbs of patients when operating on soft tissue defects of the plantar forefoot in diabetic foot ulcers. This study focuses on the efficacy and durability of perforator flaps compared to that of random flaps, when covering the plantar forefoot area in diabetic patients.<br/>Methods: From January 2011 to August 2020, we performed 49 plantar forefoot reconstructions to cover soft tissue defects in diabetes patients using local random flaps, regional perforator-based flaps, or free flaps. The patients’ clinical characteristics, size of defects, surgical outcomes and complications were reviewed retrospectively.<br/>Results: Forty-nine patients underwent plantar forefoot reconstruction over the period reviewed. Eleven patients were female and the others were male. The mean age of the patients was 54.2 years (range, 32–73 years). Median follow-up was 5.2 months. The mean size of the defect was 7.2×4.5 cm. During follow-up periods, partial or complete loss of flaps was closely observed. We identified wound complications in 67% of local random flaps compared to 11% and 21% in regional and free flaps, respectively.<br/>Conclusion: Soft tissue defects in the distal third of the foot can severely worsen diabetic patients’ quality of life. Perforator-based flaps, providing better vascularized tissue than random flaps, can be used to attain acceptable functional and aesthetic results for plantar forefoot reconstruction in diabetes patients.

Retrospective Analysis in Lower Limb Reconstruction: Propeller Perforator Flaps versus Free Flaps

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S34-S39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Cajozzo ◽  
Alessandro Innocenti ◽  
Massimiliano Tripoli ◽  
Giovanni Zabbia ◽  
Salvatore D'Arpa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Lower Extremities ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
Hospitalization Period ◽  
Tissue Defects

Background Technical advancements and increasing experience in the management of soft tissue defects in lower extremities have led to the evolution of decisional reconstructive algorithms. Both propeller perforator flaps (PPFs) and free flaps (FFs) proved to be useful methods of reconstruction for lower extremities defects, offering alternative reconstructive tools. We present a case series of PPFs and FFs for reconstruction of lower limbs defects, analyzing and comparing treatment and outcomes. Methods Through a retrospective analysis, we report our experience in performing PPFs or FFs for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the lower extremities, in patients admitted between 2010 and 2015 at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Palermo. In these patients, we evaluated location and causes of defects, types of flaps used, recipient vessels, complications, time to healing, and aesthetic outcome. Results A primary healing rate was obtained in 13 patients for PPF and 16 cases for FF. Revision surgery for partial skin necrosis was required in eight cases (PPF: four and FF: four). Recovery time and hospitalization period were eventually shorter in patients with FFs, due to lower rate of complications and revision surgery. Conclusion In the past years, our indications for reconstruction with PPFs in the lower limb have become more restricted, while we favor reconstruction with FFs. Recommendations are provided to orient surgical treatment in small, medium, and large lower limb defects.

Use of twin dorsal middle phalangeal finger flaps for thumb or index finger reconstruction

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Qi ◽  
K. J. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Index Finger ◽  
Middle Finger ◽  
Digital Artery ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Degloving Injuries ◽  
Finger Reconstruction ◽  
Tissue Defects

Amputation or degloving injuries of the thumb or index finger are highly disabling. We describe the use of twin dorsal middle finger flaps harvested from the dorsal aspects of the middle and ring fingers, and based on one palmar proper digital artery, its venae comitantes, and the dorsal branches of the palmar digital nerves of the middle and ring fingers, respectively. These flaps offer advantages when large soft tissue defects of the thumb or index finger are present. In this study, twin dorsal middle finger flaps were used in nine patients (six thumbs, three index fingers). All flaps completely survived. At the mean follow-up of 20 months, the appearance of the reconstructed thumbs or index fingers was acceptable, the length was maintained, and the mean static 2-point discrimination values were 10 mm in the palmar flap and 13 mm in the dorsal flap of the reconstructed digit. All patients were satisfied with the appearance and mobility of the donor fingers. All but one donor finger showed normal finger pulp sensibility, with a static 2-point discrimination between 3 and 6 mm.

