scholarly journals Management of complex surgical wounds of the back: identifying an evidence-based approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 599-606
Author(s):  
Elizabeth G. Zolper ◽  
Meher A. Saleem ◽  
Kevin G. Kim ◽  
Mark D. Mishu ◽  
Sarah R. Sher ◽  
...  

Background Postoperative dehiscence and surgical site infection after spinal surgery can carry serious morbidity. Multidisciplinary involvement of plastic surgery is essential to minimizing morbidity and achieving definitive closure. However, a standardized approach is lacking. The aim of this study was to identify effective reconstructive interventions for the basis of an evidence-based management protocol.Methods A retrospective review was performed at a single tertiary institution for 45 patients who required 53 reconstruction procedures with plastic surgery for wounds secondary to spinal surgery from 2010 to 2019. Statistical analysis was performed for demographics, comorbidities, and treatment methods. Primary outcomes were postoperative complications, including dehiscence, seroma, and infection. The secondary outcome was time to healing.Results The overall complication rate was 32%, with dehiscence occurring in 17%, seroma in 15% and infection in 11% of cases. Median follow-up was 10 months (interquartile range, 4–23). Use of antibiotic beads did not affect rate of infection occurrence after wound closure (P=0.146). Use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) was significant for reduced time to healing (P=0.001). Patients treated without iNPWT healed at median of 67.5 days while the patients who received iNPWT healed in 33 days. Demographics and comorbidities between these two groups were similar.Conclusions This data provides groundwork for an evidence-based approach to soft tissue reconstruction and management of dehiscence after spinal surgery. Timely involvement of plastic surgery in high-risk patients and utilization of evidence-based interventions such as iNPWT are essential for improving outcomes in this population.

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhao Yang ◽  
Chao Xu ◽  
Yong-Gang Zhu ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Zi-Xiang Wu ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective This study aimed to retrospectively analyze clinical data of a series of patients with severe open fractures of extremities (Gustilo IIIb or IIIc), who achieved a satisfactory outcome through radical orthoplastic surgery, so as to provide a reference for determining the treatment of severe open fractures of extremities. Methods The clinical data of 41 consecutive patients with severe open fracture (Gustilo IIIb or IIIc) of the limb, who underwent successful surgical debridement, fixation, and soft tissue reconstruction in one stage between January 2008 and January 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative indicators, including infection rate and union time, were acquired by a regular follow-up and analyzed. Results The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 38 ± 16 years. A total of 90 open fractures and severe soft tissue damages were analyzed. The soft tissue cover was achieved within 72 h. The overall rate of infection was 14.6% (6/41). Sex and the Mangled Extremity Severity Score were associated with infection. The median union time of 40 patients (one amputation) was 32 weeks. Conclusion The overall rate of infection exhibited a lower tendency in this study compared with previous studies on high-grade open fractures following a two-stage orthopedic approach. The consequence of infection rate and union time was similar to that in previous studies. These results indicated that the single-stage radical orthoplastic treatment was an effective and reliable option for reconstructing severe open fractures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 842-848
Author(s):  
Satoshi Usami ◽  
Kohei Inami ◽  
Yuichi Hirase ◽  
Hiroki Mori

We present outcomes of using a perforator-based ulnar parametacarpal flap in 25 patients for digital pulp defects. These included 17 free transfers to the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers and eight reverse pedicled transfers to the little fingers. This flap includes a dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve, which was sutured to the digital nerve in all transfers. Each flap had one to three reliable perforators (mean 0.44 mm diameter) to the ulnar parametacarpal region and contained at least one perforator within 2 cm proximal to the palmar digital crease. All the 25 flaps survived completely. Twenty-two patients were followed for 15 months (range 12 to 24), and three were lost to follow-up. The mean static and moving two-point discrimination of the flap was 7 mm and 5 mm, respectively. At the donor site, sensory reinnervation was acceptable. We conclude that ulnar parametacarpal perforator flaps offer sensate, thick and glabrous skin for finger pulp repair, all in a single operative field. Level of evidence: IV


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Gilber Kask ◽  
Toni-Karri Pakarinen ◽  
Jyrki Parkkinen ◽  
Hannu Kuokkanen ◽  
Jyrki Nieminen ◽  
...  

This case study describes a total tibia resection and reconstruction with a custom-made endoprosthetic replacement (EPR) and a long-term, 8-year follow-up. The patient underwent a total tibia adamantinoma resection in 2009. Reconstruction was performed with a custom-made total tibia EPR, where both the knee joint and ankle joint were reconstructed. Two muscle flaps, latissimus dorsi free flap and a pedicled medial gastrocnemius flap, were used for soft tissue reconstruction. The patient returned to normal life as a kindergarten teacher, without complications for eight years. This case demonstrated the importance of successful multidisciplinary teamwork in close collaboration with industry. In our best knowledge, no over 2 years of follow-up of total tibia replacement reports have been published.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhao Yang ◽  
Chao Xu ◽  
Yong-Gang Zhu ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Zi-Xiang Wu ◽  
...  

