Reconstruction of the Achilles tendon with a composite anterolateral thigh free flap with vascularized fascia lata: a case report

Using Free Chimeric Anterolateral Thigh Flap For Reconstruction Of Composite Dorsal Hand Defect

Background

Simultaneous repair of the extensor tendons and soft tissues in hand injuries remains challenging. The free chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with fascia lata (FL) flap represents an alternative for hand reconstruction. This report describes the reconstruction of the extensor tendon and skin defects using free chimeric ALT flaps with FL.

Methods

Eight patients (one female and seven male) underwent reconstruction of complex hand defects with free chimeric ALT and FL flaps. The defects were caused by crushing injuries, burns, snakebite scars, and animal bite wounds. The average skin defect was 116 cm2. Perforators were selected for the skin paddle and the FL flap. The thinning procedure was performed microsurgically.

Results

The skin paddle size ranged from 12 to 23 cm in length and 6 to 11 cm in width, and the FL flaps ranged from 3 × 5 to 12 × 5 cm. The mean pedicle length was 7.88 cm. Nine extensor tendons were repaired with FL flaps. The flap thickness after thinning was only 3-6 mm. The donor site was closed primarily in six patients, and skin grafts were used in two cases. All flaps survived without complications. The follow-up period lasted from 17 to 80 months. Range of motion was achieved with satisfaction.

Conclusion

The chimeric-thinned ALT and FL flap is a valuable material, and it should be considered a reconstructive option for hand soft tissue and extensor tendon reconstruction. This technique allows us to achieve a good appearance and extensor function without donor-site morbidity.

Composite Free Tissue Transfer for Reconstruction of Lower Extremity Tendon Injuries: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

 Tendon rupture with extensive soft tissue loss has few reconstructive options. Composite free tissue transfers including skin and tendon offer an attractive reconstructive approach. Unfortunately, most studies discussing them come from sparse case reports. We systematically assess evidence supporting composite flap use in single-stage reconstruction of lower extremity tendon and soft tissue defects.

METHODS

 A systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. OvidMEDLINEqueried for records pertaining to the study question using Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms such as "lower extremity," "tendon," and "composite flap." No limitations were placed on the year of publication, country of origin, or study size. Study characteristics and patient demographics were collected. Primary outcomes included:(1) defect location, composite flap characteristics;(2) return to ambulation;(3) joint range of motion;(4) patient satisfaction, and (5) complications.

RESULTS

 In total, 29 articles examining 173 patients with lower extremity tendon defects and soft tissue loss were identified. Average age was 44.3 years (SD 17.5); most patients were male (n = 110, 66.3%). Achilles defect was mostly reported (n = 151, 86.8%), followed by patellar (n = 17, 9.8%) and other tendon defects (n = 6, 3.4%). Average tendon defect size was 8.4 cm (SD 4.0), average soft tissue loss was 80.2 cm² (SD 40.0). Most employed composite flap was anterolateral thigh and fascia lata (ALT + FL) (n = 101, 58.0%). Most patients (n = 134, 99.3%) returned to ambulation in an average 123.1 days (SD 78.3). Average reconstructive joint degree of motion was 62.1 degrees compared with normal degree of motion 62.3 degrees. Patient-reported outcomes demonstrated increased satisfaction after reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

 Composite flaps effectively reconstruct a variety of tendon and soft tissue defects; the most reported flap is ALT + FL, which provides large flap territories and rapid healing in Achilles, patellar, and other tendon defects. In this review, patients with composite flaps demonstrated return to ambulation, minimal impairment in range of motion, and notable postoperative satisfaction.

[Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects of the Achilles Tendon Region: a Literature Review]

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue defects in the achilles tendon region occur after trauma, but also as a complication after open recon- struction of the tendon with subsequent infection.

OBJECTIVES

Recommendations for the treatment of soft tissue injuries involving the Achilles tendon are presented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search of the German, French and English literature on reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the Achilles tendon region was performed, which were differentiated into singular and combined tendocutaneous defects. Combined defects were further subdivided into three reconstructive principles: a simple soft tissue reconstruction without tendon repair or a combined reconstruction of the soft tissue as well as the tendon using either a vascularized tendon transplant or an avascular tendon graft.

RESULTS

Local and distally-based pedicled flaps include a relatively high risk or perioperative morbidity, whereas free flaps are described with significantly lower complications rates. Therefore, the authors prefer free flaps for reconstruction. Potential donor sites are the Medial Sural Artery (MSAP-) flap for smaller defects or free fasciocutaneous or muscle flaps in patients with large defects. The standard for tendocutaneousreconstructions is the free anterolateral thigh flap including vascularized fascia. Non-vascularized tendon grafts are frequently applied from the flexor hallucis longus- or peroneus brevis tendon.

