The conjoined parascapular and latissimus dorsi free flap for reconstruction of extensive knee defects

One vs. two-stage arteriovenous loops in lower extremity reconstruction with free flaps: Systematic review and metanalysis

BACKGROUND

Arteriovenous loops are one of the main therapeutic alternatives to address the absence of recipient vessels in lower extremity microsurgical reconstruction. However, there is no consensus on whether to perform them in one or two surgical stages. The objective of this work is to determine whether the outcome of lower limb free flaps anastomosed to vascular loops depends on the number of surgical stages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review was conducted, following PRISMA guidelines, on vascular loops and free flaps in lower limb. Survival rate, as well as major and minor complications were studied. A forest plot and Pearson's chi-square were used for statistical analysis. Study quality was assessed in duplicate using Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool. This study was registered on PROSPERO.

RESULTS

Thirty-two articles using free flaps anastomosed to vascular loops in lower limb, either one or two-stage, were selected. A total of 296 flaps were included, 52% (n = 154) in one and 48% (n = 142) in two surgical times. No statistically significant differences were found in the survival rate (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 0.62; 5.47, p = .09 and p = .344) or major complications (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.31; 1.57, p = .56 and p = .92) of flaps between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the available evidence, the outcome of free flaps anastomosed to vascular loops in the lower limb does not depend on the number of surgical stages they undergo. Although there is some heterogeneity in the groups studied, the decision on the number of procedures to be performed should be determined by the surgeon, concerning the clinical situation of the patient, as well as to the vascular, bone and soft tissue status of the extremity.

Individualized design of thoracodorsal artery perforator chimeric flap for customized reconstruction of complex three-dimensional defects in the extremities

BACKGROUND

It was always challenging to accurately and effectively reconstruct the complicated defects with three-dimensional tissue deficits in the extremities. Muscle-chimeric perforator flap is an excellent choice for repairing those complicated wound. However, problems like donor-site morbidity and time-consuming intramuscular dissection still exist. This purpose of this study was to present a novel design of the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) chimeric flap for the customized reconstruction of complex three-dimensional tissue defects in the extremities.

METHODS

From January 2012 to June 2020, 17 patients with complex three-dimensional deficits in the extremities were retrospectively analyzed. All patients in this series underwent extremity reconstruction using latissimus dorsi (LD)-chimeric TDAP flap. Three different types of LD-chimeric TDAP flaps were performed.

RESULTS

A total of seventeen TDAP chimeric flaps were successfully harvested for the reconstruction of those complex three-dimensional defects in extremities. Among them, Design Type A flaps were used in 6 cases, Design Type B flaps were performed in 7 cases, and Design Type C flaps were used in the remaining 4 cases. The sizes of the skin paddles ranged from 6 cm × 3 cm to 24 cm × 11 cm. Meanwhile, the sizes of the muscle segments ranged from 3 cm × 4 cm to 33 cm × 4 cm. All the flaps survived. Nevertheless, one case required re-exploration owing to venous congestion. Moreover, the primary closure of the donor site was successfully achieved in all patients, and the mean follow-up time was 15.8 months. Most of the cases displayed satisfactory contour.

CONCLUSION

The LD-chimeric TDAP flap is available for the reconstruction of complicated defects with three-dimensional tissue deficits in the extremities. It provided a flexible design for customized coverage of complex soft tissue defects with limited donor site morbidity.

[The conjoined latissimus dorsi and parascapular free flap for reconstruction of extensive soft tissue defects]

OBJECTIVE

Durable and resilient soft tissue reconstruction of vast defects of the extremities or the torso.

INDICATIONS

Reconstruction of disproportionately large defects, particularly in cases of simultaneous bone and joint reconstruction.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

History of surgery or irradiation of upper back and axilla, impossibility of surgery under lateral positioning; relative contraindications in wheelchair users, hemiplegics, or amputees.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

