Cadaveric and Computed Tomography Analysis of the Anterior Ethmoidal Artery Flap

BACKGROUND

The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) flap has been successful in repairing anterior nasal septal perforations and has been presumed to be axially based on AEA branches coursing through or around the cribriform plate (CP). However, limited evidence supports the flap's axial supply. The purposes of this cadaveric and computed tomography (CT) study were to assess the arterial anatomy from the CP to the septum, and to determine AEA flap length to predict ideal flap base width.

METHODS

Ten fresh latex-injected cadavers were utilized for endoscopic dissection to identify arteries traversing the CPs on each side. First, arterial trajectories along the dorsal septum were recorded. Measurements were then made bilaterally along the septum from the middle turbinate (MT) axilla to the nasal branch of the AEA (NBAEA) traversing the CP. Additionally, 100 sinus CTs were reviewed to measure AEA flap lengths bilaterally.

RESULTS

From 10 cadavers, 20 sides were utilized for measurements. In all cadavers, the AEA septal branches coursed diagonally or horizontally along the dorsal septum, and never directly vertically. The mean distance from the MT axilla to the NBAEA was 1.24 ± 1.93 cm (range = 1-1.5 cm). Based on CTs, the mean AEA flap length was 6.40 ± 0.60 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the non-vertical courses of AEA septal branches, the AEA flap is more likely a random transposition flap than an axial flap. Average AEA flap length ranged from 6.0 to 7.0 cm. Assuming 3:1 length:width ratios, AEA flap base widths should be about 2.0-2.3 cm.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 134:2100-2104, 2024.

Bilateral Transposition Flaps With Split-Thickness Skin Grafting of Secondary Defects After a Large Mohs Micrographic Surgery Defect With Exposed Calvarium

Large, full-thickness defects of the scalp create a common reconstructive dilemma following Mohs micrographic surgery. In cases with exposed calvarium, transposition flap(s) followed by split-thickness skin graft(s) to the secondary defect is an effective method of reconstruction that allows for same-day repair, full defect coverage, and good functional outcomes. Herein, we present the reconstruction of a large scalp defect utilizing bilateral transposition flaps followed by split-thickness skin grafts of the secondary defects.

Application of vertical transposition flap in closure for large facial soft tissue defects in children

Background

While transposition flap is widely used for the repairs of facial defects, few studies has reported its application among children with large defects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the surgical techniques and principles in different locations on face of vertical transposition flap in children.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our hospital database and identified children who were treated with vertical transposition flap for large facial defects between January 2014 and December 2021. Information was collected including patients' demographics, location and dimension of the lesion, surgical procedure, additional surgeries, complications, and outcomes.

Results

A total of 122 patients (77 boys, 63.1%) were included in this study. The average age for participants was 3.3 years (3 months to 9 years). One hundred and four (85.3%) patients had melanin nevus and 18 (14.8%) had sebaceous nevus. The average size of defects was 5.8 cm² (ranging from 0.8-16.5 cm²). Ten patients (8.2%) suffered from dermal layer or full-thickness necrosis in the distal part of their flaps, They all recovered after conservative treatment and there were noticeable scars at discharge. Five patients (4.1%) had slight traction of the mouth and eyelid, all recovered about 2 week after surgery. An acceptable cosmetic outcome was achieved for all the patients at last time follow-up.

Conclusions

Repairing large facial defects with vertical transposition flap is effective in Children, especially on forehead, cheek and mandible. However, this technique is far from perfect. Careful selection of appropriate patients and flap design might be needed.

