One-Stage Reconstruction of Composite Extremity Defects with a Sural Neurocutaneous Flap and a Vascularized Fibular Graft: A Novel Chimeric Flap Based on the Peroneal Artery

Strategies for promoting neurovascularization in bone regeneration

Bone tissue relies on the intricate interplay between blood vessels and nerve fibers, both are essential for many physiological and pathological processes of the skeletal system. Blood vessels provide the necessary oxygen and nutrients to nerve and bone tissues, and remove metabolic waste. Concomitantly, nerve fibers precede blood vessels during growth, promote vascularization, and influence bone cells by secreting neurotransmitters to stimulate osteogenesis. Despite the critical roles of both components, current biomaterials generally focus on enhancing intraosseous blood vessel repair, while often neglecting the contribution of nerves. Understanding the distribution and main functions of blood vessels and nerve fibers in bone is crucial for developing effective biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. This review first explores the anatomy of intraosseous blood vessels and nerve fibers, highlighting their vital roles in bone embryonic development, metabolism, and repair. It covers innovative bone regeneration strategies directed at accelerating the intrabony neurovascular system over the past 10 years. The issues covered included material properties (stiffness, surface topography, pore structures, conductivity, and piezoelectricity) and acellular biological factors [neurotrophins, peptides, ribonucleic acids (RNAs), inorganic ions, and exosomes]. Major challenges encountered by neurovascularized materials during their clinical translation have also been highlighted. Furthermore, the review discusses future research directions and potential developments aimed at producing bone repair materials that more accurately mimic the natural healing processes of bone tissue. This review will serve as a valuable reference for researchers and clinicians in developing novel neurovascularized biomaterials and accelerating their translation into clinical practice. By bridging the gap between experimental research and practical application, these advancements have the potential to transform the treatment of bone defects and significantly improve the quality of life for patients with bone-related conditions.

Immediate inferior alveolar nerve reconstruction: Improving warfighter quality of life following mandibulectomy or traumatic avulsion of the mandible

BACKGROUND

Mandibular reconstruction has historically been challenging due to the complex, highly functional, and esthetic nature of the anatomy. The most common etiologies of these defects requiring resection include trauma, benign tumors, and malignant pathology. Mandibular defects have been treated with little consideration for neural reconstruction, leaving patient's orally incompetent with associated social stigma. Although recent advances in reconstructive techniques improve oral rehabilitation, immediate inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) reconstruction has not been widely adapted.

OBJECTIVE

Here-in we seek to discuss the innovations of neural reconstruction of large segment mandibular defects and associated IAN defects and present an example case performed at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD).

METHODS

Pertinent literature discussing maxillofacial reconstruction and nerve repair using autogenous nerve harvest and allograft was queried from available online resources.

RESULTS

Six patients have received immediate reconstruction of the IAN using processed nerve allograft over the past three years. All obtained sensation to S3 within six months of surgery.

CONCLUSION

IAN repair using nerve allografts in conjunction with free flap reconstruction for large mandibular defects is a viable treatment and should be the new paradigm in maxillofacial reconstruction as it provides substantial quantifiable and qualitative improvements in social, functional, and esthetic outcomes of care.

Variations in deep iliac circumflex artery perforator chimeric flap design for single-stage customized-reconstruction of composite bone and soft-tissue defect

BACKGROUND

The deep iliac circumflex artery (DICA) perforator (DICAP) chimeric flap is a valuable treatment strategy for single-stage reconstruction of composite bone and soft-tissue defects in upper and lower extremities. However, its utilization rate remains low owing to anatomical variations that lead to challenges when identifying and dissecting perforators.

METHODS

A comprehensive anatomical investigation was conducted on the DICA system by injecting lead oxide into 12 fresh cadavers following a standardized procedure. From January 2008 to December 2020, 30 patients with composite bone and soft-tissue defects received reconstruction surgery with DICAP chimeric flap. One of the four specified surgical techniques was used to create a modified DICAP chimeric flap for the patients based on the size, shape, and location of the defect.

