The Clinical Effect of Digital Dorsal Fascial Island Flap Combined With Crossfinger Flap for Repairing Distal Degloving Injury and Sensory Reconstruction

BackgroundTo explore the clinical effect of digital dorsal fascial island flap combined with crossfinger flap to repair distal degloving injury and sensory reconstruction.MethodsA total of 19 patients with distal fingertip degloving injuries treated with digital dorsal fascial island flap combined with crossfinger flap in our hospital from April 2018 to August 2020 were retrospectively included. Semmes–Weinstein (SW) monofilament and static two-point discrimination (S-2PD) tests, active range-of-motion (ROM) of the fingers, cold intolerance, visual analog scale (VAS) score patient complications, and patient satisfaction were evaluated.ResultsFive cases with post-operative flap blisters were treated at the time of dressing changes until successful scab formation. Three cases with post-operative arterial crisis of finger arterial dorsal branch vessel were relieved after suture removal and tension reduction. All other skin flaps and skin grafts survived. Nineteen patients received follow-up between 3 and 26 months (average 14.6 months). The active ROM of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints of the injured fingers were satisfactory.ConclusionThe digital dorsal fascial island flap combined with the crossfinger flap for repairing the distal degloving injury of the distal segment of the finger is a good surgical method, which is simple and easy to operate, can repair a large area of soft tissue defect, and obtain a satisfactory effect.

First dorsal metacarpal artery flap with dorsal digital nerve with or without dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve produces comparable short-term sensory outcomes

Background The first dorsal metacarpal artery flap, including dorsal digital nerves with or without dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves, can be used to reconstruct thumb pulp defects with good results. However, it is still unclear whether there are differences in the sensory outcomes between preserving or not preserving the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 137 thumb pulp defect patients who underwent first dorsal metacarpal artery flap reconstruction procedure from October 2015 to June 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves were preserved. In the non-preservation group (n = 80), the dorsal digital nerves were included in the flap for sensory reconstruction. In the preservation group (n = 57), the dorsal digital nerves and the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves of the index finger were included in the flap. The stump of the proper digital nerves in the defect was coaptated to the donor nerves of the flap using the end-to-end fashion. At the last follow-up, static two-point discrimination, Semmes–Weinstein monofilament scores, pain, cold intolerance of the reconstructed finger, and patient satisfaction in both groups were compared. Results All patients were followed up for at least 17 months. No significant differences were found regarding pain of thumb pulp, static two-point discrimination, Semmes–Weinstein monofilament score, cold intolerance in the injured finger, and patient satisfaction. The non-preservation group presented slightly shorter operative times (p < 0.05). Conclusion There are no differences at 2 years in postoperative clinical outcomes when dorsal digital nerves are used to reconstruct flap sensation regardless of preservation of the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves in the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap. Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Condition of the uvula and soft palate as an indicator of ventral branch of the vagus nerve function and neurological disorganization in dentists and dental students

