Medial femoral condyle free flap in combination with paramedian forehead flap for total/subtotal nasal reconstruction: Level of evidence: IV (therapeutic studies): Level of evidence: IV (therapeutic studies)

Total Nasal Reconstruction: Advances in Free Tissue Transfer for Internal Lining and Structural Support

Total nasal reconstruction is a complex challenge due to the need to establish new internal lining, internal structural support, and external skin covering that is both functional and esthetic. The medial femoral condyle corticoperiosteal free flap represents an innovative option for restoration internal structure and internal nasal lining. When used in conjunction with a paramedian forehead flap, acceptable results in both function and esthetics can be achieved.

Medial Femoral Condyle Free Flap: A Systematic Review and Proportional Meta-analysis of Applications and Surgical Outcomes

Background

Recalcitrant bone nonunion and osseous defect treatment is challenging and often requires vascularized bone transfer. The medial femoral condyle flap has become an increasingly popular option for reconstruction. The study aims at reviewing its different applications and synthesizing its surgical outcomes.

Method

A systematic review including all studies assessing surgical outcomes of free medial femoral condyle flap for bone reconstruction in adults was conducted on January 31, 2023. Flap failure and postoperative complications were synthesized with a proportional meta-analysis.

Results

Forty articles describing bony reconstruction in the head and neck, upper limb, and lower limb areas were selected. Indications ranged from bony nonunion and bone defects to avascular bone necrosis. Multiple flaps were raised as either pure periosteal, cortico-periosteal, cortico-cancellous-periosteal, or cortico-chondro-periosteal. A minority of composite flaps were reported. Overall failure rate was 1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.00-0.08] in head & neck applications, 4% in the lower limb (95% CI, 0.00-0.16), 2% in the upper limb (95% CI, 0.00-0.06), and 1% in articles analyzing various locations simultaneously (95% CI, 0.00-0.04). Overall donor site complication rate was 4% (95% CI, 0.01-0.06). Major reported complications were: femoral fractures (n = 3), superficial femoral artery injury (n = 1), medial collateral ligament injury (n = 1), and septic shock due to pace-maker colonization (n = 1).

Conclusion

The medial femoral condyle flap is a versatile option for bone reconstruction with high success rates and low donor site morbidity.

Expanding Indications of the Medial Femoral Condyle Free Flap: Systematic Review in Head and Neck Reconstruction

The medial femoral condyle free flap serves as an attractive reconstructive option for small- to intermediate-sized bony defects. It is commonly applied in the extremities with limited reports in the head and neck.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results

Seventeen articles met inclusion criteria, yielding 166 cases for analysis, with a majority of the cohort from a single study (n = 107; 64.4%). However, all included studies represented novel reconstructive sites and surgical indications. Flap components were described in 157 cases; periosteum was used only in four cases (2.5%), whereas all others are composed of cortical bone combined with periosteum, cancellous bone, and/or cartilage (97.5%). Additionally, a skin island was used in 43 cases (25.9%). Flap measurements were reported in 51 cases, averaging 4.5 ± 2.7 cm in length. Seven cases listed skin island dimensions, averaging 20.2 ± 12.8 cm². The descending genicular artery was the primary pedicle employed (n = 162; 97.6%), while the superior medial genicular was used in the descending genicular artery's absence (n = 4; 2.4%). Descending genicular artery pedicle length from 15 reporting cases averaged 6.4 ± 1.2 cm. Successful reconstructions totaled 160 cases (96.4%). Recipient complications were seen in 16 cases (9.6%) with six constituting flap failures (3.6%). Donor site complications were minimal (n = 6; 3.6%); however, this included one major complication of femoral shaft fracture.

Conclusion

The medial femoral condyle free flap is an effective reconstructive option for the head and neck due to its versatile nature, low complication profile at both recipient and donor site, ease of harvest, and two-team approach.