RESULTS

Two branching patterns of DICA, transverse and ascending branches, were observed, and the former gave off the osteomusculocutaneous perforators and terminal musculocutaneous perforators. Thirty DICAP chimeric flaps were elevated successfully. The size of the skin paddles measured from 9 × 4.5 cm to 22 × 9 cm, and the bone components ranged from 3 × 2.5 × 1.5 cm to 6 × 3.5 × 2 cm. All flaps survived successfully after the operation, and all patients achieved primary closure of the donor sites. No patient encountered the fracture of transferred iliac segments. The mean bone union time was 5.5 months (ranging from 4 to 8 months).

CONCLUSION

The DICA system is a suitable source for harvesting the DICAP chimeric flap to reconstruct composite bone and soft-tissue defects. It provides a flexible design for individualized coverage of such defects with limited donor-site morbidity.

Successful Reconstruction of Complex Sacrococcygeal Defects Using Chimeric Perforator Propeller Flap

BACKGROUND

Complex soft tissue defects, which result from the surgical resection of sacral tumors, manifest as a combination of skin defects, dead space, infection, and prosthesis exposure. Because the traditional musculocutaneous flap lacks flexibility because of the close connection between the skin flap and the muscle component, the musculocutaneous flap is not suitable for reconstructing complex soft tissue defects where the dead space and skin defects are located at different sites. Furthermore, the perforator flap is also not appropriate for reconstructing complex defects because it lacks the muscular component. We considered the possibility of using the chimeric perforator propeller flap for reconstructing complex sacrococcygeal defects.

METHODS

This study included 7 patients who underwent, between July 2007 and July 2021, the reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects of the sacrococcygeal region using a chimeric perforator propeller flap.

RESULTS

Among the included cases, the etiologies were chordoma (n = 3), sacral tumor (n = 3), and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1). In all the cases, vacuum-assisted closure therapy was used to treat wound infections before surgery. The average sizes of the skin and muscle flaps were 195.8 cm 2 (range, 100-350 cm 2 ) and 83.6 cm 2 (range, 60-140 cm 2 ), respectively. The superior gluteal artery was the source artery for the chimeric perforator propeller flap. The donor sites were primarily closed in all cases. One patient had delayed wound healing, and the secondary wound healed using conservative dressing changes. The other 6 flaps had no complications. The average follow-up time was 5.3 months (range, 1-9 months). Muscle weakness and compromised ambulation in the affected lower extremities were not observed in any of the patients. Furthermore, all 7 patients had no tumor recurrence, prosthesis exposure, and infection events in the sacrococcygeal region.

CONCLUSIONS

The chimeric perforator propeller flap may be an option for reconstructing complex soft tissue defects in the sacrococcygeal region.

Efficacy comparison of vascularized iliac crest bone flap and Ilizarov bone transport in the treatment of traumatic bone defects of the tibia combined with large soft tissue defects

BACKGROUND

Traumatic tibial defect complicated with soft tissue defect is a difficult problem in clinic. Vascularized iliac crest bone flap (VIBF) and Ilizarov bone transport are effective methods to treat tibial defects with limited defect length, which most need to be explored accordingly.

METHODS

In this study, a total of 68 patients with traumatic tibial defect (ranging from 4 to 10 cm) and large soft tissue defect were collected retrospectively. The soft tissue defects were repaired by latissimus dorsal musculocutaneous flap (LD), anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) or both. Thirty-three cases were treated with vascularized iliac crest bone flap transplantation and 35 cases were treated with Ilizarov bone transport. Intraoperative and postoperative follow-up data (including operation time, blood loss, bone union time, external fixation time, external fixation index, complication rate, reoperation rate, and functional evaluation) were recorded, and comparative analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 32 months. Compared with Ilizarov group, the VIBF group exhibited statistically faster bone union time (6.3 ± 1.0 vs. 18.2 ± 3.0 months). Moreover, the VIBF group showed shorter EFT (7.3 ± 1.0 vs. 19.2 ± 3.0 months) and a better EFI (34.8 ± 9.2 vs. 84.2 ± 23.7 days/cm). The excellent and good rate of lower limb appearance evaluation in VIBP group was significantly better than that in Ilizarov group. The complication rate and reoperation rate were significantly higher in Ilizarov group.

CONCLUSION

In summary, compared with Ilizarov bone transport, VIBP has the advantages of faster healing, shorter external fixation time, lower complication and reoperation rate, and better appearance within the limited defect length. Ilizarov bone transport is still preferred when the defect length exceeds the maximum repair length of the iliac flap. The daily handling required by bone transport process is painful.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, Case-control study.