Combination Therapy for a Severe Axillary Keloid with Abscesses: A Case Report

Keloids are laterally growing fibroproliferative skin disorders. Severe keloids spread widely, sometimes over joints, thus significantly limiting motor function. They are associated with recurrent, very painful draining infections. Here, we report a case of a giant keloid that was successfully treated by combination therapy comprising surgery (partial resection followed by local flap transposition) and subsequent radiotherapy and steroid-plaster therapy. The keloid was first noticed when the patient was 7 years old at the site of a Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination she had received on her left shoulder in infancy. The keloid grew rapidly and widely after adulthood. A malignant tumor was suspected at another hospital, but a biopsy at age 45 years indicated the lesion was a keloid. Later, the keloid grew from the shoulder onto the chest and back and over the anterior axilla. At age 62 years, the patient was referred to our hospital. Under general anesthesia, the keloid was partially resected and the wound was covered with a local flap. Postoperative radiotherapy was performed 1 week later. The residual keloid was treated for 18 months with steroid tape. At 18 months after surgery, no recurrence of the keloid was observed. The patient had no pain or movement restriction. She was extremely satisfied with the results and considered the treatment to have improved her quality of life. While a standard strategy for severe keloid remains to be established, combination therapy comprising surgery, postoperative radiotherapy, and steroid-plaster therapy that aims to reduce inflammation and skin tension may be an option.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Scalp With Intracranial Extension: Challenging Case of Multidisciplinary Care

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the scalp is the second most common non-melanoma cancer of the skin. The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma on the scalp is on the rise, but the intracranial extension is rare. Cranial invasion is rare in SCC of the scalp, but when present, it is associated with a poor prognosis. A 62-year-old female presented with complaints of swelling over the back of her scalp for three months, which rapidly increased in size. She also had a throbbing headache, alopecia in that area, and multiple episodes of pustules in that area. On examination, she had an ulceroproliferative lesion measuring 5*5*3 cm with an irregular surface and varying consistency over the occipital area in the midline surrounded by ulcerations and crusted discharge and fixed to the bone. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an irregular lesion with the destruction of the right parietal and occipital bones involving both inner and outer tables with intracranial and extracranial components, and the lesion was abutting the superior sagittal sinus. The treatment is surgical resection of the tumor with margin clearance. The treatment plan was designed using a multidisciplinary approach with the collaboration of oncosurgery, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery. The patient underwent wide local excision of the tumor with adequate skin and cranial bone clearance. The tumor was found to have infiltrated the dura mater overlying the superior sagittal sinus. The defect was then closed using a vault prosthetic cover and a scalp transposition flap from the left parietal area. This case report intends to highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the proper management of advanced squamous cell carcinoma to decrease the morbidity and mortality in patients.

Facial Landmark Reconstruction with a Combination of Local Flaps: A Novel Technique for Landmark Destruction

BACKGROUND

Various methods of landmark reconstruction have been discussed in medical literature, but few describe defects involving the rim of the landmark. For landmark malposition, such as eyelid ectropion, borders are abnormally elongated by scar contracture. The reconstruction should thus restore both the cutaneous defect and the anatomical structure. We suggest the combination of local flaps via end-to-end connection and transposition for facial landmark reconstruction.

PATIENTS

Ten patients who had facial landmark malpositions caused by scar contractions, and 5 patients who had landmark defects, were successfully treated using this combination flap technique. Among the 15 patients, landmark malposition repairs of the nasal ala, nasal columella, eyelid margin, Cupid's bow, and eyebrow were performed.

RESULTS

Most flaps survived without complications; one procedure resulted in the cutaneous tip developing necrosis, which was successfully healed within 2 weeks of conservative treatment. The landmark was reconstructed with aesthetics in mind, and no subsequent scar contracture was observed. After a 6- to 14-month follow-up period, successful landmark reconstruction had been achieved in all 15 patients via a single-stage procedure.

CONCLUSION

A combination of local flaps is a viable option for facial landmark reconstruction in selected patients having landmark rim destruction.

Useful Extension of a Retroauricular Hairline Incision in a Parotidectomy Provides Coverage of a Preauricular Skin Defect

This report outlines the treatment of an 82-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma of the left cheek. The wide excision and simultaneous superficial parotidectomy were planned. Various incision methods have been widely introduced such as retroauricular hairline incision, modified Blair incision, or face-lift incision. For coverage of preauricular skin defect and parotidectomy, we modified retroauricular hairline incision that the end of the incision was bent to make transposition flap. The operation has been successfully finished using this extension of a retroauricular hairline incision.

