Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of anterolateral thigh and groin conjoined flap in emergent repair of ultra-long complex tissue defects in forearm and hand. Methods Between February 2009 and October 2011, 6 patients with complex tissue defect of dorsal forearm and hand were in adminsion. There were 5 male and 1 female with an average age of 38.5 years (range, 32-47 years). Injury reasons included machine injury in 5 cases and traffic accident injury in 1 case. Injury to admission time was from 3 to 16 hours (mean, 6 hours). All case were single limb injury, including right forearm and hand injury in 4 cases and left forearm and hand injury in 2 cases. The wound area was from 36 cm × 9 cm to 48 cm × 12 cm. The type of associated injury included elbow dislocation associated with open injury in 2 cases; fractures of the radial, ulnar, and metacarpal bone in 4 cases; defects of wrist dorsal skin and extensor tendons of fingers and wrist in 5 cases; and defects of ulnar artery and ulnar nerve in 1 case. The anterolateral thigh and groin conjoined free flaps were used to repair defects in the forearm and hand in emergency. The area of flap was from 36 cm × 9 cm to 48 cm × 12 cm. Meanwhile the partial functional reconstruction was performed. The donor site was repaired by skin grafts. Results The anastomotic embolization of vascular pedicle and arteria interossea dorsalis occurred in 1 case, purulent secretion under the flap in 1 case, which were cured after symptomatic treatment; the skin flaps completely survived, and primary healing of the wounds were obtained in the other cases. The donor skin grafts survived in 2 cases, and partial necrosis of the skin graft of lower abdominal occurred in 4 cases, and healed after changing dressing. All of the 6 patients were followed up 3 to 18 months (mean, 10 months). The appearance and texture of the flaps were good. The protective sensation was recovered in 2 cases followed up for more than 14 months; no sensory recovery was observed in the other cases. At last follow-up, according to the upper extremity functional evaluation standard by Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association, the results were excellent in 1 case, good in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case, and the excellent and good rate was 83.3%. Conclusion It could get a good short-term effectiveness to use the anterolateral thigh and groin conjoined flap for emergent repair of the ultra-long and complex tissue defects in forearm and hand.
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of the groin skin and iliac bone composite graft on the repair of severe contracture of the first web space and one-stage reconstruction of the pollicis opponens function under the condition of no ideal muscle or tendon used. Methods From July 2003 to February 2006, 5 patients (4 males, 1 females; age range, 2038 years) with severe contracture of the first web space with loss of the pollicis opponens function were treated by the groin skin and iliac bone composite graft, with the clinical observation performed. The defect was caused by a crush injury in 3 patients, by an explosion injury in 1 patient, and by awrist joint mutilation injury in 1 patient. They all had been treated by operation at least once with a disease course of 6-24 months. The width and the angle of the first web space was 18 mm and 20° on average. Results The followed-up for 612 moths revealed that all the flaps had a success. The pedicle of the groin skin and iliac bone composite graft was cut off after 3 weeks, and 8 weeks later there was a bone union between the imbedded bone block and the first and second metacarpal bones. There was no evidence that the imbedded bone block was deformed or absorbed. The width of the first web space was augmented by an average of 32 mm, the angle of the first web space was augmented by an average of 60°. The pollicis opponens function recovered. Conclusion It is relatively simple and reliable to repair the contracture of the first web space and reconstruct the pollicis opponens function in one-stage usingthe groin skin and iliac bone composite graft.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical results of modified subinguinal approach without iliac osteotomy for anterior surgical treatment of acetabular fractures which involve the anterior wall and medial wall or in combination with femoral neck fracture. MethodsThe subinguinal approach was modified after anatomical study on 12 adult cadavers. Between May 2010 and March 2012, 34 patients with acetabular fracture that involved the anterior wall and medial wall or in combination with femoral neck fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation through modified subinguinal approach in 15 cases and through modified subinguinal approach combined with Kocher-Langenbeck approach. There were 28 males and 6 females with an average age of 31.1 years (range, 20-64 years). According to the Letournel-Judet classification, there were 15 cases of anterior acetabular/column fractures, 8 cases of anterior acetabular/column fractures combined with trear half transverse fractures, 7 cases of double column fractures, and 4 cases of T shape fractures. The time between injury and operation was 5-16 days (mean, 7.4 days). ResultsAnatomy results: the inguinal ligament was reflection and continuity from the aponeurosis of obliquus externus abdominis with a length of (11.09±0.24) cm, which form part of abdominal muscle. The conjugate of inguinal ligament and iliopsoas muscle on the anterosuperior iliac spine was (0.69±0.08) cm. The vertical distance from the saphenous vein to the inguinal ligament was (3.58±0.49) cm. Clinical results: all the cases were followed up 4-24 months (mean, 14.6 