Keystone-Designed Perforator Island Flaps for the Coverage of Traumatic Pretibial Defects in Patients With Comorbidities

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi Sun Yoon ◽  
Sang Il Kim ◽  
Hoon Kim ◽  
Kyu Nam Kim
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Defect Size ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Algorithmic Approach ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tissue Defects

Reconstruction of pretibial skin and soft-tissue defects remains a challenge because this area has less underlying tissues and limited tissue mobility. Here, we present a retrospective review of our experience with pretibial reconstruction using the keystone-designed perforator island flap (KDPIF) in patients with comorbidities. All defects resulted from nononcological causes. We describe the expanding versatility of KDPIF reconstruction for pretibial defects and suggest a simple algorithmic approach. The medical records of 9 patients who underwent reconstruction with a KDPIF to cover a pretibial defect between May 2016 and June 2017 were reviewed. Clinical and operative data were collected. All 9 KDPIFs fully survived. The defect size varied from 3 × 2 cm2 to 8 × 6 cm2. The flap size varied from 5 × 3 to 20 × 10 cm2. The mean operative time was 90.4 minutes (range = 37-127 minutes). No postoperative complications occurred. The cosmetic results were favorable, and all patients were satisfied with the final outcomes. Thus, the KDPIF is a good reconstruction modality with few complications and provides an alternative to free flaps for pretibial defect reconstruction in patients with comorbidities.

scholarly journals Flow-through arterialized venous free thenar flaps for palmar soft tissue defects in fingers

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 030006052199103
Author(s):  
Song Gu ◽  
Huichao Fu ◽  
Yinjun Huang ◽  
Renguo Xie
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Skin Necrosis ◽  
Active Movement ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Injured Side ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tissue Defects ◽  
The Average Range

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of venous free thenar flaps for reconstructing palmar soft tissue defects in fingers. Methods From December 2018 to October 2019, 11 patients with palmar soft tissue defects in fingers were treated using venous free thenar flaps. At the final follow-up, the range of thumb radial and palmar abduction on the injured side and opposite side was calculated. The total active movement (TAM) of the injured and opposite fingers and flap sensibility recovery were also recorded. Results The mean follow-up time was 13.4 months, all flaps survived, and all wounds at the donor sites healed with no skin necrosis. At the last follow-up, the average range of thumb radial abduction and thumb palmar abduction on the injured side was 96.6% and 95.9% of the value on the opposite side, respectively. The average TAM of the injured fingers was 98.2% of the value of the opposite fingers. Sensation in the flaps was restored to grade S2 to S3. Conclusion Venous free thenar flaps can be alternatives for reconstructing palmar soft tissue defects in fingers.

scholarly journals Arterial or venous free flaps for volar tissue defects of the proximal interphalangeal joint: A comparison of surgical outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 451-459
Author(s):  
Min Suk Choi ◽  
Si Young Roh ◽  
Sung Hoon Koh ◽  
Jin Soo Kim ◽  
Dong Chul Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Surgical Outcomes ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Articular Fractures ◽  
Pip Joint ◽  
Second Toe ◽  
Tissue Defects

Background For volar soft tissue defects of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, free flaps are technically challenging, but have more esthetic and functional advantages than local or distant flaps. In this study, we compared the long-term surgical outcomes of arterial (hypothenar, thenar, or second toe plantar) and venous free flaps for volar defects of the PIP joint.Methods This was a single-center retrospective review of free flap coverage of volar defects between the distal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joint from July 2010 to August 2019. Patients with severe crush injuries (degloving, tendon or bone defects, or comminuted/intra-articular fractures), thumb injuries, multiple-joint and finger injuries, dorsal soft tissue defects, and defects >6 cm in length were excluded from the study, as were those lost to follow-up within 6 months. Thirteen patients received arterial (hypothenar, thenar, or second toe plantar) free flaps and 12 received venous free flaps. Patients’ age, follow-up period, PIP joint active range of motion (ROM), extension lag, grip-strength ratio of the injured to the uninjured hand, and Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder & Hand (QuickDASH) score were compared between the groups.Results Arterial free flaps showed significantly higher PIP joint active ROM (P=0.043) and lower extension lag (P=0.035) than venous free flaps. The differences in flexion, grip strength, and QuickDASH scores were not statistically significant.Conclusions The surgical outcomes of arterial free flaps were superior to those of venous free flaps for volar defects of the PIP joint.