General anesthesia and lateral positioning. First, the parascapular flap is harvested, with the initial skin incision made medially in order to identify the medial triangular space and the circumflex scapular artery. Flap raising then proceeds from caudal to cranial. Second, the latissimus dorsi is harvested, with the lateral border being dissected free first, before the thoracodorsal vessels are visualized on its undersurface. Flap raising then proceeds from caudal to cranial. Third, the parascapular flap is advanced through the medial triangular space. If the circumflex scapular and thoracodorsal vessels originate separately from the subscapular axis, an in-flap anastomosis is warranted. Subsequent microvascular anastomoses should be performed outside the zone of injury, typically in an end-to-end fashion of the vein and end-to-side fashion of the artery.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Postoperative anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin under anti-Xa monitoring (semitherapeutic in normal-risk and therapeutic in high-risk cases). Hourly clinical assessment of flap perfusion for 5 consecutive days, followed by stepwise relaxation of immobilization and commencement of dangling procedures in cases of lower extremity reconstruction.

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2018, 74 conjoined latissimus dorsi and parascapular flaps were transplanted to cover vast defects of the lower (n = 66) and upper extremity (n = 8). The mean defect size was 723 ± 482 cm² and the mean flap size was 635 ± 203 cm². Eight flaps required in-flap anastomoses for separate vascular origins. There was no case of total flap loss.

Variations of Extended Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap for Reconstruction of Large Wounds in the Extremity

Objective

The aim of the present study was to report a novel nomenclature system for extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LD) flaps. To evaluate the clinical application and surgical efficacy of the different extended LD flaps for large wounds in the extremities.

Methods

From January 2004 to December 2018, 72 consecutive patients who received extended LD flaps were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' ages ranged from 2 to 68 years with 37 males and 35 females. All wounds were extensive in either the upper or lower limbs, while the skin defect area ranged from 18 cm × 10 cm to 37 cm × 21 cm. Forty‐one wounds were located in the calf, 18 in the foot and ankle, six in the shoulder and upper arm, four in the thigh, and three at the knee joint. Twenty‐eight patients had fractures, and six of these patients with segmental bone defects (ranging in size from 3 to 7 cm) required secondary orthopaedic procedures. Single‐ and double‐wing extended LD flaps were designed and harvested according to the shape of the wounds.

Results

The flaps received consisted of 64 single‐wing and eight double‐wing extended LD flaps, and the mean flap harvest time was 56.2 min. The donor sites were closed primarily for all patients. Additional subcutaneous veins were anastomosed to the recipient's vessels in 14 patients. The venous crisis was noticed on the first postoperative day in four cases. Two flaps were salvaged after emergency re‐exploration, and another two patients' flaps were necrosed. In these two patients, lower limb amputation and extended LD flap on the other side were used, respectively, for the final treatment. The wounds healed well, providing reliable soft tissue coverage and good contour in the reconstructed areas. Six patients had segmental bone defects that required secondary orthopaedic procedures, two patients were repaired with vascularized iliac crest bone grafts, and another four patients were reconstructed by the Ilizarov technique. All the patients' bone defects achieved union and most patients achieved good functional recovery at the recipient site. The mean follow‐up was 15.7 months (range, 10–56 months). No significant donor site morbidities limiting patients' daily activities occurred during the follow‐up. Eight patients developed a donor site hypertrophic scar, three patients on the back, and five on the anterolateral thigh.

Conclusion

Single‐ and double‐wing extended LD flaps are simple and reliable methods for large skin and soft tissue defects in the extremity, with good functional and aesthetic results.

Reconstruction of Large Soft Tissue Defects in the Distal Lower Extremity: Free Chain-Linked Bilateral Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flaps versus Extended Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flaps

Background: Reconstruction of the large soft-tissue defects in the lower extremity still constitutes a challenge for plastic surgeons. This retrospective study was conducted to compare the surgical and clinical outcomes of the chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps and extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of the large soft tissue defects of the lower extremity. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2021, 34 patients aged between 20 and 66 years received chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps (15 cases) or extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps (19 cases) for the reconstruction of extensive soft-tissue defects in the lower extremity. The two groups were homogeneous in terms of age, etiology, comorbidities, and flap area. In addition, the intraoperative data, outcomes, complications, and long-term follow-up results were collected and analyzed. Results: The extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap group had a shorter operation time (271.8 ± 59.5 min vs. 429.6 ± 51.9 min), harvest time (58.9 ± 24.8 min vs. 152.7 ± 41.4 min), and anastomosis time (27.2 ± 10.4 min vs. 53.7 ± 8.1 min) than the chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps group (p < 0.05). Based on patient self-assessment, the donor site temporary muscle weakness in the extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap group was significantly more than that in the chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both methods can repair large defects and restore the function of the injured limbs at a single stage. However, considering the operation time and flap-harvesting time, the authors recommend the extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap, especially for those who cannot tolerate a prolonged surgery.

