Review of the radial free flap: still evolving or facing extinction? Part two: osteocutaneous radial free flap

Case Report: Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap for Tongue Reconstruction Following the Hemiglossectomy

Objective: Therapeutic evaluation of applying superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap in tongue reconstruction after hemiglossectomy.

Methods: We retrospectively collected a total number of 14 patients who received SCIP flap reconstruction for tongue defects at the Fujian Medical University affiliated Union Hospital, between November 2016 and November 2020. We evaluated the clinical features of the flap, analyzed the postoperative functions and esthetic effects after 6 months of the tongue reconstruction.

Results: All the SCIP flaps survived successfully after the operation, the recipient site tongue bodies were well reconstructed 6 months after the surgery. Patient speech and swallowing functions were well recovered during the follow-up. The scars in the donor site were concealed with limited numbness.

Conclusions: With the advantages of the hidden donor site and aesthetic benefits, the SCIP flap is a reliable option for the reconstruction of the tongue defect after hemiglossectomy.

Complications in oncologic mandible reconstruction: A comparative study between the osteocutaneous radial forearm and fibula free flap

BACKGROUND

The osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OC-RFFF) has been proposed as a safe and reliable free flap for head and neck reconstruction with low donor site morbidity. The purpose of this study is to compare the late complications (>30 days) associated with using the OC-RFFF versus the free fibula flap (FFF) for mandibular reconstruction following oncologic segmental resection.

METHODS

We conducted a single-institution, retrospective study composed of patients who underwent oncologic microvascular composite mandibular reconstruction with either the OC-RFFF or FFF. The primary predictor variable was the type of free flap used. The outcome variable was late complication postoperatively (>30 days).

RESULTS

A total of 93 patients (28, OC-RFFF and 65, FFF) were analyzed. The majority of patients were male (62%) and with AJCC stage T4a disease (72%). Mean hospital length of stay was comparable between the two flap groups (p = .50). OC-RFFF was associated with more late complications (p = .03) compared to FFF. Nonunion occurred in 10.7% of OC-RFFF and 0% of FFF. Partial or complete flap failure was seen in 7.1% and 0% in the OC-RFFF and FFF, respectively. Two-year disease-free survival was comparable in both groups (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the rate of nonunion and odds of having a late complication were significantly greater in the OC-RFFF compared to the FFF following oncologic mandibular reconstruction. However, flap success, early complications (<30 days), and length of hospital stay were comparable between the two flaps.

Osseocutaneous radial forearm flap with beavertail modification; a case report of a novel, single, reconstructive free flap for the tongue, floor of mouth and mandible

INTRODUCTION

Complex hard and soft tissue defects produced as a result of ablative resection of head and neck malignancy can represent a reconstructive challenge, especially when patients are medically compromised.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present the case of 72-year-old women presenting with an oral squamous cell carcinoma of the right floor of mouth invading the right mandible. Surgical management of the disease required ablative surgery with complex free tissue transfer reconstruction to provide restoration of form and function. Potential reconstructive options were limited by her medical comorbidities and poor vessel patency in the lower limbs, requiring novel thinking and adaptation of established techniques.

DISCUSSION

We describe the first reported use of an osseofasciocutaneous radial forearm flap with a 'beavertail modification' to provide a single and combined reconstructive option to reconstruct a complex hard and soft tissue defect.

CONCLUSION

This novel free-flap technique adds to the reconstructive armamentarium of the head and neck surgeon.

Mandible reconstruction: History, state of the art and persistent problems

BACKGROUND

Mandibular reconstruction has been experiencing an amazing evolution. Several different approaches are used to reconstruct this bone and therefore have a fundamental role in the recovery of oral functions.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to highlight the persistent problems associated with the approaches identified, whether bone grafts or prosthetic devices are used. A brief summary of the historical evolution of the surgical procedures is presented, as well as an insight into possible future pathways.

STUDY DESIGN

A literature review was conducted from September to December 2012 using the PubMed database. The keyword used was "mandible reconstruction." Articles published in the last three years were included as well as the relevant references from those articles and the "historical articles" were referred. This research resulted in a monograph that this article aims to summarize.

RESULTS

Titanium plates, bone grafts, pediculate flaps, free osteomyocutaneous flaps, rapid prototyping, and tissue engineering strategies are some of the identified possibilities. The classical approaches present considerable associated morbidity donor-site-related problems.