Role of Perforating Artery Pedicled Neurotrophic Flap in the Treatment of Compound Tissue Defect of Tibia Using the Ilizarov Technique

OBJECTIVE

To describe our experience with the combined use of pedicled neurotrophic flap and distraction osteogenesis in the management of complex lower extremity injuries with composite bone and soft tissue defects and assess the functional and cosmetic results of this method.

METHODS

A pedicled flap with a marked perforator artery was applied for soft tissue coverage after radical debridement and temporary external fixation. In the second stage, the Ilizarov external fixator was used in place of the temporary external fixator for reconstruction of the segmental bone defect by distraction osteogenesis. Twenty-five patients (16 men and nine women; mean age, 39.2 years) were treated by using this combined technique between 2008 and 2016. All cases were graded initially as Gustilo-Anderson grade IIIB open fractures. The soft tissue defect after radical debridement ranged from 9 cm × 5 cm to 14 cm × 11 cm, and the average size of segmental defect was 5.2 (Range, 2.5-8.5) cm. Seventeen of these patients had a history of local infection. The bone structure and function were evaluated by two independent evaluators using Paley's criteria.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were followed up for an average of 28.96 (Range, 15-48) months. The distally based sural neurovascular flap was applied in 13 patients, and the greater saphenous neurocutaneous perforator flap in 12 patients. The flap area ranged from 10 cm × 5 cm to 14 cm × 12 cm. Sufficient coverage of soft tissue defect was achieved in all cases. All flaps survived completely without complications. The bone defects were corrected by a mean lengthening of 6.94 (Range, 4.5-9.5) cm. The residual discrepancy was <1 cm in all cases, which was not clinically significant. The function was evaluated as excellent in 12 patients and good in 13 patients. Bone results were graded as excellent in 18 patients and good in seven patients. Complications during treatment included pain, pin tract infections, ankle midfoot joint stiffness, and docking site nonunion. No recurrence of infection was observed in infected patients. All cases achieved successful limb salvage and satisfactory function recovery without recurrence of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined technique of a perforator artery pedicled neurotrophic flap and distraction osteogenesis is an effective alternative approach in the salvage treatment of massively traumatized and chronically infected lower extremities.

One-stage reconstruction of extensive composite extremity defects with low donor site morbidity: A retrospective case series of combined transfer of a vascularized fibula flap and a perforator flap

BACKGROUND

Extensive composite extremity defects remain a challenge in plastic and reconstructive surgery. To preserve the extremity, we used combined transfer composed of the vascularized fibula flap and a perforator flap from various body parts to reconstruct extensive composite extremity defects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2004 to December 2018, 14 male patients aged 9 to 55 years with extensive composite extremity defects (large soft-tissue and long bone defect) underwent reconstructive surgery in our institution. The combined transfer surgery consisted of the vascularized fibula bone flap and a perforator flap, such as anterolateral thigh flap, deep inferior epigastric perforator flap, or thoracodorsal artery perforator flap.

RESULTS

All fourteen patients were treated successfully using the combined transfer method. The dimensions of the different perforator flaps ranged from 13 × 6 cm² to 26 × 11 cm², and the size of the skin paddle of the fibular osteocutaneous flap ranged from 9 × 3 cm² to 21 × 7 cm². The median length of the fibular graft was 15 cm. No serious donor site complications were observed. Only one patient developed venous congestion and was salvaged. Another patient had hematoma at the recipient site and underwent debridement. Though all patients achieved bone union (median time of 8 months), two developed a stress fracture of the transferred free fibula.

CONCLUSION

We were able to minimize donor site morbidity and avoid amputation in these patients using the combined transfer technique Our results show that the combined transfer of perforator flap and vascularized fibula flap with or without a skin paddle is a feasible reconstruction option for the treatment of the extensive composite extremity defects.

Versatile design of compound vastus lateralis muscle and anterolateral thigh musculocutaneous perforator free flaps for customized reconstruction of complex skin and soft tissue defects in the extremities

BACKGROUND

Compound anterolateral thigh flaps are popular for three-dimensional reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects. We present our 10-year experience using compound vastus lateralis (VL) muscle and anterolateral thigh musculocutaneous perforator (ALTP) flaps, and introduce three versatile customizations of this flap for individualized reconstruction of complex three-dimensional soft tissue defects.

