Soft-tissue management with immediate free flap transfer in segmental prosthetic replacement of proximal tibia sarcomas

Quadruple-component superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap: A chimeric SCIP flap for complex ankle reconstruction of an exposed artificial joint after total ankle arthroplasty

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is becoming popular in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated ankle joint degeneration. However, ankle wound complications can occur after TAA, which sometimes requires challenging reconstruction due to anatomical complexity of the ankle. Superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) perforator (SCIP) flap has been reported to be useful for various reconstructions, but no case has been reported regarding a chimeric SCIP flap for complex ankle reconstruction. We report a case of complex ankle defect successfully reconstructed with a free quadruple-component chimeric SCIP flap. A 73-year-old female patient with RA underwent TAA, and suffered from an extensive ankle soft tissue defect (13 × 5 cm) with exposure of the implanted artificial joint and the extensor tendons. A chimeric SCIP flap was raised based on the deep branch and the superficial branch of the SCIA, which included chimeric portions of the sartorius muscle, the deep fascia, the inguinal lymph node (ILN), and the skin/fat. The flap was transferred to the recipient ankle. The sartorius muscle was used to cover the artificial joint, the deep fascia to reconstruct the extensor retinaculum, the ILN to prevent postoperative lymphedema, and the adiposal tissue to put around the extensor tendons for prevention of postoperative adhesion. Postoperatively, the patient could walk by herself without persistent leg edema or bowstringing of the extensor tendons, and was satisfied with the concealable donor scar. Although further studies are required to confirm efficacy, multicomponent chimeric SCIP has a potential to be a useful option for complex defects of the ankle.

Flap reconstruction of the knee: A review of current concepts and a proposed algorithm

A literature search focusing on flap knee reconstruction revealed much controversy regarding the optimal management of around the knee defects. Muscle flaps are the preferred option, mainly in infected wounds. Perforator flaps have recently been introduced in knee coverage with significant advantages due to low donor morbidity and long pedicles with wide arc of rotation. In the case of free flap the choice of recipient vessels is the key point to the reconstruction. Taking the published experience into account, a reconstructive algorithm is proposed according to the size and location of the wound, the presence of infection and/or 3-dimensional defect.

Open, combat-related loss, or disruption of the knee extensor mechanism: treatment strategies, classification, and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcomes of repair or reconstruction of high-energy, open knee extensor disruption or loss due to combat-related injuries.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Tertiary (Level/Role V) Military Treatment Facility.

PATIENTS

Fourteen consecutive patients who sustained 17 complex, open knee extensor mechanism injuries during combat operations between March 2003 and May 2012.

INTERVENTION

Primary repair or staged allograft extensor reconstruction after serial debridement and closure or soft tissue coverage.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Final knee range of motion, extensor lag, ambulatory ability and assist devices, and complications requiring reoperation or salvage procedure.

RESULTS

The open knee extensor mechanism injuries required a mean of 11 procedures per injury. At a mean final follow-up of 39 months (range, 12-89 months), all patients achieved regular community ambulation, with 36% requiring assist devices due to concomitant or bilateral injuries. Average knee flexion was 92 degrees, and 35% of extremities had an extensor lag >10 degrees; however, 6 of 9 extremities with allograft reconstructions had extensor lags of <10 degrees, and 5 had no extensor lag. The presence of a major periarticular or patellar fracture was significantly associated with the knee requiring a subsequent extensor mechanism allograft reconstruction procedure. One extremity each underwent knee arthrodesis or transfemoral amputation due to severe infection.

CONCLUSIONS

High-energy, open knee extensor mechanism injuries are severe and rarely occur in isolation, but limb salvage is generally successful after multiple procedures. Patients who required staged allograft reconstruction, despite high complication rates, generally had favorable results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic level IV. See instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Computer-aided resection and endoprosthesis design for the management of malignant bone tumors around the knee: outcomes of 12 cases

Background

To report the outcomes of computer-aided resection and endoprosthesis design for the management of malignant bone tumors around the knee.

Methods

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were input into computer software to produce three-dimensional (3D) models of the tumor extent. Imaging data was then used to create a template for surgical resection, and development of an individualized combined allogeneic bone/endoprosthesis. Surgical simulations were performed prior to the actual surgery.

Results

This study included 9 males and 3 females with a mean age of 25.3 years (range, 13 to 40 years). There were 9 tumors in the distal femur and 3 in the proximal tibia. There were no surgical complications. In all cases pathologically confirmed clear surgical margins were obtained. Postoperative radiographs showed the range of tumor resection was in accordance with the preoperative design, and the morphological reconstruction of the bone defect was satisfactory with complete bilateral symmetry. The mean follow-up time was 26.5 months. Two patients died of their disease and the remaining are alive and well without evidence of recurrence. All patients are able to ambulate freely without restrictions. At the last follow-up, the average International Society of Limb Salvage score was 25.8 (range, 18 to 27), and was excellent in 8 cases and good in 4 cases.

Conclusions

Computer-aided design and modeling for the surgical management of bone tumors and subsequent limb reconstruction provides accurate tumor removal with the salvage of a maximal amount of unaffected bone and precise endoprosthesis reconstruction.