Блуждающий нерв является основным компонентом вегетативной нервной системы. Поливагальная теория рассматривает этот нерв как две структурно и функционально раздельные ветви – вентральную и дорсальную. Дорсальная ветвь существует у большинства позвоночных. Она связана с первичными стратегиями выживания в условиях сильного стресса, заставляя «притворяться мертвым, чтобы выжить». Вентральная ветвь характерна для млекопитающих и оказывает тормозящее влияние на симпатические пути к сердцу, тем самым способствуя спокойному и просоциальному поведению. Эта ветвь обеспечивает функционирование пищевода, бронхов, гортани и глотки. Мы изучали функциональное состояние вентральной ветви, учитывая, что именно она иннервирует мышцу, поднимающую нёбную занавеску и мышцы нёбного язычка. В качестве рабочей гипотезы предположили, что дисфункциональное состояние вышеперечисленных мышц встречается при функциональной дезадаптации вентральной ветви блуждающего нерва и регуляторных рефлекторных механизмах нервной системы, то есть при неврологической дезорганизации. У пятой части обследованных была выявлена неврологическая дезорганизация. Среди представителей этой группы дисфункциональное состояние нёбного язычка и нёбной занавески встречалось значительно чаще, чем при нормальной неврологической организации. Поэтому выявление наклона нёбного язычка, одностороннего провисания нёбной занавески в покое и при нагрузке рекомендуем использовать как достоверный визуальный индикатор диагностики неврологической дезорганизации. При нормальной неврологической организации самым чувствительным индикатором диагностики функциональной дезадаптации вентральной ветви блуждающего нерва является одностороннее провисание нёбной занавески при произнесении звука «а-а-а». Полученные результаты рекомендуем использовать для диагностики неврологической дезорганизации и функциональной дезадаптации вентральной ветви блуждающего нерва. The vagus nerve is the main component of the autonomic nervous system. According to polyvagal theory, this nerve is considered as two structurally and functionally separate branches, ventral and dorsal. The dorsal branch is found in most vertebrates. It is associated with primary survival strategies in conditions of severe stress, forcing to «play dead in order to survive». The ventral branch is characteristic of mammals and has an inhibitory effect on the sympathetic pathways to the heart and thus promotes calm and prosocial behavior. This branch ensures the functioning of the esophagus, bronchi, larynx and pharynx. We studied the functional state of the ventral branch, considering that it is the one innervating the soft palate muscle and the muscles of the uvula. As a working hypothesis, we assumed that the dysfunctional state of the above muscles is found in functional disadaptation of the ventral branch of the vagus nerve and in the regulatory reflex mechanisms of the nervous system, i.e. in «neurological disorganization». Neurological disorganization was detected in a fifth of those examined. In this group, dysfunctional condition of the uvula and the soft palate was significantly more common than in normal neurological organization. Therefore, we recommend to use the detection of a tilt of the uvula and unilateral sagging of the soft palate at rest and during exercise as a reliable visual indicator for the diagnosis of neurological disorganization. In conditions of normal neurological organization, the most sensitive diagnostic indicator of functional disadaptation of the ventral branch of the vagus nerve is unilateral sagging of the soft palate when makingg the sound «a-a-a». We recommend to use the results obtained to diagnose neurological disorganization and functional disadaptation of the ventral branch of the vagus nerve.

Retrograde Island Flap Bridge Transfer of Adjacent Phalangeal Artery Combined With Vascular Pedicle Tubular Skin Grafting to Repair Finger Pulp Defect

Objective: To investigate the surgical method and therapeutic effect of retrograde island flap bridge transfer of adjacent phalangeal artery combined with vascular pedicle tubular skin grafting to repair finger pulp defect.Methods: From June 2008 to May 2020, 14 patients (16 fingers) with severe contusion of proximal and middle phalangeal body combined with finger pulp defect, and 5 patients (5 fingers) with finger pulp defect more than distal interphalangeal joint were repaired by retrograde island flap bridge transfer of adjacent phalangeal artery combined with vascular pedicle tubular skin grafting. The dorsal branch of digital nerve was carried in the skin flap for anastomosis with the proper nerve at the stump of the injured finger. The donor area was covered with medium thickness skin of abdominal or elbow transverse stripes, and the vascular pedicle was wrapped with tubular skin. The pedicle was severed 16-22 days after surgery. The survival rate and complications of postoperative flaps were observed. The finger function was evaluated by the Michigan functional questionnaire and Dagan functional criteria, and the clinical effect was evaluated. Result: All flaps survived and all patients were followed up for a period of 6 to 46 months. The skin flap of the affected finger was of good texture, and the appearance was naturally not bloated. The two-point discrimination was 7 ~ 11mm, and no obvious complications were observed in the donor area. Evaluation of the Michigan Hand Function Questionnaire: Nineteen patients were satisfied with the overall appearance and function of the hand. Finger joint Dargan function evaluation: excellent in 15 cases, good in 4 cases.Conclusions: It is a safe and effective operation to repair finger pulp defect with the retrograde island flap of adjacent finger artery combined with vascular pedicle tubular skin grafting. the skin flap has the advantages of simple cutting, good texture and concealed donor area, which is convenient for the early functional exercise of the finger body.