scholarly journals Abdominal, perineal, and genital soft tissue reconstruction with pedicled anterolateral thigh perforator flaps

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Alois Steiner ◽  
Riccardo Schweizer ◽  
Holger Klein ◽  
Matthias Waldner ◽  
Pietro Giovanoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Soft Tissue Reconstruction ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Tissue Reconstruction ◽  
Alt Flap ◽  
Tissue Defects

Abstract Background Pedicled perforator flaps have become a contemporary alternative to muscle flaps for soft tissue reconstruction as they have reduced donor site morbidity, avoid the need for microsurgical transfer, and are versatile and reliable. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap was first introduced as a free flap and has since gained popularity as a pedicled flap. Here we review our experience using pedicled ALT flaps for regional soft tissue reconstruction. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent loco-regional soft tissue reconstruction using pedicled ALT flaps between March 2014 and October 2018, with the goal of identifying potential applications of pedicled ALT flaps. The following aspects of each case were reviewed: patient demographics, defect location and size, comorbidities such as previous radiotherapy, flap details, clinical follow-up, and postoperative complications. Results Our analysis demonstrates the versatility of pedicled ALT flaps in a variety of indications to successfully cover large abdominal, perineal, and genital soft tissue defects. Depending on the patient’s needs to achieve more bulk or stability in the reconstruction, the ALT flap was individually tailored with underlying muscle or fascia. The average follow-up was 7 months (range: 3–13 months). Conclusions Pedicled ALT flaps are a valuable reconstructive option for soft tissue defects located within the pedicle’s range, from the lower abdomen to the perianal region. These flaps are usually raised from a non-irradiated donor site and are sufficient for covering extensive soft tissue defects. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the defect using pedicled ALT flaps allows for anatomical function and minor donor sites. Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

scholarly journals The Free Flap Based on a Single Proximal Perforator of Radial Artery: the Ultrasonography Study and Clinical Applications in Reconstruction of Digital Defect

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangzhi Wu ◽  
Zhan Zhang ◽  
Fan Zhang ◽  
Yiqun Zhang ◽  
Wei Yu
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Radial Artery ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Proximal Half ◽  
Pedicle Length ◽  
Cosmetic Outcomes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Artery Perforator ◽  
Tissue Defects

Abstract Objectives: To locate the anastomosable constant perforator of radial artery on the proximal forarm using ultrasonography, and describe the application of free radial artery flap based on a single proximal perforator in the reconstruction of digital soft tissue defects.Methods: In 20 forarms (10 right and 10 left) from 10 volunteers, the perforators in the proximal half of forarm from radial artery were visualized by ultrasonography. Then the free radial artery perforator flaps based on the single perforator were used for reconstruction of small digital soft tissue defects in 4 cases between October 2017 and May 2018.Results: Of the 20 forarms, anastomosable perforator was constantly detected from the radial artery in the proximal half of forarm. The diameter of the perforator was 0.7±0.1 mm, the pedicle length is 12±3 mm by ultrasonography. Ther location of the perforator is far from elbow crease 8.8±1.4 cm, and the relative distance of the perforator location from elbow crease to wrist crease is 37.2% ± 4.8%. In clinical cases, all the flaps were complete survival. Flap size ranged from 3.5 to 6.5 cm in length and 2.3 to 3.0 cm in width. Donor sites of forearm were closed primarily in all cases. During a mean period of 12 months (8-14 months) follow-up, the mean Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (BMHQ) score was 72.9 (60.4-85.4) in the affected hand.Conclusions: There is an anastomosable perforator consistent located on the radial artery in the proximal half of forarm. The free radial artery small flap based on this single perforator provides acceptable functional and cosmetic outcomes for the reconsturction of digital soft tissue defects . With the preservation of the main vessel (radial artery) of forearm, this flap provides another reliable option for handsurgery surgeon to reconstruct small digital defects.