CONCLUSIONS

Reconstructions over the Achilles tendon require thin and stable reconstructions that additionally allow slippage of soft tissues. Moreover, the use of normal shoes should be possible. The postoperative strength and range of motion of the ankle joint show comparable functional results after vascularized and non-vascularized tendon reconstruction.

One-stage reconstruction of the massive overlying skin and Achilles tendon defects using a free chimeric anterolateral thigh flap with fascia lata

BACKGROUND

Treatment for large defects in the non-weight-bearing Achilles tendon and soft tissues remains a reconstructive challenge. The free composite anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) with fascia lata (FL) has been indicated in the single-stage reconstruction of the Achilles tendon and soft tissue defect and this technique remain some disadvantages, such as the inability to perform primary flap thinning, requiring secondary flap thinning, and the delayed normalization of the range of motion of the ankle joint. The free chimeric ALT flap with FL was introduced as a novel alternative with many advantages in reconstructing the Achilles tendon and soft tissue defects. This paper reports the reconstruction of the massive Achilles tendon and overlying skin defects using free chimeric ALT flaps with FL.

METHODS

From June 2017 to October 2020, we performed on a series of 5 patients receiving free chimeric ALT flaps with FL to reconstruct the Achilles tendon and soft tissue defects. The age of patients ranged from 43 to 62 years old. All five patients had full-layer defects of the Achilles tendon with infection. The sizes of the skin defects ranged from 6 × 4 cm to 12 × 10 cm. The perforators from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral arteries are located using a handheld Doppler. The perforators help to design the outline of the ALT flap and fascia flap. The skin flap was thinned under microscopy if the flap was too thick. The anastomosis was accomplished before insetting the flaps into the defect.

RESULTS

The size of the ALT flap ranged from 10 × 5 cm to 15 × 12 cm, and the size of the FL flap ranged from 7 × 4 cm to 10 × 8 cm. The mean perforator length for the skin flap and fascia lata was 3.3 cm (range, 2.5-5.0 cm) and 5.3 cm (range, 3.5-7.0 cm), respectively. Four patients received skin flap thinning up to 57%-79% of the flap thickness, while one patient did not need to debulk. The thickness of the ALT flap ranged from 6 to 13 mm. All the flaps survived completely and postoperative courses were uneventful without any complications. The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 51 months. All patients were able to stand and ambulate, and they were satisfied with the reconstructive results.

CONCLUSIONS

The free thin chimeric ALT with FL flap is appeared to be an appropriate treatment for the massive Achilles tendon and overlying skin defects. This may be a practical approach to improve the functional outcomes of patients with infected massive Achilles tendon and overlying skin defects.

Long Term Follow-up of Composite Flaps for Single-stage Reconstruction of Concomitant Tendon and Soft Tissue Defects

Tendon rupture in the setting of significant soft tissue loss poses a challenging reconstructive situation, which requires (1) recreating a stable gait cycle, (2) reducing shear forces and re-rupture risk, and (3) providing adequate soft tissue coverage. In this study, we outline our experience with composite flaps in single-step reconstruction of various lower extremity tendinous injuries with soft tissue loss.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients requiring free tissue transfer at our tertiary wound care center between 2011 and 2020 was performed. Patients undergoing single-stage free tissue transfer for both soft tissue coverage and tendon reconstruction were selected. Variables of interest included demographics, comorbid conditions, baseline functionality, reconstructive details, and wound characteristics. Outcomes of interest were flap success, return to ambulation, time to ambulation, and postoperative complications.

Results

Nineteen patients were included in this study. Patients were on average 48.0 years old (SD 16.5), with a median Charlson Comorbidity Index of 1.00 (IQR: 0.0-2.5). Defects were most often on the ankle (n = 1 3, 68.4%), with extension to the foot or leg in six of these cases. Median wound size was 68.0 cm² (IQR: 48.0-120.0). The most common tendon requiring reconstruction was the Achilles (n = 13, 68.4%). An anterolateral thigh flap with attached fascia lata extension rolled into a neotendon was used in all 19 cases. At baseline, all patients were ambulatory. Only one patient (5.3%) required return to the operating room for suspected vascular compromise. At a median of 14.4 months (IQR: 8.5-40.5), all 19 patients were ambulatory.

Conclusions

Simultaneous reconstruction of tendinous injuries and soft tissue defects can be readily achieved via composite free flaps. Although other methods of reconstruction can be considered for smaller soft tissue and tendon loss, this approach has significant utility for patients with large defects and yields robust return to preinjury functionality.