Waveform-arranged multiple skin paddles: A novel design to reconstruct complex soft tissue defects of the extremities with a modified multi-lobed perforator flap

BACKGROUND

Multi-lobed perforator flap was one of popular approaches for one-stage reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects because of its minimal donor-site morbidity. However, the area of skin island that can be harvested on the donor site is limited on the angiosome distribution, Moreover, large defects require more than the conventional skin island provided by a traditional multi-lobed perforator flap. For further extended skin paddles, this study presented a novel design of waveform-arranged skin paddles to elevated a modified multi-lobed perforator flap for the reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects in the extremities.

METHODS

From March of 2015 to March of 2020, fifteen patients underwent complex soft tissue defects reconstruction with waveform-arranged multi-lobed perforator flaps. According the size, shape and localization of the defects, two strategies were performed to design this modified multi-lobed flap.

RESULTS

A total of fifteen waveform-arranged multi-lobed perforator flaps were successfully harvested to reconstruct complex soft tissue defects of the extremities. Among of them, Waveform-arranged dual skin paddles perforator flap were performed in eleven cases, and the waveform-arranged tripaddle perforator flaps were used in four cases. All the flaps survived and no flap related complication was observed postoperatively. The donor sites were closed directly in all cases. The mean follow-up time was 15.6 months. Most of the cases showed satisfactory contour.

CONCLUSION

The waveform design of multi-lobed perforator flap was an alternative approach for reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects; it can maximize the harvested skin area of the donor site to provide extended skin island.

The triple conjoined scapular-latissimus dorsi-groin flap for reconstruction of long lower extremity degloving injury: A case report

Since the introduction of the angiosome concept, many attempts have been made to push the dimensional limits of free tissue transfers. While initially limited by the boundaries of random vascularization of adjacent angiosomes, wider flaps were transferred by combining contiguous source vessels. Combined flaps, either chimeric or conjoined, represent nowadays the largest reconstructive options in the human body. This is the first report of a triple conjoined free flap with two vascular anastomoses, able to cover the anterior surface of the entire lower limb, representing the longest flap ever reported in history. A 43-year-old woman sustained a car accident as a pedestrian and presented with a massive circumferential degloving injury of the right lower limb. Femoral displaced shaft fracture and Gustilo type IIIb tibial fracture were diagnosed with emergent CT scan. A myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap was planned, conjoined with the scapular flap to obtain a thick and large cover for the knee, and with a groin flap, to cover for the foot. Descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery and anterior tibial artery at the dorsum of the foot were selected as recipient vessels. Donor site was closed primarily. All flaps survived and no immediate nor late complications were reported. Follow up was 3 months. The triple conjoined flap can be considered a safe and useful reconstructive tool in severe degloving injuries of the lower limb, allowing the coverage of a large surface of the lesion with a single operation and without increasing the donor site morbidity.

Vein Grafting in Microsurgical Lower Extremity Reconstruction: Outcome Analysis of Primary versus Secondary Salvage Procedures

BACKGROUND

 Many microsurgeons fear high complication rates and free flap loss when vein grafting is necessary to restore blood flow at the recipient site. The aims of this study were to comparatively analyze surgical outcomes of interposition vein grafts (VG) in microsurgical primary lower extremity reconstruction and secondary salvage procedures.

