Objective To review the progress in clinical and biomechanical study on soft tissue reconstruction of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). Methods The recent original articles of soft tissue repair and tendon transfer for AAFD were extensively reviewed. Results The soft tissue procedures for AAFD can be divided into two components: static restoration of medial column stability and dynamic reconstruction of the posterior tibial tendon. The most important static structure to be repaired for AAFD is the spring ligament. On the other hand, various methods can be used for dynamic reconstruction. The flexor digitorum longus transfer is widely used, but results of biomechanical studies do not support the advantage of this method. For patients having normal function of the posterior tibial muscle, the Cobb procedure may be more suitable. Conclusion The soft tissue reconstruction procedures of AAFD should be chosen individually based on the stage and type of the deformity.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of soft tissue reconstruction after resection of musculoskeletal tumor and to discuss the strategy of soft tissue reconstruction. Methods Between June 2003 and December 2010, 90 patients with musculoskeletal tumor underwent tumor resection and soft tissue reconstruction. There were 59 males and 31 females with a median age of 37.2 years (range, 9-85 years), including 52 bone tumors and 38 soft tissue tumors. One stage reconstruction of soft tissue was performed after tumor resection in 75 cases; reconstruction of soft tissue was performed after debridement in 7 cases of wound dehiscence; and two stage reconstruction of soft tissue was performed after debridement and vacuum sealing drainage placement in 8 cases of infected wounds. The gastrocnemiums flap was used in 40 cases, the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in 6 cases, rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in 4 cases, gluteus maximus musculocutaneous flap in 1 case, pectoralis major muscle flap in 1 case, cross-abdominal flap in 1 case, local transfer flap in 27 cases, pedicled flaps in 5 cases, and skin grafts in 5 cases. The size of the flap ranged from 6.5 cm × 4.5 cm to 21.0 cm × 9.0 cm. Results Eighty-seven flaps survived, and incisions healed by first intention in 81 cases. In 6 cases of healing by second intention, 2 had partial flap necrosis, which was cured by dressing change; 3 had delayed healing; 1 had mild infection, which was cured after conservative treatment. Wound of donor site healed primarily, and the grafted skin survived. Seventy-three patients were followed up 10-102 months (mean, 36.1 months). Local tumor recurrence was observed in 6 patients, who received second resection at 2-27 months (mean, 8.2 months) after operation. Thirteen patients dead of primary disease at 6-34 months (mean, 19.2 months) after operation. Conclusion The defects caused by resection of musculoskeletal tumor require soft tissue reconstructions. Optimal reconstruction can enhance wound closure, decrease incidence of wound complication, preserve limb function.