Reconstruction of Complicated Achilles Tendon Ruptures with Soft Tissue Defects - a Systematic Overview and Development of a Treatment Algorithm

Achilles tendon ruptures are among the most common ruptures of large tendons. Due to the vulnerable soft tissue there is a high risk of soft tissue defects. The combination of Achilles tendon ruptures and soft-tissue defects remains a challenge for the surgeon. Despite different treatment options there is a lack of structured treatment recommendation. By means of a systematic literature review and experience from our own clinic standard, an overview of the stepwise treatment options is presented. A treatment algorithm for reconstructive measures of Achilles tendon ruptures accompanied by soft-tissue defects according to the length of defect of the Achilles tendon, the size of the soft-tissue defect and patient-individual factors is developed. This is intended to serve the surgeon as a basis for decision making prior to application of therapy.

Biologics in the Treatment of Achilles Tendon Pathologies

Regenerative medicine is gaining more and more space for the treatment of Achilles pathologic conditions. Biologics could play a role in the management of midportion Achilles tendinopathy as a step between conservative and surgical treatment or as an augmentation. Higher-level studies are needed before determining a level of treatment recommendation for biologic strategies for insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Combining imaging with patient's functional requests could be the way to reach a protocol for the use of biologics for the treatment of midportion Achilles tendinopathy and, for this perspective, the authors describe the Foot and Ankle Reconstruction Group algorithm of treatment.

Achilles Tendon Reconstruction With Bone Block Allograft:Long-Term Follow-Up of Two Cases

The treatment of neglected or chronically ruptured Achilles tendon is challenging. Various treatments for large defects associated with chronic Achilles ruptures have been described. Many surgeons recommend the use of a tendon transfer, turndown rotational flap, advancement flap, or reconstruction with Achilles tendon allograft with calcaneal bone block. Long-term outcomes of these procedures are unknown. We present 2 cases with the use of an Achilles tendon with calcaneus bone block allograft. At >8-year follow-up duration, both patients are afforded satisfactory levels of activity and are without pain or gait disturbance. This procedure is a viable option for Achilles ruptures with large defects, ruptures with small intact distal tendon portions, or re-ruptures of previously repaired Achilles tendons. The long-term outcomes of these case reports suggest that Achilles tendon reconstruction with bone block allograft is a viable option.

[Treatment of necrosis of Achilles tendon without tendon reconstruction: About four cases]

INTRODUCTION

Management of the combined loss of Achilles tendon and skin is difficult. However, these are not exceptional situations after Achilles tendon surgery. Data from the literature are extensive and there is currently no consensus on the technique of tendon reconstruction.

CASE REPORTS

We report four cases of purulent necrosis of the Achilles tendon complicating longitudinal incision or suturing of a tendon rupture. After debridement of necrotic tissue, the defect was covered either by a fasciocutaneous perforating flap or a thin skin graft without reconstruction of the underlying tendon.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The functional results are very satisfactory with good joint mobilities and a resumption of walking without lameness for all patients. Fibrosis can reconstitute a true neo-tendon confirmed on MRI. The advantages are many compared to other methods: a single operating time is necessary, the postoperative management is simple and it avoids certain technical difficulties related to tendon reconstruction. A larger series would be needed to support these results.

Treatment of infected Achilles tendinitis and overlying soft tissue defect using an anterolateral thigh free flap in an elderly patient: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Infected segmental loss of the Achilles tendon with overlying soft tissue and skin defect remains a more complex reconstructive challenge. Here, we present a functional reconstruction of infected Achilles tendinitis with combined soft tissue defects using a free composite anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with vascularized fascia lata in an elderly patient.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 71-year-old male patient was transferred to our department due to soft tissue defect of the left lower leg and infected Achilles tendinitis. The patient underwent incision and drainage of both lower legs with necrotizing fasciitis in another hospital 2 months ago. Physical examination revealed a 12 × 5 cm wound with exposed Achilles tendon over the posteromedial aspect of lower one-third of the leg. His wound culture grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). All infected necrotic Achilles tendon with proximal muscle tissue was excised. The patient underwent successful Achilles tendon reconstruction and soft tissue coverage procedure with a 14 × 7 cm ALT flap with the fascia lata. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient resumed full daily activities, was able to squat, showed a range of motion at the ankle in the 15° dorsiflexion and 45° plantar flexion, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 94.

CONCLUSION

A free ALT composite flap with the vascularized fascia lata, was successfully used for the treatment of infected Achilles tendinitis with overlying soft tissue defect even in an elderly patient. Furthermore, it provided satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes. Hence, the use of free ALT composite flap is highly recommended in such patients.