B- mode and Color Doppler sonographic appearance of pelvic tendon, ligament, and uterine blood flow in non-pregnant and heavy pregnant dairy cows

The present study was carried out to provide comparative B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic description of pelvic tendon, ligaments, middle uterine artery and placentom in non-pregnant and heavy pregnant cows. It is also, monitors pregnancy associated changes including hemodynamic parameters of middle uterine artery along with, serum estrogen and progesterone levels. Forty healthy pluiparous dairy cows of native breeds were used in this study. The animals were divided into two groups each contain 20 cows. The first one was non-pregnant and the second one was heavy pregnant at 9th month of gestation. The examination was carried out with multiple imaging B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography. Pelvic tendon and ligaments including dorsal branch of the dorsal sacroiliac ligament- thoracolumbar fascia combination (D-DSIL-TLF), lateral and ventral branches of the dorsal sacroiliac ligament (L-DSIL and V-DSIL respectively), and sacrosciatic ligament (SSL) as well as the middle uterine artery (MUA) and placentome were examined. Serum estrogen and progesterone levels were also evaluated and compared between both groups. The obtained results revealed that pregnancy greatly influence doppler indices and diameter of MUA as well as serum estrogen and progesterone concentration besides, measurements of pelvic ligaments except for the thickness and cross -sectional area of D-DSIL- TLF combination. The obtained results can be used as a guide for future studies dealing with monitoring normal and abnormal pregnancy in cows.

Reconstruction of a Composite Defect of the Distal Index Finger Using a Chimeric Reverse Flow Second Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Flap: A Case Report

The reconstruction for mild tissue loss at the distal part of a finger is challenging. We report about a 29-year-old man presenting with traumatic tissue loss at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of the index finger, including skin, bone, and nerve. Reconstruction using two types of flaps was performed. The dorsal skin flap, nourished by the second dorsal metacarpal artery (SDMA) perforator, was elevated. The vascularized second metacarpal bone, nourished by the SDMA, was also elevated. Using the vascular connection between the DMA and the palmar digital artery (PDA), both flaps were raised to the distal part of the finger, and the pivot point was set at the dorsal proximal phalanx. After arthrodesis of the DIP joint with the vascularized second metacarpal bone, the digital nerve was repaired using the cutaneous nerve in the skin flap, and the skin defect was covered using the perforator flap. The postoperative course, including flap survival and bone union, was uneventful. A good indication for the reconstruction of the distal part of a finger with this technique is when the defect sizes of the skin and bone differ and the vascular connection between the SDMA and dorsal branch of PDA is not injured.

Acute renal artery thrombosis associated with the use of an oral contraceptive pill

Peripheral, and even visceral, venous thromboembolism is a known complication of oral contraceptive drugs (OCPs) but arterial disease, leading to renal infarction, is rarely reported. We describe a 36-year-old female patient who presented with sudden left loin pain for 2 days. Ultrasound examination showed a wedge-shaped echogenic lesion at lateral side of the left kidney. Computed tomography with contrast showed the area to be avascular and the arteriogram showed abrupt loss of the dorsal branch of left main renal artery, which lacked any deformities, confirming diagnosis of thrombosis-in-situe. Moreover, the pelvicalyceal system did not show abnormality which ruled out ascending infection. The patient did not have a family history or laboratory evidence of hypercoagulable disorder. An OCP was the only medication she had received in the previous 3 months. The OCP was discontinued, and the patient was treated with heparin for 3 days then Abixaban for 6 months. Subsequent CT study with contrast, 3 months later, showed lateral kidney scar. On follow up; she did not have subsequent thrombotic events up to 1 year. Keywords: Abixaban, infarction, Kidney, oral contraceptive, thrombosis.