METHODS

 A retrospective study was conducted on 58 patients undergoing free flap transfers with vein grafting for primary lower extremity reconstruction (cohort 1) and secondary salvage procedures (cohort 2) between 2002 and 2016. A matched-pair analysis of both cohorts and 58 non-VG flaps was performed. Patient data, preoperative conditions, flap and vein graft characteristics, postoperative outcomes such as flap failure, thrombosis, and wound complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

 A total of 726 free flap transfers were performed. In total, 36 primary reconstructions (5%) utilized 41 interposition VG (cohort 1). Postoperative vascular compromise was observed in 65 free flaps (9%). In total, 22 out of 65 secondary salvage procedures (33.8%) utilized 26 interposition VG (cohort 2). Two total flap losses occurred in each cohort (5.6 vs. 9.1%; p = 0.63). Postoperative complications were observed in 38.9% of free flaps in cohort 1 and 72.7% in cohort 2 (p = 0.01). Takeback for microvascular compromise was comparable in both cohorts (19.4 vs. 22.7%; p = 0.75). Microvascular complications occurred more often in cohort 2 (22.7%) than in cohort 1 (8.3%; p = 0.28). Lower extremity salvage rates were high among both cohorts (94.4 vs. 90.9%; p = 0.63). Matched-pair analysis did not show any relevant differences on takebacks and flap loss (p = 0.32 and p = 1.0).

CONCLUSION

 In complex lower extremity reconstructions, VG can be performed with acceptable complication rates and outcomes in primary and especially in salvage cases. With careful planning and a consistent surgical protocol, VG can provide reliable success rates in limb salvage.

Gastrocnemius Muscle Flaps for Soft Tissue Coverage in Periprosthetic Knee Joint Infection

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue deficiency in total knee arthroplasty infection is a potentially devastating complication. Gastrocnemius muscle flaps can be used to address this problem. We aim at reporting survival rates of these reconstructions and identify risk factors for failure.

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation of all flaps performed at a single center between 2006 and 2019 was performed. Clinical and microbiological results were assessed in 43 cases after a median follow-up period of 53 months (25%-75% interquartile range 18-79). Function was assessed using the Oxford Knee Score. We analyzed the infection-free survival and identified risk factors using survival comparison and (non-)parametric testing.

RESULTS

Infection-free survival was 71% at 2 years and 63% at 5 years. The rate of subsequent amputation was 16% with a mortality rate of 26% during follow-up. Four patients did not undergo reimplantation and 11 patients received an arthrodesis implant. There were no failures of the flap itself. The Charlson Comorbidity index was the only relevant risk factor for reinfection. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were most common organisms identified. Postoperative function was limited with a mean Oxford Knee Score of 20.

CONCLUSION

Gastrocnemius flap coverage is a valid option for soft tissue reconstruction in periprosthetic infections to retain a functioning limb despite a high complication rate and the risk of subsequent amputation.

One-stage double free flap arteriovenous loop reconstruction of a massive abdominothoracic defect following necrotizing fasciitis: A case report

We report the case of a 67-year old male with necrotizing fasciitis after injection of the glenohumeral joint. After extensive debridement a massive defect from the left hip joint to the left upper arm, exposing ribs, scapula, axillary vessels and brachial plexus (45 × 40 cm) was present. Reconstruction was performed with a conjoined right myocutaneous tensor fasciae lata/vastus lateralis flap and a left myocutaneous vastus lateralis flap in combination with an arteriovenous loop originating from the axillary vessels using the greater saphenous vein. Revisional surgeries were necessary including ribs resection and flap re-advancements. Due to multiorganic failure invasive ventilation, renal replacement- and extensive transfusion therapy was required. After 241 days the patient was discharged for rehabilitation. At the 12 months follow-up wounds were sufficiently closed without the need for further intervention. This case illustrates that immediate diagnosis followed by an aggressive multidisciplinary treatment approach is crucial for the patient survival.

Microsurgical reconstruction of extensive lower extremity defects with the conjoined parascapular and latissimus dorsi free flap

BACKGROUND

Extensive lower extremity soft-tissue defects pose a reconstructive challenge. We present our experience with the conjoined parascapular and latissimus dorsi (CPLD) free flap.

METHODS

From October 2008 to October 2017, 69 patients (14 female, 55 male) with a mean age of 50 years (range: 16-79 years) underwent reconstruction of lower extremity defects with the CPLD free flap. Mean defect size was 24 × 36 cm (range: 14 × 20 to 45 × 80 cm).

