Objective To investigate the effectiveness of dorsal metacarpal island flap for treating scar contracture of the finger web. Methods Between June 2009 and December 2010, 10 patients with scar contracture of the finger web were treated. There were 6 males and 4 females with an average age of 30 years (range, 14-57 years). Scar contracture was caused byinjury in 8 cases, by burn in 1 case, and by operation in 1 case. The locations were the 1st web space in 1 case, the 2nd web space in 3 cases, the 3rd web space in 5 cases, and the 4th web space in 1 case. The disease duration was 3 to 9 months with an average of 5 months. The maximum abduction was 10-20°. After web space scar release, the dorsal metacarpal island flap (3.5 cm × 1.2 cm-4.0 cm × 2.0 cm in size) was used to reconstruct web space (2.0 cm × 1.0 cm-3.0 cm × 1.8 cm in size). The donor site was directly sutured or repaired with local flaps. Results At 2 days after operation, necrosis occurred in 1 flap, which healed by extractive treatment. The other flaps survived and wound healed by first intention; all the flaps at donor sites survived and incision healed by first intention. Ten patients were followed up 6 to 15 months (mean, 9 months). The reconstructed web space had good appearance, the maximum abduction was 80 ° in 1 case of the 1st web space scars contracture, and the maximum abduction was 35-45° (mean, 40°) in the other 9 cases. In 8 scar patients causing by injury, no scar contracture recurred during follow-up. Conclusion It can achieve good results in appearance and function to use dorsal metacarpal island flap for treating scar contracture of the finger web.
Objective To summarize the therapeutic effectinevess of incorporating pedicled retrograde flap of forearm transplantation for reconstructing severe contracture of the first web space and wrist. Methods Between November 2005 and February 2010, 26 patients with severe contracture of the first web and wrist were treated. There were 18 males and 8 females with an average age of 27 years (range, 12-45 years). The locations were the right sides in 15 cases and the left sides in 11cases. The injury reason included hot water scald in 7 cases, explosion hurt in 5 cases, traffic accident in 3 cases, hot pressing in 5 cases, and flame burns in 6 cases. The duration of scar contracture ranged from 6 to 26 months with an average of 11 months. According to the evaluation standard by GU Yudong et al., all had severe contracture of the first web space, and concomitant injuries included adduction deformity thumb, l imitation of the thumb extension and opposition function, and carpometacarpal flexion joint deformity. After scar contracture was released, the defect size ranged from 5.8 cm × 4.5 cm to 11.3 cm × 7.2 cm, which were repaired by the incorporating pedicled retrograde flap of forearm of 6.5 cm × 5.0 cm to 12.5 cm × 8.0 cm at size. The donor sites were directly sutured or repaired with skin graft. Results Bl ister and partial necrosis occurred at the distal end of the flaps in 2 cases, which were cured after dressing change. The other flaps survived and wounds healed by first intention. Incisions at donor sites healed by first intention. Twenty-six patients were followed up 6 to 24 months (mean, 15 months). The patients had functional recovery in thumb adduction and opposition at different degrees. At 6 months after operation, according to the Swanson et al. AMA system for total thumb activity, the total thumb function was improved significantly, and according to Jensen et al. measurement, the width and angle of the first web space were significantly increased, all showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Incorporating pedicled retrograde flap of forearm transplantation for repairing severe contracture of the first web space and wrist could augment the first web space and improve the wrist flexible function.
Objective To investigate the operative method and efficacy of subcutaneous pedicle scar-band rotation flap in the treatment of cervical postburn scar contracture. Methods Between August 2008 and May 2010, 15 patients with cervical postburn scar contracture were treated with subcutaneous pedicle scar-band rotation flaps, including 9 males and 6 females with an average age of 17.3 years (range, 7-35 years). The disease duration was 1-8 years (mean, 3 years). The locations were the left cervical region in 6 cases, the right cervical region in 8 cases, and mental cervical angle region in 1 case. According to LI Ao’s classification standard for cicartrical contracture, there were 12 cases of grade I and 3 cases of grade II. The area of scar ranged from 8 cm × 5 cm to 25 cm × 12 cm. After scar relaxation, wounds were repaired with the subcutaneous pedicle scar-band rotation flaps of 7 cm × 5 cm to 15 cm × 10 cm at size. In 3 cases of grade II, free split thickness skin grafts (7 cm × 4 cm to 12 cm × 7 cm at size) were used simultaneously. Results After 2 weeks of operation, 2 scar-band flaps had distal partial necrosis and healing was achieved after dressing change with formation of hypertrophic scar; the others survived with healing of incisions by first intention. After 6-12 months of follow-up, all patients possessed good cervical contours, sufficient release of scar contractures, and normal cervico-mandicular or mental cervical angles. The skin’s color and texture were satisfactory. There was no recurrence of cervical scar contracture and other complications. All patients acquired normal cervical movement at last follow-up. Conclusion Subcutaneous pedicle scar-band rotation flap is a simple, efficient, and versatile technique in release of cervical postburn scar contracture. It is an effective method to make use of the lateral excess scar flap to resurface defects caused by scar release.
