Lateral Sacral Artery Perforator Flap as a New Option in Myelomeningocele Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

This study aims to present lateral sacral artery perforator (LSAP) flaps as a new option for myelomeningocele reconstruction and to discuss their advantages and disadvantages.

METHODS

Eleven patients were included in the study, and reconstruction was performed with 22 LSAP flaps. Patients were evaluated in age, gender, birth weight, kyphosis status, defect localization and size, flap size, operation time, amount of bleeding, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Sixteen flaps were raised from the first and 6 from the second LSA. The average time for soft tissue reconstruction was 57 minutes. The mean blood loss was 11.1 mL/kg. No cerebrospinal fluid leakage was detected in any patient. In 1 of the 22 flaps, venous congestion did not completely resolved and resulted in partial necrosis secondary to venous insufficiency. In 2 patients, minimal wound dehiscence was detected in the distal part of the flap. No wound infections, hematomas, donor site complications, or seromas were observed in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering that myelomeningoceles are often located in the lumbar region, we think that LSAP flaps will be a new option among other flaps. Additionally, if other flaps are used in the neonatal period, it may be a good alternative for pressure sore reconstruction in the kyphotic area.

"Posterior interosseus artery flap for hand reconstruction: anatomical basis and clinical application"

Summary

Flap options for upper limb reconstruction have increased due to better understanding of its vascular anatomy. The posterior interosseus artery flap (PIAF) is used to cover defects of the wrist, hand, proximal thumb, and first web space. This flap has many advantages but requires good knowledge about the anatomy of the posterior interosseus artery (PIOA) and its perforators.

Methods

Twenty upper extremity cadaveric specimens were injected with red latex, Fine dissection of the PIOA and its perforators took place; the perforators were counted, measured, described and photographed.

Twenty patients with dorsal hand defects, had PIAF. Cases have Post-operative care and followed up for 6 months post-operative.

Results

The PIOA was constant in all cadaveric dissections and gave off 4–8 septocutaneous perforators along its course between the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) and extensor digitorum (EDM) muscles.

The mean distance of the distal most perforator in the middle third forearm from the ulnar styloid was 10.39 ± 1.54 cm. The anastomosis between the PIOA and the anterior interosseus artery (AIOA) was there in all specimens.

Venous congestion occurred in 10% of the cases and was managed conservatively. Necrosis of the distal third of the flap was inevitable in one case; excellent results were obtained in the other cases 90%.

Conclusions

The posterior interosseus artery flap is an excellent perforator flap for hand reconstruction preserving the ulnar and radial artery; but it has a possible complications such as venous congestion or partial flap necrosis that could be managed conservatively.

Level of evidence

II.

ALTERING THE MARKING OF REVERSE POSTERIOR INTEROSSEOUS ARTERY FLAP

Background

Full-thickness defects on the dorsum of the hand requires thin, soft, and pliable skin for which there are limited locoregional flaps. The reverse posterior interosseous artery (PIA) flap based on the communicating artery fulfills all above requirements and can reach upto the fingers. However, there has been discrepancy in the surface marking of the flap and the anatomical position of the vessel pedicle. We share our alteration with the marking and ease of harvesting this flap.

Method and material

This is a prospective study conducted at a private teaching hospital in Karachi, over a period of 2 years from November 2017 to December 2019. After taking consent and ensuring confidentiality of all patients who had PIA flap reconstruction, we collected patient's demographic details, mode of injury, and flap surface area. We altered the described skin marking and took measures to prevent venous congestion and noted the outcomes in term of flap congestion and flap loss.

Results

Twenty-eight patients with a mode age of 32 years were operated during this period. The majority (64.2%) had a motor vehicle accident and machine injuries. The mean surface area of flaps was 6 × 10 cm², and 11 (39.2%) flaps had venous supercharging. All patients had a 10-20° wrist extension splint for 2 weeks. The mean follow-up of the patients was 14 ± 5 days, and 6 (21.4%) flaps developed a minimal marginal flap loss, which was managed conservatively.

Conclusion

By minimally altering our surface marking, we experienced a easy and quick harvesting of this flap. However, one has to be vigilant and take all described precautions for venous congestion.

Acute Management of Thermal Hand Burns in Adults: A 10-Year Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Advances in the evidence base of acute thermal hand burns help to guide the management of these common injuries. The aim of this literature review was to evaluate recent evidence in the field over 10 years.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols methodology was used as a guide for this literature review. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar were searched for English language articles related to hand burns published between 2009 and 2018 inclusive, and the Cochrane Library was reviewed. Exclusion criteria were as follows: participants younger than 18 years, scar or contracture management, rehabilitation, outcomes assessment, late reconstruction, and electrical or chemical burns.