months). No complication was observed, such as wound infection, internal fixation loosening, and iatrogenic injury to the sciatic or femoral nerve. The bone union time was 12-16 weeks (mean, 14 weeks). According to Matta reduction criteria for acetabular fractures, anatomic reduction were achieved in 21 cases, satisfactory reduction in 10 cases, and unsatisfactory reduction in 3 cases at 1 week after operation. According to D'Aubigne and Postel criteria for hip function, the results were excellent in 25 cases, good in 4 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 2 cases at last follow-up. Heterotopic ossification (Brooker's grade I) occurred in 8 cases. ConclusionThe modified subinguinal approach can keep the inguinal ligament intact, provide broad visualization of anterior and medial wall of acetabulum and anterior hip capsule, which is a better modification and supplement for classic ilioinguinal approach.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgical techniques, perioperative complications, clinical outcomes of the modified Stoppa approach in the treatment of acetabular anterior and posterior column fractures. MethodsBetween March 2008 and October 2014, 42 cases of acetabular anterior and posterior column fractures were treated by modified Stoppa approach or modified Stoppa approach combined with iliac fossa approach, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 females and 22 males with an average age of 43.2 years (range, 19-68 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 21 cases, by falling from height in 16 cases, and by heavy pound in 5 cases. The time from injury to operation was 3-15 days (mean, 6 days). According to fracture classification of Letournel-Judet, there were 20 cases of both column fractures, 15 cases of anterior and posterior hemi-transverse fractures and 7 cases of T-shaped fractures. The intraoperative blood loss, the amount of blood transfusion, the operation time, the volumn of drainage, and complication were recorded. Matta radiological standard was used to evaluate the reduction quality of fracture, and Merled'Aubigné-Postel system to evaluate hip function. ResultsThe average intraoperative blood loss was 900 mL; the average amount of blood transfusion was 400 mL; the average volume of drainage was 110 mL; and the average operation time was 165 minutes. Intraoperative complications included 4 cases of tractive injury of obturator nerve and 2 cases of the external iliac vein injury, and postoperative complications included 2 cases of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsies and 1 case of deep vein embolism of lower extremity, which were improved after treatment. The patients were followed up 36 months on average (range, 12-48 months). There was no infection or heterotopic ossification. According to Matta radiological evaluation system, the reduction quality of fractures was rated as excellent in 21 cases, good in 16 cases, and poor in 5 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 88.1%. The healing time of fracture was 3.5-8.0 months (mean, 5.1 months). According to Merled'Aubigné-Postel system for hip function, 20 cases were graded as excellent, 15 cases as good, 4 cases as fair, and 3 cases as poor, with an excellent and good rate of 83.3% at last follow-up. ConclusionModified Stoppa approach or with iliac fossa approach can get full exposure of quadrilateral area, good reduction, and firm internal fixation in the treatment of acetabular fractures associated with T-shaped fractures, both column fractures, anterior and posterior hemi-transverse fractures.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness between modified ilioinguinal approach combined with Kocher-Langenbeck (K-L) approach and Stoppa approach combined with K-L approach for the treatment of complicated acetabular fractures.MethodsBetween May 2011 and May 2016, Sixty-two patients with complicated acetabular fractures were treated with operation via combined anterior and posterior approaches. Thirty-four cases (group A) were treated with modified ilioinguinal approach combined with K-L approach, and 28 cases (group B) were treated with Stoppa approach combined with K-L approach. There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury causes, the type of fracture, time from injury to operation, and associated injury between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization time were recorded. X-ray film was performed to evaluate the fracture reduction according to the Matta reduction criteria and observe the fracture healing, osteoarthritis, and heterotopic ossification. Clinical results were evaluated according to the grading system of modified d’Aubigne and Postel.ResultsThere was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization time between 2 groups (P>0.05). Postoperative incision fat liquefaction occurred in 2 cases in group A and group B respectively, and deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity occurred in 1 case in group A. No iatrogenic injury was found in 2 groups. Fifty-six patients were followed up after operation. Thirty patients in group A were followed up 12-48 months (mean, 31.8 months). Twenty-six patients in group B were followed up 12-46 months (mean, 30.2 months). At 12 months after operation, according to the grading system of modified d’Aubigne and Postel, the hip function was rated as excellent in 9 cases, good in 16 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with the excellent and good rate of 83.3% in group A; the hip function was rated as excellent in 7 cases, good in 14 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 3 cases, with the excellent and good rate of 80.8% in group B. There was no significant difference in the hip function between 2 