Simultaneous Septal Perforation and Deviation Repair with a Chondromucosal Transposition Flap

Nasal septal perforations can cause issues of epistaxis, whistling, crusting, saddle deformity, and obstruction, which motivate patients to seek surgical repair. Numerous methods of septal perforation repair have been described, with surgical success rates ranging from 52% to 100%, but few studies address situations with concomitant septal deviation. In treating patients with septal perforation and deviation, both issues should be addressed for optimal outcomes. While routine septoplasty involves the removal of septal cartilage, septal perforation repair involves the addition of interposition grafts. The composite chondromucosal septal rotation flap harmoniously combines these seemingly conflicting goals as an effective and efficient technique for septal perforation repair. We present 3 patients successfully treated for their septal perforation and septal deviation concurrently with this technique.

Reconstruction of midface defects using local flaps: An algorithm for appropriate flap choice

BACKGROUND

Local flap surgery is commonly performed to cover defects with appropriate skin color and texture match. The purpose of this study was to present an algorithm for choosing an appropriate flap when reconstructing a midface defect using a local flap.

METHODS

Between February 2013 and February 2019, 38 patients with midface defects underwent local flap surgery. All defects larger than 3 cm in diameter were reconstructed with perforator-based transposition flaps. Defects smaller than 3 cm in diameter were reconstructed differently depending on their location. Defects near the nasolabial fold (NLF) were reconstructed with perforator-based transposition flaps, whereas defects just on the NLF were reconstructed with VY advancement flaps. Defects distant from the NLF were also reconstructed with VY advancement flaps.

RESULTS

Perforator-based transposition flaps were used in 22 cases and VY advancement flaps were used in 16 cases according to our new algorithm. All flaps survived without any complications. The aesthetic results were superior for VY advancement flaps, with higher patient satisfaction scores. The skin color match was similar for both flaps, but the contour was more natural in advancement flaps than in transposition flaps. However, transposition flaps had the benefits of being able to cover relatively large defects and allowing the donor scar to be hidden in a wrinkle line.

CONCLUSION

The most suitable local flap for coverage of a midface defect can be chosen based on the patient's condition. By following our algorithm, appropriate reconstructions can be performed, with satisfactory results.

Camptodactyly Treatment for the Lesser Digits

Camptodactyly of the lesser digits is commonly seen in patients with arthrogryposis. The flexed posture of the digit can be functionally limiting and necessitate surgical treatment to improve grasp function. In digits with normal bony anatomy, a lateral stiletto-shaped transposition flap combined with flexor digitorum superficialis tendon release, can improve finger deformity and function.

The superiorly based bilobed flap for nasal reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The laterally based bilobed flap is commonly used for the reconstruction of small- to medium-sized defects of the distal portion of the nose; However, when this flap is used to repair defects that are larger, more cephalic, or more lateral on the nose, there is a risk for lower nasal distortion. Reorienting the base superiorly preserves the advantages of the traditional design while minimizing this risk.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the design, execution, and efficacy of the superiorly based bilobed flap.

METHODS

A retrospective review examined all superiorly based bilobed flaps performed by 1 surgeon (J.C.) in 2000-2016 after tumor extirpation by Mohs micrographic surgery at a single institution.

RESULTS

A total of 41 surgical defects were closed with 40 flaps between June 2000 and August 2016 (1 patient had 2 defects closed with a single flap). Of the tumors, 55% were located on the nasal dorsum, and the median of the longest postoperative tumor axis was 1.4 cm. Follow-up was available for 40 flaps, and no infections, hematomas, or episodes of full-thickness necrosis were observed.

LIMITATIONS

Data were collected retrospectively from a single institution without a standardized assessment tool for aesthetic outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The superiorly based bilobed flap is useful for nasal reconstruction.

Conchal defect correction by hinge flap and transposition flap

Reconstruction of old full-thickness conchal defects is rarely described in the literature. This article describes a simple technique for reconstruction of old through-and-through small defects of the concha. The anterior part of the defect is covered with hinge flap taken from the posterior surface of the ear. The resultant final posterior defect is covered with local transposition flap from the adjacent skin.