Abstract Orthoplastic treatment based on the collaboration of orthopedic and plastic surgeons in an “orthoplastic” central unit has been recommended by the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. However, this approach is not used worldwide especially in most developing countries. Based on the aggressive orthoplastic management, orthoplastic experience with Chinese characteristics has been carried out in last 10 years. The clinical data of 41 consecutive patients with severe open fracture (Gustilo IIIb or IIIc) of the limb, who underwent successful surgical debridement, fixation, and soft tissue reconstruction in one stage between January 2008 and April 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative indicators, including infection rate and union time, were acquired by a regular follow-up and analyzed. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 38±16 years. The soft tissue cover was achieved within 72 h. The overall rate of infection was 14.6% (6/41). Sex and the Mangled Extremity Severity Score were associated with infection. The median union time of 40 patients (one amputation) was 32 weeks. The overall rate of infection exhibited a lower tendency in this study. These results indicated that the single-stage radical orthoplastic treatment was an effective and reliable option for reconstructing severe open fractures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-260
Author(s):  
Beatriz Hatsue Kushida-Contreras ◽  
Miguel Angel Gaxiola-García

Background Myelomeningocele is a frequently seen condition at tertiary care hospitals. Its treatment involves a variety of plastic reconstructive techniques. Herein, we present a series of myelomeningocele patients treated using keystone flaps.Methods We gathered information regarding soft tissue reconstruction and the use of bilateral keystone flaps to treat myelomeningocele patients. We obtained data from clinical records and recorded the demographic characteristics of mothers and children with the condition. The size, level of defect, and complications detected during the follow-up were analyzed.Results A series of seven patients who underwent bilateral keystone flaps for myelomeningocele closure was analyzed. There were no cases of midline or major dehiscence, flap loss, necrosis, surgical site infections, or cerebrospinal fluid leakage. No revision procedures were performed. Minor complications included one case with minimal seroma and three cases with areas of peripheral dehiscence that healed easily using conventional measures.Conclusions The use of keystone flaps is an adequate option for closure of dorsal midline soft tissue defects related to myelomeningocele. This technique offers predictable results with an acceptable spectrum of complications. Robust blood flow can be predicted based upon anatomical knowledge.


2020 ◽  
pp. 238008442094217
Author(s):  
L. Paternò Holtzman ◽  
G. Blasi ◽  
E. Rivera ◽  
F. Herrero ◽  
K. Downton ◽  
...  

Objective: To evaluate the impact of soft tissue thickness (STT) on root coverage achieved with different periodontal plastic surgery procedures. Background: Gingival recession has been managed successfully through various surgical approaches, with great variability in outcomes. Anatomic characteristics of the recipient site and selected technique account in part for this variability. Gingival flap thickness is one of the most critical site-related characteristics. Methods: An electronic search was conducted on the major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science). Human prospective studies with at least 6 mo of follow-up and with a numeric baseline measurement for gingival thickness were eligible. Only studies including nonsmoking patients were considered. Variables included surgical approach, participant characteristics, local anatomic factors, and follow-up time. Primary outcome was mean percentage root coverage (%RC) achieved, and complete root coverage was a secondary outcome. Results: A total of 42 studies were included (35 randomized controlled trials, 5 case series, 1 prospective cohort study, and 1 controlled clinical trial). Across studies, the pooled %RC was 81.9% (95% CI, 79.1% to 84.7%). The %RC was not significantly associated ( P = 0.267) with baseline soft tissue thickness; however there was a significant ( P = 0.031) inverse relationship between STT and %RC after 12-mo follow-up. Subgroup analysis showed that for no graft, there was a significant ( P = 0.025) positive relationship between STT and %RC with the exclusion of the single outlier study based on STT. Conclusions: STT plays a limited role in predicting root coverage across all approaches; when flaps are performed with no graft, the effect of STT is most critical. The length of time following surgery appears to influence outcomes, with 12-mo follow-up offering greater insight. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study can suggest to clinicians which periodontal plastic surgery technique to employ when treating challenging cases. In particular, it can be helpful when selecting the treatment approach to treat thin phenotype sites. This study could help clinicians provide a more appropriate treatment decision in such cases.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e042878
Author(s):  
Salvatore Soldati ◽  
Mirko Di Martino ◽  
Davide Castagno ◽  
Marina Davoli ◽  
Danilo Fusco

ObjectivesThis study aimed to measure adherence to chronic polytherapy following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to find out associations between adherence and the setting of AMI onset (in vs out of hospital) as well as other determinants.DesignRetrospective follow-up study.SettingPopulation living in the Lazio Region, Italy.ParticipantsThis study included 25 779 hospitalised patients with a first diagnosis of AMI in 2012–2016, after the exclusion of those with hospital admission for AMI or related causes in the previous 5 years.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPatients were classified as in-hospital AMI (IH-AMI) or out of hospital AMI (OH-AMI) according to present-on-admission codes. Adherence was measured based on prescription claims during a 6-month follow-up after hospital discharge, using medication possession ratio (MPR). Adherence to chronic polytherapy was defined as MPR ≥75% to at least 3 of the following medications: antithrombotics, betablockers, ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and statins.ResultsAmong the entire cohort, 1 044 (4%) patients suffered IH-AMI. Overall, 15 440 (60%) patients were deemed adherent to chronic polytherapy. Female gender, older age, mental disorders, renal disease, asthma and ongoing concomitant treatments were factors associated with poor adherence. By contrast, patients with more severe AMI and those already taking evidence-based (E-B) drugs were more likely to be adherent. A strong association between the setting of AMI onset and adherence was observed: IH-AMI patients were 46% less likely to be adherent to E-B medications during their 6-month follow-up as compared with OH-AMI patients (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.62; p<0.001).ConclusionPharmacotherapy is not consistent with clinical guidelines, especially for IH-AMI patients. Our findings provide evidence on a previously unidentified groups of patients at risk for poor adherence, who might benefit from greater medical attention and dedicated healthcare interventions.


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