Muscle versus Fasciocutaneous Flap in Lower Limb Reconstruction: Is There a Best Option?
AbstractSoft tissue defects of the lower extremity that expose underlying bones, joints, and tendons pose challenging problems and generally require free tissue transfer for a successful reconstruction. Historically, muscle flaps were the gold standard choice for lower limb reconstruction. To obviate the unpredictable appearance and high donor-site morbidity of muscle flaps, fasciocutaneous flaps were introduced. Recently, perforator flaps, such as the anterolateral thigh flap, gained a leading role in the reconstructive scenario. There is growing evidence in the literature supporting that fasciocutaneous and perforator flaps are comparable to muscle flaps in terms of flap survival, postope…
Role of Negative Pressure Therapy as Damage Control in Soft Tissue Reconstruction for Open Tibial Fractures.
AbstractThe concept of damage control orthopaedics (DCO) is a strategy that focuses on managing orthopaedic injuries in polytrauma patients who are in an unstable physiological state. The concept of DCO is an extension of damage control surgery or damage limitation surgery (DCS/DLS). Recently, it has become clear that certain patients, following extensive soft tissue trauma, could benefit from the idea of DCS. In the management of severe lower extremity trauma with exposed fracture sites, aggressive early wound excision debridement, early internal fixation, and vascularized wound coverage within a few days after trauma were proposed. A negative-pressure dressing can be easily and rapidly ap…
Free Bipedicled Radial Forearm and Posterior Interosseous Artery Perforator Flap Phalloplasty
Abstract Introduction The free radial forearm (FRFA) flap is universally still considered as the gold standard technique in penile reconstruction. Typically, a considerably large flap is required, often involving almost the entire circumference of the forearm. Partial necrosis may occur at the distal-most (dorsoradial) part of the flap as a result of insufficient perfusion. Aim To describe a new technique using the posterior interosseous artery (PIOA) to supercharge FRFA phalloplasty. Methods In a 12-month period, all patients having FRFA flap phalloplasty were enrolled. Perioperative, after complete flap dissection, an indocyanine green perfusion scan was performed. In case of insufficient…
A sequence of flaps and dissection exercises in the living model to improve the learning curve for perforator flap surgery.
Abstract Introduction The training to learn how to perform perforator flaps requires practice on a living model to optimize dissection and to evaluate outcome. The purpose of this study was to describe a training model that optimizes the use of animals in order to perform the maximum number of exercises per animal. Material and methods The sequence has been planned and practiced by the first and last author, recorded perfected and implemented in a two-day surgical course. The sequence was then evaluated by the trainers and the trainees by means of a questionnaire. Results All students were able to complete the sequence of exercises before the end of the second day except two (8/10) who coul…
Dupuytren's contracture and phenobarbital: Our case reports and review of the literature
Background: Dupuytren’s contracture is a fibroproliferative condition involving the superficial palmar fascia, leading to a progressive and irreversible flexion of the fingers. In literature, there are different opinions regarding the phenobarbital, a common antiepileptic drug, and its effective role in the genesis and development of Dupuytren’s disease. In our this retrospective study the association between phenobarbital and Dupuytren’s contracture is discussed. Case Reports: Three patients in treatment with phenobarbital who had no others significant risk factors for Dupuytren’s contracture were included in this study. The disease occurred after one to four years of drug therapy, at dosa…
Porcine Model for Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap: Anatomy and Technique
Although flap anatomy is well studied on cadavers and microsurgical techniques are well practiced on rats, still there are few training models for learning the techniques of perforator flap harvesting. The cadaver has no bloodstream, so accuracy of dissection cannot be evaluated and flap viability cannot be verified. Training on humans carries a high risk of flap damage. A living model for perforator flap harvest is needed to learn the technique before starting with its clinical application.
Safety of Reconstructive Microsurgery in the Elderly Population: a Multicentric Prospective Study
Background: Safety of reconstructive microsurgery in elderly patients is still a topic of debate, because no conclusive evidence exists that provides indications and risk evaluation in elderly patients. The purpose of this study, which the Italian Society for Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery (SICPRE) has promoted, is to evaluate the safety and the complication risk of elective reconstructive microsurgery in elderly patients as well as to identify patient- or procedure-related risk factors. The secondary aim is to evaluate the predictive role for complications of the Geriatric 8 score (G8). Methods: A total of 194 consecutive patients from 18 centers, aged 65 or older, who rece…
Poland’s Syndrome
Poland’s syndrome is a sporadic, congenital thoracic deformity, mostly unilateral, with a wide spectrum of presentation. The thoracic malformations are distinguished on the basis of the anatomical site in which an embryological development alteration has occurred after the fourth week of gestation (Table 3.1) [1]. Poland’s syndrome is a rare congenital and complex anomaly of the development of thoracic muscles, characterized by hypoplasia of the breast and nipple, scarcity of subcutaneous tissue, absence of the costosternal portion of the pectoralis major muscle, lack of the pectoralis minor muscle, aplasia or deformity of the costal cartilages or ribs II to IV or III to V, alopecia of the …