Objective To investigate the development made in the reparation and reconstruction of the postburn deformity and functional disability in the advanced-stage patients. Methods Based on the reviewedliterature at home and abroad and combined with our clinical experience, the new reparative and reconstructive techniques for the patients with advanced stagedeformity and functional disability were evaluated. Results The reparative and reconstructive microsurgical techniques achieved a significantdevelopment in treating the following pathologic changes after burn: deformity due to proliferation and contracture of the scars, severe hand deformity, defects occurring in the muscle tendons and nerves due to electricity burn, and defects occurring in the long tubular bones of the extremities. Concl usion Although there has been a great achievement in this field, there is still a hard task of finding out newer therapeutic approaches and achieving more effective results in the future.
Objective To investigate the benefit of the combined therapy for deformed fingers after burn injury by compairing with the conventionalone,and to sum up some experience. Methods From June 1999 to June 2004, 56 patients with deformed fingers entered the trial. In 28 patients of treatment group who received combined therapy(operation with postoperational systematic convalescent care, group A), there were 20 males and 8 females (14-47 years), 129 fingers of 47 hands were involved. In 28 of conventional group who received conventional therapy (the same operational principle, and self-convalescent-care with out-patient service guidance, group B), there were 17 males and 11 femals (18-51 years), 107 fingers of 42 hands were involved. Before and afterthe therapy, the finger’s motor function were assessed according to the Swansonmethod. The hand’s motor function was assessed through the Nine Hole Peg Test. Results The follow-up was 12-19 months in group A and 13-20 months in group B. The index of ankylosis (IA) of group A before therapy was82%±20%, and 45%±13% after theraphy; while the IA of group B before therapy was 78%±17%, and 52%±14% after therapy. The decreased of IA between before therapy and after therapy was 37%±15% in group A, and 26%±15% in group B, showing significant difference between the two groups (P＜0.05) . The Nine Hole Peg Test value of group A was 28.34±5.62s before therapy, and 20.73±4.25 s after therapy; while that of group B was 27.47±5.78 s before therapy, and 21.86±4.12 s after therapy. The decrease of the Nine Hole Peg Test value between before therapy and after therapy was 7.61±2.27 s in group A, and 561±294 s in group B, showing statistically significant difference (P＜0.05). Conclusion The combined therapy is more effective than the conventional one.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the different expression of actin, myosin II in hypertrophic scars, keloids and normal skins, and to understand the relationship of actin, myosin II and the scar contracture. METHODS Fifteen cases with hypertrophic scars, 10 cases with keloids and 15 cases with normal skins were chosen randomly. The expression of actin and myosin II were detected by immunohistochemical method in the hypertrophic scars, keloids and normal skins. The fibroblasts isolated from three types of tissue were cultured in vitro, then actin and myosin II in three different fibroblasts were measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS The immunohistochemical staining of myosin II in hypertrophic scars was positive, while the staining in keloids and normal skins were negative. The positive rate of myosin II expression in hypertrophic scars, keloids and normal skins were (95.11 +/- 2.78)%, (16.86 +/- 7.11)%, and (5.31 +/- 1.79)% respectively. There were significant difference between keloids and the two others(P lt; 0.01). The actin expression in three difference tissues were positive, there were no significant difference in hypertrophic scars, keloids and normal skins(P gt; 0.05). The positive rate of actin expression in hypertrophic scars, keoids and normal skins were(77.77 +/- 15.43)%, (88.89 +/- 10.29)%, and (82.92 +/- 13.48)% respectively, and there were no significant difference(P gt; 0.05). CONCLUSION Myosin II may play an important role in the scar contracture. Actin is the contractile protein of cell, it plays
OBJECTIVE: To modify the design of the Achilles tendon-scar composite flap into the Z-shape and to apply it into clinic situations to correct the tendon-scar contracture after burn and other injures. METHODS: According to degree of contracture and strephenopedia, the central limb of Z-shaped design lay in contracture line of posterior ankle area just over the Achilles tendon and extended 8 to 12 cm in length. Lateral limbs extended 5 to 8 cm and usual angles of the Z-shape was 60 degrees. The two tendon-scar composite flaps were made and slipped along the central limb between them. From March 1994 to August 1999, seven patients with Achilles tendon scar contracture were operated with this method. RESULTS: Excellent relieving of the Achilles tendon-scar contractue was achieved. No such complications happened as ischemia and necrosis of the flaps. CONCLUSION: The Z-shaped tendon-scar composite flap is practical in clinics. It is characterized by abundant blood supply, easily procedure and reliable result.
OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between intracellular actin and scar contracture. METHODS: Fibroblasts from 10 cases of hypertrophic scar and 5 cases of keloid were cultured in vitro. Total actin, filamentous actin(F actin), globular actin (G actin) and the ratio of F to G actin(F/G) were measured by densitometry after differential extraction and separation by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium sulfate. RESULTS: Total actin, F actin, G actin and F/G in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts were 2.38 ng/10(4) cells, 0.98 ng/10(4) cells, 1.42 ng/10(4) cells and 0.68 respectively, while in keloid fibroblasts were 1.68 ng/10(4) cells. 0.46 ng/10(4) cells, 1.26 ng/10(4) cells, and 0.36 respectively. There was significant differences between two tissues fibroblasts in the items of total actin, F actin, G actin, and F/G (P lt; 0.01), while no significant difference in G actin (P gt; 0.05). CONCLUSION: Total intracellular actin, F actin, and F/G may play an important role in the scar contracture. The hypertrophic scar and keloid can be distinguished by the contents of total intracellular actin, F actin and F/G.
Free calcium ions, as a kind of message-transport substance, is important in cellular activity such as cell movement, cell differentiation and cell proliferation. In order to investigate the relationship between free calcium ions and scar contracture, the fibroblasts which originated from hypertrophic scar, keloid and normal skin were used as the experimental target. The fibroblasts from 4th-6th generations of different sources were used; Then the intracellular free calcium ions concentrations were measured respectively by the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Fura-2/AM and Image analysis system. The results showed that the level of Ca2+ in fibroblasts of hypertrophic scar was higher than that in keloid and normal skin (P lt; 0.01). There was no significant difference between the level of Ca2+ in keloid and in normal skin. The conclusion was that the concentration of intracellular free calcium ions played an important role in the scar contract, but the exact mechanism was still unclear and required further study.
ObjectiveTo discuss the feasibility and effectiveness of link-pattern lateral popliteal artery perforator flap in repairing popliteal fossa scar contracture in children or teenagers. MethodsBetween January 2009 and January 2013, 12 patients with popliteal fossa scar were admitted. Of them, 7 cases were male and 5 cases were female, aged from 3 to 17 years (median, 12 years). The disease duration was from 6 months to 5 years (median, 3 years). Wound was repaired with link-pattern lateral popliteal artery perforator flap after remission of popliteal fossa scar. The wound ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 10 cm×7 cm, and the flap size ranged from 7 cm×4 cm to 12 cm×9 cm. The flap was with lateral sural cutaneous nerve in 5 cases, and lateral sural cutaneous nerve was retained at the donor area of 7 cases. The donor site was repaired using split-thickness skin graft. ResultsAll pedicled flaps and skin graft survived smoothly after operation. The wound at donor site healed by first intention. All the cases were followed up 12-36 months, with an average of 18 months. The flaps had good color, texture, and shape; scar obviously became softened, without hyperplasia or ulceration. The patients were free from lameness with knee range of motion of 0-180°. The squatting function was normal. Grafting skin was smooth in the donor area of the calf, without depression or scar hyperplasia. The senses of posterior-inferior calf and lateral of foot decreased or disappeared in 5 cases of flaps with lateral sural cutaneous nerve; at 6 months after operation, two-point discrimination was 12-14 mm (mean, 13 mm). The posterior-inferior calf was numb and discomfort in 7 cases of flaps with retained lateral sural cutaneous nerve; but after 3-6 months, the sense was obviously recovered, with no sense loss; at 6 months after operation, two-point discrimination was 5-7 mm (mean, 6 mm). ConclusionLink-pattern lateral popliteal artery perforator flap has reliable blood supply and the operation was simple. The cutaneous nerve can be retained in donor area. It is an ideal method for repairing wound after remission of popliteal fossa scar in children or teenagers.