RESULTS

Mean latissimus dorsi (LD) flap size was 19 × 28 cm (range: 14 × 20 to 28 × 42 cm) and mean parascapular (PSC) flap size was 8 × 25 cm (range: 5 × 12 to 11 × 33 cm). Six patients (9%) experienced a total of eight microvascular complications: arterial thrombosis (n = 1), venous thrombosis (n = 6), combined arterial and venous thrombosis (n = 1). The re-exploration rate was 13%. Major complications of the donor-site were seen in 9 patients (13%), of the flap in 13 patients (19%), and of both in 6 patients (9%). Fifteen patients experienced partial flap necrosis (22%). Three CPLD and one PSC flap were lost (5%). PSC flap length was a significant predictor of distal flap necrosis (χ² (1) = 13.2, p = .004, OR = 1.343, 95% CI [1.098-1.642]). PSC flap width was a significant predictor of donor-site revisions (χ² (1) = 15.9, p = .010, OR = 4.745, 95% CI [1.584-14.213]). Arterio-venous loops (AVLs) tended to increase the risk of microvascular thrombosis (χ² (1) = 3.7, p = .08, OR = 4.1, 95% CI [0.9-18.7]).

CONCLUSIONS

The CPLD free flap is an extremely large and highly reliable flap, allowing one-stage reconstruction of extensive lower extremity defects. It may overcome the need for multiple flaps in selected cases.

[Options for soft tissue reconstruction in pseudarthrosis]

BACKGROUND

Pseudarthrosis can develop as a complication after conservative or operative fracture treatment and after elective orthopedic surgery. The treatment is challenging and is made more difficult when accompanied by large soft tissue defects or impairments in wound healing. In this case close and early coordination between trauma and plastic surgeons is crucial in order to develop a coherent and interdisciplinary treatment plan.

METHODS

Due to the positive effects on bone consolidation and osteomyelitis, timely soft tissue reconstruction via a pedicled vascularized flap or free flap coverage should be preferred. If blood circulation in the affected extremity appears to be compromised, this should first be optimized by vascular intervention or bypass surgery. In atrophic, aseptic pseudarthrosis, bone and soft tissue reconstruction can be performed consecutively in one single procedure, whereas septic pseudarthrosis always require complete resection of all infected debris prior to wound closure. Examples of two commonly used free flaps are the latissimus dorsi muscle flap and the fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. As multiple variations have been described for both procedures, the reconstructive portfolio lists many additional options available for soft tissue reconstruction. Fasciocutaneous flaps should be preferred whenever bone consolidation requires additional surgical interventions in the future.

Use of a sequential chimeric perforator flap for one-stage reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects of the extremities

BACKGROUND

One-stage reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects of the extremities is a challenging problem. Repair of complex soft tissue defects requires adequate skin tissues to cover the large surface wound and special tissues for obliterating the dead space. The chimeric flap is one of the most popular approaches for reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects. However, the problems of donor-site morbidity and inability to repair very large defects at one-stage remain. The purpose of this study was to present our clinical experience using sequential chimeric perforator flaps for reconstruction of complex extremity defects with primary closure of the donor site.

METHODS

From August 2013 to March 2017, 12 patients with complex soft tissue defects underwent extremity reconstruction using sequential chimeric perforator flaps, which were composed of a chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap and an additional free perforator flap. The skin paddles were placed side-by-side to cover the large surface soft tissue defects, and the muscle component was used to obliterate the dead space. Of these patients, one was injured by a crushing accident, while the other 11 patients were injured in traffic accidents.

RESULTS

The size of the skin paddles ranged from 26 cm × 8 cm-10 cm × 6 cm to 30 cm × 8.5 cm-29 cm × 9 cm. The muscle paddle size ranged from 2 cm × 3 cm × 4 cm to 22 cm × 4 cm × 2 cm. All-components of the sequential chimeric flaps survived in all-patients. Vascular compromise was observed in one case. One case suffered minor wound-edge necrosis and was treated conservatively. Primary closure of donor-site was successfully achieved in all-patients, and all-donor-site wounds healed uneventfully. The mean follow-up time was 15.25 months. Most of the cases showed a satisfactory contour, and only two patients presented with mildly bulky appearance that treated with a debulking procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The sequential chimeric perforator flap is an alternative procedure for reconstruct complex soft tissue defects of the extremities. This approach allows for flexible design, a larger cutaneous area, and low donor site morbidity.