METHODS

From May 2008 to June 2017, compound VL muscle and ALTP flaps were performed in 67 consecutive patients aged 14-75 years (62 men and 5 women). The defects were in either the lower (n = 53) or upper extremity (n = 14), and ranged in size from 8 × 4 cm2 to 25 × 6 cm2. Dead space volume ranged from 4 × 2 × 1 cm3 to 20 × 3 × 2 cm3, and all flaps were harvested from patients' thighs as one of three types. In type A, a single perforator supplied both the skin and muscle components, with the vascular bundle penetrating the muscle component. In type B, a single perforator supplied both skin and muscle components with separate branches to the skin and muscle. In type C, separate vessels supplied the skin and muscle.

RESULTS

In the 67 patients, 65 flaps survived, and the donor site was closed directly. Vascular compromise occurred in four patients on the first postoperative day. Two flaps were salvaged after emergency re-exploration. Flap loss occurred in two patients, and these defects were repaired using other flaps. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 60 months (mean, 11.9 months). All flaps had satisfactory appearance and texture, and no patients experienced limited hip and knee joint mobility from the donor site operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Compound VL muscle and ALTP flaps are a reliable option to reconstruct complex defects of the extremities. Identifying three flap types allowed for more precise customization to cover complex defects with limited donor site morbidity.

[Anatomy and clinical application of anterior and posterior terminal perforators of peroneal artery]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anatomy of anterior and posterior terminal perforators of the peroneal artery and its clinical applications.

METHODS

Six lower limb specimens were obtained from 3 fresh cadavers. The anterior and posterior terminal perforators and the perforator of terminal peroneal artery were exposed under surgical microscope, and the distances from the beginning of each perforator branch to the lateral malleolus tip and the external diameter of each perforator were measured. With these anatomical knowledge and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) guidance, the pedicle flaps with above-mentioned perforators were rationally selected and precisely designed for 18 patients with skin defects in the ankle and foot region between October 2016 and December 2018. Among the patients, there were 14 males and 4 females, aged 28-62 years, with an average age of 40 years. The area of wound ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 13 cm×10 cm and the area of skin flap ranged from 5 cm×4 cm to 14 cm×10 cm. The anterior peroneal artery terminal perforator flap were applied in 13 cases and the posterior peroneal artery terminal perforator flap in 5 cases. The donor sites were closed directly in 7 cases and repaired with full thickness skin graft in 11 cases.

RESULTS

The distance from the beginning of the anterior terminal perforator to the lateral malleolus tip was (5.1±0.5) cm, the external diameter of the anterior terminal perforator was (1.51±0.05) mm. The distance from the beginning of the posterior terminal perforator to the lateral malleolus tip was (4.9±0.9) cm, the external diameter was (1.78±0.17) mm; the distance from the beginning of the perforator of terminal peroneal artery to the lateral malleolus tip was (1.7±0.7) cm, the external diameter was (0.58±0.12) mm. Clinical application results: The edge of the flap was dark in 2 cases after operation and healed after surgical dressing, and 1 case of wound infection healed gradually after debridement. The other flaps survived and healed by first intention. Three patients underwent plastic surgery at 3 months after operation due to flap swelling. All patients were followed up 3-18 months. During the follow-up period, the flaps had good texture and appearance, and partial recovery of sensation. All cases were assessed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at last follow-up. The results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case, with the excellent and good rate of 83.3%.

CONCLUSION

Further classification of peroneal artery perforators in the lateral malleolus region can improve clinical understanding and be helpful to selection and application of perforator flaps in the lateral malleolus.

Use of a sequential chimeric perforator flap for one-stage reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects of the extremities

BACKGROUND

One-stage reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects of the extremities is a challenging problem. Repair of complex soft tissue defects requires adequate skin tissues to cover the large surface wound and special tissues for obliterating the dead space. The chimeric flap is one of the most popular approaches for reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects. However, the problems of donor-site morbidity and inability to repair very large defects at one-stage remain. The purpose of this study was to present our clinical experience using sequential chimeric perforator flaps for reconstruction of complex extremity defects with primary closure of the donor site.