The Medial Femoral Condyle Flap: A Novel Versatile Tool for Complex Microvascular Maxillofacial Reconstruction

SUMMARY

The medial femoral condyle flap is well-described for reconstruction of small bone defects of the upper and lower extremities. There are limited case reports of its use in other anatomic sites, particularly for reconstruction of complex head and neck defects. In the setting of previous radiation and contaminated fields, vascularized bone is generally preferred to bone grafts, cadaveric allografts, or synthetic implants. The authors present a case series of complex craniofacial defects involving the midface that were reconstructed using medial femoral condyle flaps, focusing on the type of defect and lessons learned from their early experience to promote awareness of this flap among microsurgeons, who may wish to consider the potential of this flap and incorporate its use into their armamentarium.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Outcomes Associated with Nasal Reconstruction Post-Rhinectomy: A Narrative Review

The face and the external nose define an individual's physical appearance. Nasal deformities can cause facial disfigurement along with unwanted psychological repercussions. Nasal deformities range in severity, with the most severe cases being indications for a rhinectomy, due to the complexity of the nasal defect. According to published literature, there is no consensus among otolaryngologists and plastic surgeons on which technique or flap use is preferred in terms of complications, aesthetic outcome, or patient satisfaction. The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of published studies on nasal reconstruction following rhinectomy. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines for writing systematic reviews, a systematic review was conducted. Four databases were searched using a search strategy. These articles were then imported into the COVIDENCE software and went screening and thorough article review. After screening 2,237 articles, 23 studies were then extracted for data collection analysis. We collected data from 12 case series, 4 case studies, 1 prospective case series, and 4 retrospective chart review studies. The most commonly reported flaps were forehead flaps, superior extended nasal myocutaneous island, forearm free flaps, anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap, medial femoral condyle free flap ( n  = 8), and zygomaticus implants ( n  = 6), and retained nasal prosthesis. Although not specifically indicated by a certain number, the most common indication for the rhinectomy was malignancy, followed by traumas, postsurgical complications, radionecrosis, and congenital nasal malformations.

Although several donor flaps can be used after rhinectomy, we conclude that there is no preference over what flap has superior patient outcomes after analysis. As of current, there are no prospective studies that exist. Therefore, more research is necessary to determine the results of each flap.

Reconstruction of the Nose: Management of Nasal Cutaneous Defects According to Aesthetic Subunit and Defect Size. A Review

The nose represents the most common site for the presentation of cutaneous cancer, especially in sun-exposed areas: ala, dorsum, and tip. Even the smallest loss of substance can create aesthetic and psychosocial concerns for patients; therefore, surgeons who perform nasal reconstruction should be strictly confident with the pertinent surgical anatomy in order to tailor the procedure to the patient’s condition and needs. Radical tumor excision and satisfactory aesthetic and functional results are primary targets. Restoring the original shape is the goal of any reconstruction: appropriate reshaping of three-dimensional geometry, proper establishment of symmetry, and excellent color and texture match to the adjacent structures are paramount features. Multiple options exist to re-establish functional and aesthetic integrity after surgical oncology; nevertheless, the management of nasal defects can be often challenging, and the gold standard is yet to be found. The current goal is to highlight some of the more common techniques used to reconstruct cutaneous defects of the nose with a specific focus on decision making based on the aesthetic subunit and defect size. The authors attempt to share common pitfalls and offer practical suggestions that they have found helpful in their clinical experience.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Nasal Vestibule and Pyramid: Outcomes and Reconstructive Strategies

OBJECTIVES

Squamous cell carcinoma of nasal vestibule and pyramid is rare, thus classification, treatment protocol, and indications for elective neck treatment are still controversial. Nasal reconstruction is challenging, as well, and prosthesis is still used.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients surgically treated from 2010 to 2018 in a single Institution. Advanced tumors were further treated with adjuvant irradiation. Reconstruction strategy included grafts, locoregional and free flaps, and was customized on layers removed.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients were enrolled. The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 81.9% ± 7.45% and 61.9% ± 9.09%, respectively. Wang's classification, site of origin, extent of surgery and margins status significantly correlated with prognosis and recurrence rate. Regional recurrences occurred in patients affected by advanced tumors who did not receive any form of elective neck treatment.

CONCLUSION

Multidisciplinary management and a proper reconstructive algorithm are recommended. Adjuvant irradiation and elective neck treatment should be advocated for advanced stage high-risk patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 131:E1198-E1208, 2021.