Single stage functional reconstruction of both peroneal tendons and overlying skin with an anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized fascia lata: A case report

Reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects in the distal lower leg remains challenging, since anatomical constraints limit the local options available in this area. In this report, we present a case of single stage functional reconstruction of both peroneal tendons and overlying skin with an anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized fascia lata. A 55-year-old patient underwent wide excision of a synovial sarcoma in the distal lower leg, which resulted in a complex defect including the peroneus longus and brevis tendons (10 cm), and the overlying skin (14 × 8 cm). Functional reconstruction was achieved in a single stage with a composite anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata of similar dimensions to those of the defect. The fascia lata component of the flap was longitudinally split in two segments. Each of them was rolled up, and that way, two separate vascularized neotendons were created. The neotendons bridged the gap of peroneal tendons, whereas the skin paddle of the flap provided stable soft tissue coverage to the reconstructed tendons. Flap pedicle was anastomosed to the anterior tibial vessels. Early and late postoperative periods were uneventful. Follow up at 1 year postoperatively showed excellent neotendon incorporation, as well as a very good functional and aesthetic outcome. The use of the method described may be a useful alternative in single stage functional reconstruction of composite defects comprising two or even more tendons and the overlying skin.

The Missed Achilles Tear: Now what?

Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures are debilitating injuries and are often associated with large tendon gaps that can be challenging for the foot and ankle surgeon to treat. Preoperative evaluation should include the patient's functional goals, medical comorbidities, MRI assessment of gastrocsoleus muscle viability, condition of adjacent flexor tendons, and size of the tendon defect. Although several surgical techniques have been described, the surgeon must formulate an individualized treatment plan for the patient. This article reviews the principles of diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical outcomes, and outlines the authors' preferred techniques.

Single-stage reconstruction of achilles tendon rupture with flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer and simultaneous free radial fasciocutaneous forearm flap

Reconstruction of the Achilles tendon is challenging but critical for successful ambulation. The goals of Achilles tendon reconstruction are to restore power of plantar flexion, restore normal range of movement of the ankle joint, and ensure durable and pliable soft tissue coverage. We present a dehiscence of the Achilles tendon and partial soft tissue loss secondary to infection. Simultaneous Achilles tendon reconstruction with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer and soft tissue reconstruction with free radial forearm flap was performed as a single-stage procedure. The FHL transfer provided good restoration of plantar flexion while the free radial flap provided stable coverage over the Achilles tendon allowing normal footwear. This single-stage reconstruction provides excellent functional and aesthetic results minimizing the number of procedures and patient recovery period.

A free anterolateral thigh flap and iliotibial band for reconstruction of soft tissue defects at children's feet and ankles

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

High-energy injury to children caused by a traffic accident is usually characterised by extensive soft tissue defects with exposure or loss of tendons and bone at the foot. Segmental loss of the Achilles tendon along with soft tissue defects is a great challenge for microsurgical reconstruction. Free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is indicated for reconstruction of such defects because limited local tissues are available. Additionally, iliotibial band in the donor area can be used to reconstruct the damaged tendon.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here we described our successful management of 25 paediatric patients with such high-energy injury at feet and ankles in one-stage transplantation of a free ALT flap and an iliotibial band from January 2008 to January 2013. The tendon defect, ranging from 3 to 16cm in length, was reconstructed with an iliotibial band. The flaps ranged from 5 to 12cm in width and 8 to 18cm in length.

RESULTS

All the flaps survived completely and no donor site complications were observed. In two flaps there was a small area of distal necrosis which was healed by dressing changes. The mean follow-up time was 14.2 months (from 6 to 24 months). Limb function was assessed using the Maryland Foot Score. The excellent and good rate was 92%.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe a free ALT flap is ideal for reconstruction of massive soft tissue defects at the foot and ankle in children and an iliotibial band from the same donor site can be used for reconstruction of a damaged tendon.

Simultaneous Reconstruction of Achilles Tendon and Soft-Tissue Defects with a Composite Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap with Vascularized Fascia Lata

Introduction

Reconstruction to treat segmental loss of the Achilles tendon combined with soft-tissue defects can be challenging, particularly after the recurrent ruptures that may occur during intense physical activity.

Step 1 Preoperative Planning

Design flap and use Doppler ultrasound for perforator mapping.

Step 2 Debride Wound and Prepare Recipient Vessels

Use a two-team approach, one for the affected side and one for the unaffected side.

Step 3 Harvest the Composite ALT Flap

Take care to include one or two perforator vessels in the flap and to avoid vessel damage throughout the dissection.

Step 4 Perform Vascular Anastomosis

Use the posterior tibial vessel as the recipient site for the microvascular anastomosis.

Step 5 Reconstruct the Achilles Tendon

Suture the rolled up vascularized fascia lata sheet; then check for tension.

Step 6 Postoperative Care

Gradual, protected weight-bearing begins at twelve weeks.

Results & Preop/Postop Images

For recurrent tendon rupture, this single-step reconstruction saves both time and expense and it provides a functional tendon reconstruction (enabling normal daily activities) with limited donor-site morbidity and an acceptable cosmetic result without the need for a later debulking procedure.

What to Watch For

IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.