Objective To investigate the operative technique and clinical effect of perforator-based flap for repair of glutealsacral skin defects. Methods A new perforator-based flap derived from the gluteal, parasacral and the lumbar arteries was used to repair skin defects ofglutealsacral region caused by trauma or pressure sore. The flap areas ranged from 6 cm×5 cm to 19 cm×11 cm, the diametre of perforating vessel ranged from 1.3 to 2.1 mm,the length of free perforating vessel pedicle ranged from 2.5 to 4.5 cm.Results All the flaps survived andthe wound gained primary healing. All the patients were followed up for 6 to 24months. The colour and texture of the flaps were excellent, the configuration was satifactory and there was no ulcer recurrence. Conclusion This new type of flap is characterized by delicate design, easy dissection, reliable blood supply, nosacrifice of the underlying muscle and no requirement skin graft for donor site closure. It is an optimalmethod in repairing soft tissue defects of the gluteal-sacral region.
Objective To investigate the clinical feasibility of different types of the saphenous neuro-veno-fascial cutaneous flaps. Methods From June 1996 to October 2002, 18 cases of skin defects in the knee and the lower part of the limb were treated with proximally(4 cases) or distally(11 cases) based pedicles of saphenous neuro-venofascial cutaneous flap or crossleg flap (3 cases)according to the site of defects . The sizes of the flaps ranged from 4 cm×5 cm to 9 cm×20 cm. Results The flaps survived completely in 17 cases, distal 1/5 of the flap necrosed partially in 1 case because of vein drainage disturbance. The colour and texture of flaps were excellent, the appearance and function were satisfactory after a follow up of 6-24 months.Conclusion The saphenous neuro-veno-fascial cutaneous flap is an idea flap in repairing skin defects of the knee, the leg, the ankle and the foot because it is easy to be designed and dissected and it has reliable blood supply and preserved main artery. The relationship between the septal perforating branches of the tibial posteriorartery and survival size of flap need to be investigated further.
Objective To review the current condition of growth factors and their application to clinical treatment of acute and chronic wounds. Methods Data from the literature and Medline were analyzed according to their different uses in acute and chronic wounds. Their potential side-effects were studied. Results All data showed that wound healing time in acute and chronic wounds was accelerated and wound healing quality was improved after treatment with growth factors. No sideeffect was observed. Conclusion The efficacy and safety of growth factors in improving wound healing were confirmed. However, some reconsideration aboutpotential problems of growth factors must be made to apply them clinically in the future.