CONCLUSION

Research that results in the development of new prosthetics devices is needed. A new prosthetic approach could minimize the identified problems and offer the patients more predictable, affordable, and comfortable solutions.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This review, while affirming the evolution and the good results found with the actual approaches, emphasizes the negative aspects that still subsist. Thus, it shows that mandible reconstruction is not a closed issue. On the contrary, it remains as a research field where new findings could have a direct positive impact on patients' life quality. The identification of the persistent problems reveals the characteristics to be considered in a new prosthetic device. This could overcome the current difficulties and result in more comfortable solutions. Medical teams have the responsibility to keep patients informed about the predictable problems related with each elected approach, even understanding that a perfect reconstruction is a secondary goal when compared with maintenance of life.

Assessment of free microvascular flap perfusion by intraoperative fluorescence angiography in craniomaxillofacial surgery

Microsurgical tissue transfer represents a standard technique for reconstruction in craniomaxillofacial surgery. The transferred tissue is anastomosed to vessels of varying diameters and different physiological conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood flow in free flaps at their origin and compare this with the flow after reperfusion. In 24 patients undergoing microsurgical procedures (13 radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) and 11 parascapular/scapular free flaps (PSFF)), blood flow was evaluated by intraoperative fluorescence angiography after flap raising and again after reperfusion in the neck area (Flow800, Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen, Germany). Flow is expressed by the blood flow index (BFI), maximum intensity (MaxInt) and half-time to MaxInt (t1/2) and was measured in the flap pedicle itself, as well as in the supplying vessels. Following anastomosis of the free flaps in the head and neck area, both the arterial and the venous BFI and MaxInt significantly increased, whereas t1/2 decreased significantly. There was no significant difference in the perfusion parameters between RFFF and PSFF. Intraoperative fluorescence angiography is a reliable method for assessing the perfusion of free microvascular flaps. In the head and neck area, free flaps undergo a significant increase in perfusion but show no differences between varying flap types.

[Can one harvest a long bone stick in the radial forearm flap? Original radioanatomical and NanoSPECT-CT Bioscan microvascular study]

OBJECTIVES

The composite radial forearm flap is a surgical option in the reconstruction of large traumatic or oncologic orofacial defects. Nevertheless, it has been criticized for its poor bone transport faculties that would make this flap insufficient in large osseous mandibular reconstructions, or for oral prosthetic rehabilitation with dental implants. What is more, the morbidity of the donor site has often been pointed. The aim of this radioanatomic study was to revisit the vascularization of the composite radial forearm flap, focusing on the bone stick.

METHODS

A radioanatomic study was performed on seven upper limbs taken from fresh cadavers. First, the vessels were washed with a 40°C solution of potassium acetate. Then an intra-arterial injection of a mixture of lead oxide and agar-agar was performed. 3D-CT-scan examinations of the anatomical pieces were performed. In a second step, the flaps were harvested and analyzed with a Microscan examination (NanoSPECT-CT Bioscan(®), voxel 220 microns). Collateral branches of the radial artery to the bone and the skin were counted and classified.

RESULTS

One radial diaphyseal artery was present in all the cases. The nutrient foramen took place at the anteromedial aspect of the diaphysis, between 45 and 65 % of the length of the bone. A dense anastomotic periosteal network was highlightened, supplied by one to four musculoperiosteal branches, and one to six fascio-periosteal arteries arising from the radial artery. A total of mean five osseous branches, and 12 cutaneous branches have been observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present preclinical study suggested that a 16-cm bone stick could be harvested with an optimal vascular safety, without consideration for the morbidity at the donor site. The original approach in this study, relating anatomy to the preclinical imaging, allowed a precise visualization of the microvascularization of the soft and hard tissues. It opened a field of innovative research in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Refinements in osteotomy design to improve structural integrity: a finite element analysis study

Osteotomy cuts are typically made using a saw, and the meeting point acts as a focus for the concentration of stress and failure. We have studied the impact of different designs of osteotomy cut. Cadaver sheep tibias were scanned by computed tomography (CT) and transformed into a computer-aided design (CAD) model. A standard marginal resection defect was created and then modified, and a finite element analysis made. The relative stress concentrations at the intersection of osteotomy cuts were recorded using principal stresses S1, S3, and von Mises stress, von Mises under both 4-point bending and torsion testing. The osteotomy designs studied were: right-angled and bevelled osteotomy end cuts, overcutting, and a stop drill hole. Peak stress values for 4-point bending and torsion were 24-30% greater at the right-angled osteotomy than the bevelled end cut. Overcutting dramatically increased peak stress values caused by bending and torsion by 48% and 71%, respectively. Substantially lower concentrations of stress were noted with a stop hole using both a 90° (bending 38% and torsion 56%), and a tangential (bending 58% and torsion 60%) cut. A bevelled osteotomy has substantially lower concentrations of stress than a right-angled osteotomy. It is important to avoid creating an overcut as this causes an appreciable increase in the concentration of stress, while a stop drill hole substantially reduces the stress. The creation of a stop hole and the use of judicious bevelling techniques are modifications in the design of an osteotomy that are readily applicable to surgical practice.