RESULTS

An initial search retrieved 6493 articles, which was narrowed to 403 full-text articles that were reviewed independently by 3 of the authors and categorized. Of 202 included articles, there were 8 randomized controlled trials and 2 systematic reviews. Six evidence-based guidelines were reviewed. Referral of hand burns to specialist centers, use of telemedicine, early excision and grafting, and immediate static splintage have been recommended. Enzymatic debridement results in earlier intervention, more accurate burn assessment, preservation of vital tissue, and fewer skin grafts, and ideally requires regional anesthesia. Guidance on escharotomy emphasizes indication, technique and adequate intervention, and potential for enzymatic debridement. Inclusion of topical negative pressure, dermal regenerative templates, acellular dermal matrices, and noncellular skin substitutes in management has helped improve scar and functional outcomes.

DISCUSSION

The results of this literature review demonstrate that multiple national and international societies have published burns guidelines during the decade studied, with aspects directly relevant to hand burns, including the International Society for Burn Injuries guidelines. There are opportunities for evidence-based quality improvement across the field of hand burns in many centers.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 200 articles globally in 10 years outline advances in the understanding of acute management of thermal hand burns. Incorporating the evidence base into practice may facilitate optimization of triage referral pathways and acute management for hand burns.

The use of dorsoradial forearm flap for the treatment of dorsal hand defect

Generally dorsal hand defects are often closed with a flap. Dorsoradial forearm artery flap has generally been used in thumb defects; however, it can also be used in the reconstruction of dorsal hand defects thanks to its wide rotation arc and appropriate pedicle length. In this case report, we presented the outcome of a case where the dorsoradial forearm flap was applied to treat the dorsal hand defect. A 27-year-old patient was admitted to emergency room with trauma on hand. Fixation of metacarpal bone fractures was performed. The dorsoradial forearm flap was elevated and inserted in order to close an opening exposing bones and tendons in the dorsum of hand. There was no complication with flap viability in the postoperative period. Patient's joint range of motion and vital functions were acceptable. Dorsoradial forearm flap, which is generally used in thumb reconstruction, can also be used in dorsal hand defects.

Which is the Pivotal Vessel in Vascular Supercharging? An Assessment of Three Forms of Vascular Supercharging Models Using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to perform continuous and dynamic observation on the blood flow changes in a rat abdominal model of supercharged flaps to examine the roles of arterial and venous supercharging in preventing distal flap necrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen rats were divided into three experimental groups. The left-sided flaps in all groups were used as controls such that the subxiphoid perforator vessels served as the only pedicle. Experimental groups I, II, and III consisted of supercharged right-sided flaps. Group I, the arteriovenous supercharging group, had flaps supercharged by the suprapubic perforator arteries and veins. Group II, the arterial supercharging group, had flaps supercharged by the suprapubic perforator arteries. Group III, the venous supercharging group, had flaps supercharged by the suprapubic perforator veins. Laser-induced near-infrared fluorescence angiography was performed before and after surgery.

RESULTS

As revealed by near-infrared fluorescence angiography, the control group and venous supercharging group exhibited rapid reductions in blood supply and loss of arterial perfusion in distal areas. The distal flap necrosis was much smaller in the venous supercharging group than in the control group. Both the arteriovenous supercharging group and the arterial supercharging group exhibited adequate perfusion and resulted in full postoperative survival of the flaps.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that the distal arterial hypoperfusion is the major cause of the distal venous stasis and necrosis in the flaps. Sufficient arterial supercharging ensures the distal arterial perfusion and therefore diminishes the occurrence of distal flap necrosis.

The V-Y advancement flap based on the dorsal carpal perforators for dorsal metacarpal reconstruction: Anatomical and clinical study

INTRODUCTION

Soft-tissue defects on the dorsal hand accompanied by exposed bone and tendon remain a challenge for plastic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to observe the morphological characteristics of the dorsal carpal perforators in the wrist and to design a V-Y advancement flap based on the dorsal carpal perforators.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty cadaveric hand specimens were dissected to observe the origin, course, branches, and anastomoses of the dorsal carpal perforators, and a V-Y advancement flap was designed based on these perforators. Clinically, nine cases of dorsal hand defects were reconstructed with this flap.

RESULTS

The dorsal carpal vascular network was formed by vascular anastomoses along the dorsal carpal branch of the radial artery, dorsal carpal branch of the anterior interosseous artery, ascending branch of the dorsal carpal perforator from the deep palmar arch, direct branch of the radial artery, dorsal carpal branch of the ulnar artery, posterior interosseous artery, and deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery; this network could be divided into a deep vascular network and superficial vascular network according to the anatomical plane. Among the perforators, the third and fourth perforators that pierce out bilaterally from the tendon of the extensor digitorium had a consistent occurrence rate (100%) with an outer diameter of 0.7 ± 0.3 mm and 0.6 ± 0.2 mm, respectively, and thus could be chosen as the vascular pedicle. In clinical applications, all flaps survived completely with excellent color and texture, a satisfactory appearance, and normal movement of the wrist joint.

CONCLUSIONS

A V-Y advancement flap based on the dorsal carpal perforators can become a useful choice for the repair of dorsal metacarpal defects caused by trauma or dorsal metacarpal arterial flaps.