METHODS

From August 2013 to March 2017, 12 patients with complex soft tissue defects underwent extremity reconstruction using sequential chimeric perforator flaps, which were composed of a chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap and an additional free perforator flap. The skin paddles were placed side-by-side to cover the large surface soft tissue defects, and the muscle component was used to obliterate the dead space. Of these patients, one was injured by a crushing accident, while the other 11 patients were injured in traffic accidents.

RESULTS

The size of the skin paddles ranged from 26 cm × 8 cm-10 cm × 6 cm to 30 cm × 8.5 cm-29 cm × 9 cm. The muscle paddle size ranged from 2 cm × 3 cm × 4 cm to 22 cm × 4 cm × 2 cm. All-components of the sequential chimeric flaps survived in all-patients. Vascular compromise was observed in one case. One case suffered minor wound-edge necrosis and was treated conservatively. Primary closure of donor-site was successfully achieved in all-patients, and all-donor-site wounds healed uneventfully. The mean follow-up time was 15.25 months. Most of the cases showed a satisfactory contour, and only two patients presented with mildly bulky appearance that treated with a debulking procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The sequential chimeric perforator flap is an alternative procedure for reconstruct complex soft tissue defects of the extremities. This approach allows for flexible design, a larger cutaneous area, and low donor site morbidity.

The Combined Use of a Neurocutaneous Flap and the Ilizarov Technique for Reconstruction of Large Soft Tissue Defects and Bone Loss in the Tibia

BACKGROUND

Management of posttraumatic large soft tissue defects and bone loss remains a therapeutic and surgical challenge for orthopedic surgeons. We assessed the use of a neurocutaneous flap and the Ilizarov technique in the reconstruction of severe composite defects in the tibia.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 18 consecutive patients with trauma-related soft tissue defects and bone loss. The size of the soft tissue defect ranges from 8 × 9 cm to 14 × 18 cm. The mean size of bone loss was 4.5 cm. A great saphenous neurocutaneous flap or sural neurocutaneous flap was created to reconstruct the soft tissue defect. The Ilizarov external fixator was applied to reconstruct bony loss by means of distraction osteogenesis.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 38.8 months. All transferred flaps survived completely. The area covered ranged from 9 × 10 cm to 15 × 20 cm. The mean distraction length and duration of use of the external fixator were 6 cm and 11.4 months, respectively. All patients achieved final union. Complications of superficial pin-tract infections and mild Achilles tendon contracture were observed, but these were resolved over time. All patients were satisfied with the outcome of the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

A well-vascularized neurocutaneous flap is a safe and effective option in lower extremity reconstruction under a stable mechanical environment, which can be created using the Ilizarov technique. It is a good option for reconstructing severe complex defects in the lower limb.

Peroneal perforator-based peroneus longus tendon and sural neurofasciocutaneous composite flap transfer for a large soft-tissue defect of the forearm: A case report

We describe the use of a composite flap composed of a sural neurofasciocutaneous flap and a vascularized peroneus longus tendon for the reconstruction of severe composite forearm tissue defects in a patient. A 43-year-old man had his left arm caught in a conveyor belt resulting in a large soft-tissue defect of 18 × 11 cm over the dorsum forearm. The extensor carpi radialis, superficial radial nerve, and radial artery were severely damaged. A free neurofasciocutaneous composite flap measuring 16 × 11 cm was outlined on the patient's left lower leg to allow simultaneous skin, tendon, nerve, and artery reconstruction. The flap, which included the peroneus longus tendon, was elevated on the subfascial plane. After the flap was transferred to the recipient site, the peroneal artery was anastomosed to the radial artery in a flow-through manner. The vascularized tendon graft with 15 cm in length was used to reconstruct the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon defect using an interlacing suture technique. As the skin paddle of the sural neurofasciocutaneous flap and the vascularized peroneus longus tendon graft were linked by the perforator and minimal fascial tissue, the skin paddle was able to rotate and slide with comparative ease. The flap survived completely without any complications. The length of follow-up was 12 months and was uneventful. Range of motion of his left wrist joint was slightly limited to 75 degrees. This novel composite flap may be useful for reconstructing long tendon defects associated with extensive forearm soft tissue defects.