Full length articles published in BJOMS during 2010-11--an analysis by sub-specialty and study type

Full length articles such as prospective and retrospective studies, case series, laboratory-based research and reviews form the majority of papers published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BJOMS). We were interested to evaluate the breakdown of these types of articles both by sub-specialty and the type of study as well as the proportion that are written by UK colleagues compared to overseas authors over a 2 year period (2010-11). A total of 191 full length articles across all sub-specialties of our discipline were published, with 107 papers (56%) coming from UK authors. There were proportionately more oncology papers arising from the UK than overseas (60 and 30% of total respectively) while the opposite was found for cleft/deformity studies (10% and 22%). There was only one laboratory-based study published from the UK compared with 27 papers from overseas. The number of quality papers being submitted to the Journal continues to increase, and the type of article being published between UK and overseas probably reflects different practices and case-loads amongst colleagues. The relatively few UK laboratory based studies published in BJOMS compared to overseas authors are most likely due to authors seeking the most prestigious journals possible for their work.

Microvascular tissue transfer in cleft palate patients: advocacy of the prelaminated radial free forearm flap

The closure of wide palatal clefts and recurrent oronasal fistulae may be challenging. After repeated failure of conventional techniques, microvascular tissue transfer may be indicated in the closure of such fistulae. Depending on the location and the size of the palatal fistula, different tissues are required to sufficiently close the palatal gaps. A subdivision of common flaps into mucosa, muscular, bony, skin, and fascia flaps was carried out to analyze their suitability for alveolar, hard, and soft palate reconstruction. Furthermore, the bulk of flaps and the length of the vascular pedicle were analyzed to rate the suitability of different flaps for palatal closure. Based on a new classification of oronasal fistulae, all these factors were taken into consideration to introduce a decision guidance of what microvascular flap fits a particular clinical situation. The radial free forearm flap was found to be sufficient in the closure of all classes of oronasal fistulae.

What are we reading? A study of downloaded and cited articles from the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2010

A large number of papers related to oral and maxillofacial surgery are published in many specialist journals. With the ever-increasing use of the internet it is easy to download them as part of a journal subscription on a fee per paper basis, or in some cases for free. Online access to the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BJOMS) is free to British Association (BAOMS) members with a $30 fee per paper download for non-members. Many colleagues use the online version of the journal, and this provides valuable information about downloading trends. Other data on articles that have been cited in subsequent publications are also readily available, and they form the basis for the calculation of a journal's impact factor. We evaluated the top 50 downloaded papers from the BJOMS website in 2010 to ascertain which articles were being read online. We also obtained data on the number of citations for papers published in 2009-2010 to see whether these papers were similar to the articles being downloaded. In 2010 there were over 360000 downloaded articles. The most popular papers were leading articles, reviews, and full length articles; only one short communication featured in the top 50 downloads. The papers most cited in subsequent publications were full length articles and leading articles or reviews, which represent 80% of the total citations of the 50 papers. Ten papers were in both the top 50 downloaded and most cited lists. We discuss the implications of this study for the journal and our readers.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a skin flap: case report and review on malignant transformations in skin grafts and microvascular cutaneous flaps

OBJECTIVES

Sufficient closure of intraoral defects can be challenging. Various methods of tissue transfer have been presented in the literature. From skin grafts to microvascular flaps, most techniques used for intraoral reconstruction use skin to line out the oral cavity to guarantee an epithelial surface. Native mucosa tolerates the moist environment of the oral cavity, whereas skin flaps do to just a certain extent. This may lead to chronic inflammation of the flap-skin. Under rare circumstances, these histologic changes can enhance the risk for malignant transformation of the skin graft.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of a patient who derived a squamous cell carcinoma in the skin island of a jump flap raised from the abdominal wall 30 years earlier. The flap was used to close a very wide palatal cleft. The patient had no history of malignancy, smoking, drinking, or other risk factors.

DISCUSSION

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on carcinoma in a skin flap in a patient without any history of intraoral malignancy. Although malignant transformations of skin grafts are very rare and usually appear years after the reconstruction, one should be aware that the moist environment can lead to chronic inflammation of the dermis of flap. This fact may increase the risk of malignant transformation in a skin graft.