groups (Z=0.353, P=0.724). The X-ray films showed that there were 23 cases of anatomical reduction, 6 cases of satisfactory reduction, and 1 case of unsatisfactory reduction in group A, and 20 cases, 5 cases, and 1 case in group B, respectively. There was no significant difference in the results of fracture reduction between 2 groups (Z=0.011, P=0.991). Fracture healing was observed in both groups. There was no significant difference in fracture healing time between 2 groups (t=0.775, P=0.106). During follow-up, 5 cases of osteoarthritis changes, 2 cases of heterotopic ossification, and 2 cases of avascular necrosis of femoral head occurred in group A, and 4 cases, 2 cases, and 1 case in group B, respectively. The difference between 2 groups was not significant (P>0.05).ConclusionAccording to the location and type of fracture, making a choice between the modified anterior approach and Stoppa approach, and then combined with K-L approach for treatment of complicated acetabular fracture, can obtain satisfactory effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo investigate the mid-term effectiveness of periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) through modified ilioinguinal approach for acetabular dysplasia in adults. MethodsBetween January 2016 and December 2018, 39 patients (43 hips) with acetabular dysplasia who met the selection criteria were enrolled in the study and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with PAO via modified ilioinguinal approach (firstly, the skin and superficial facia were cut via the traditional ilioinguinal approach, and the deep tissues were cut via the modified iliac-femoral approach). There were 3 males (3 hips) and 36 females (40 hips) with an average age of 36 years (range, 18-51 years). Among them, 35 cases of lesions involved single hip and 4 cases of lesions involved bilateral hips. The disease duration ranged from 4 to 96 months, with a median of 18 months. According to the modified Tönnis grading for osteoarthritis, 35 hips were classified as grade 0, 6 hips as grade Ⅰ, and 2 hips as grade Ⅱ. All patients had different degrees of hip pain. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pain was 4.7±0.8, and the modified Harris hip score was 78.5±8.6. The lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA) was (10.52±10.83)°, and the acetabular index (AI) was (26.89±9.07) °. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and the incidence of complications were recorded. LCEA, AI, and the progression of osteoarthritis were reviewed by X-ray films. The function and pain of hip joint were evaluated by modified Harris hip score and VAS score. ResultsAll operations were successfully completed. The operation time was 90-150 minutes, with an average of 130 minutes. The volume of intraoperative blood loss was 350-600 mL, with an average of 500.6 mL. All patients were followed up 17-52 months, with an average of 32.7 months. Postoperative numbness of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve occurred in 3 cases, and no other complications occurred. At last follow-up, the modified Harris hip score was 97.7±3.7 and VAS score was 0.9±1.1, both of which were better than those before operation (P<0.05). At 1 year after operation, X-ray films showed that the all osteotomies healed. In term of the modified Tönnis grading for osteoarthritis, 1 hip downgraded from grade 1 to grade 0, while the remaining hips stayed unchanged. At last follow-up, LCEA and AI were (27.54±8.49) ° and (11.30±5.53) °, respectively, which were significantly different from those before operation (P<0.05). ConclusionPAO through modified ilioinguinal approach is effective in relieving pain and restoring hip function in adults with acetabular dysplasia, which can overcome the disadvantages of the traditional ilioinguinal approach, and may delay the development of osteoarthritis.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of groin flap with external oblique aponeurosis in repair of tendon and skin defects of dorsal foot. Methods Between October 2016 and January 2020, 12 patients with compound tissue defects of the dorsal foot caused by trauma were treated. There were 9 males and 3 females, with a median age of 42 years (range, 32-65 years). The size of the skin defects ranged from 8 cm×5 cm to 12 cm×8 cm. All wounds were accompanied by extensor tendon injury, including 6 cases of extensor hallucis longus tendon defect, 5 cases of extensor digitalis longus tendon defect, and 3 cases of extensor digitalis longus tendon and extensor digitorum brevis defects. The interval between injury and admission was 1-6 hours (mean, 3 hours). After admission, the wounds were thoroughly debrided, and the groin flap with external oblique aponeurosis was used to repair the skin and tendon defects in the second stage. The size of skin flap ranged from 10 cm×6 cm to 13 cm×9 cm, and the size of the external oblique aponeurosis ranged from 5.5 cm×3.0 cm to 8.0 cm×5.0 cm. The wounds at donor sties were sutured directly. Results All flaps survived completely without significant complications. All incisions of the recipient and donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 16-24 months (mean, 18 months). The flaps were satisfactory in appearance and soft in texture. At last follow-up, 9 cases were excellent and 3 cases were good according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal joint scale criteria. The toe function was satisfactory. The line scar was left without hernia or other morbidity on the donor site. Conclusion The groin flap with the external oblique aponeurosis can repair the tendon and skin defects of the dorsal foot, with concealed donor site, easy dissection and adjustable thinness, as well as the enough tough aponeurosis.