Thoracic Propeller Perforator Flaps for Covering Soft Tissue Defects

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (S 01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matei Ileana ◽  
Alexandru Georgescu ◽  
Radu Lacatus ◽  
Manolis Daskalakis
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
Tissue Defects

scholarly journals Skin stretch suturing with Nice knots in the treatment of small- or medium-sized wounds

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianmin Xu ◽  
Rui Chang ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Chengcheng Zhang ◽  
Dezhi Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Hair Growth ◽  
Wound Closure ◽  
Skin Wound ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Cutaneous Sensation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Skin Stretch ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Tissue Defects

Abstract Background To investigate the clinical efficacy and outcomes of skin stretch suturing with self-locking sliding Nice knots in the treatment of small- or medium-sized wounds. Methods From June 2015 to May 2018, 26 patients with small- or medium-sized wounds were included in the present study. Skin stretch suturing with self-locking slide Nice knots was performed to gradually close the soft-tissue defects in these patients. The time of wound closure and healing was recorded. The color and blood supply of the skin, cutaneous sensation, the stretch of skin, and the hair growth situation of the skin wound were observed and recorded. Results There were 17 males and 9 females with an average age of 30.65 years (range, 15–48 years). The areas of the soft-tissue defects were between 3.2 × 7.1 cm and 8.0 × 15.2 cm. All patients underwent stretch suturing with self-locking slide Nice knots to close the soft-tissue defects. All wounds were successfully closed and healed. The mean time of wound closure was 10.69 days (range, 5–20 days), and the mean time of wound healing was 16.85 days (range, 10–24 days). The cutaneous sensation of skin wound recovered normally, and the color of the skin wounds was the same as that of normal skin at the last follow-up. The hair growth situation of the skin wounds also returned to normal. Conclusions This study revealed that Nice knots yielded an accepted clinical result as a new method to close small- or medium-sized wounds that was simple and less minimally invasive, resulted in progressive tension, did not return to previous results, and partially replace flaps or free skin grafts.

scholarly journals Results of Microvascular Free Flap for Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects: Our Early Experience

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-37
Author(s):  
Debashis Biswas ◽  
Md Abul Kalam ◽  
Tanveer Ahmed ◽  
Md Rabiul Karim Khan
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Soft Tissue Defect ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Tissue Defect ◽  
Radial Forearm ◽  
After Cancer ◽  
Microvascular Free Flap ◽  
Tissue Defects

Extensive soft tissue defects following trauma, burn or after cancer surgery need coverage by flaps. Sometimes surrounding tissues are not healthy enough or quantity is not favorable to provide adequate pedicle flaps. Microvascular free flap can provide healthy tissue of adequate amount from distant area for those difficult situations.15 microvascular free flaps were performed from October 2011 to February 2013. Radial forearm free flap was done in 8 and Latissimusdorsi (LD) flap in 7 cases. 10 flaps done in foot, ankle & lower leg region (radial forearm-5, LD-5) and 5 flaps were done in face and scalp region (radial forearm-4, LD-1).12 flaps healed uneventfully with good coverage of the defect. Average ischemia time was 135 min (range 100-240 min) and average anastomosis time was 75 min (average 60-100 min). 2 flaps failed. There was necrosis of the tip of 2 LD and cumbersome swelling of the flap was found in 2 cases of LD flaps.Large soft tissue defect of body where local or regional flaps are not feasible; can be easily covered with free flaps. Its capacity to cover huge soft tissue defect has neutralizes its technical demand. Though complications are still high in our hands; can be reduced performing more number of cases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bdjps.v3i2.18242 Bangladesh Journal of Plastic Surgery July 2012, 3(2): 33-37

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