Free tensor fasciae latae perforator flap for the reconstruction of defects in the extremities

In the three cases presented in this study, free tensor fasciae latae perforator flaps were used successfully for the coverage of defects in the extremities. This flap has no muscle component and is nourished by muscle perforators of the transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoral system. The area of skin that can by nourished by these perforators is larger than 15 x 12 cm. The advantages of this flap include minimal donor-site morbidity, the preservation of motor function of the tensor fasciae latae muscle and fascia lata, the ability to thin the flap by removing excess fatty tissue, and a donor scar that can be concealed. In cases that involve transection of the perforator above the deep fascia, the operation can be completed in a very short period of time. This flap is especially suitable as a free flap for young women and children who have scars in the proximal region of the lateral thigh or groin region that were caused by split-thickness skin grafting or full-thickness skin grafting during previous operations.     

The groin flap in reparative surgery of the hand

The historical literature of the use of axial vascular pattern flaps from the hypogastric and iliofemoral regions in reparative surgery of the hand is concisely reviewed. Thirty-six iliofemoral (groin) flaps were utilized for delayed primary resurfacing and secondary reconstruction of defects of the hand and forearm. Two flaps (6 percent) were complicated by partial necrosis. We caution against the immediate resurfacing (within 24 hours of injury) of acute crushed hand wounds by distant flaps. The immediate application of a healthy flap on a soiled or crushed wound invites complications of local tissue necrosis, infection, and subsequent loss of the flap. When distant flaps are indicated for coverage of acute hand wounds, delayed primary coverage following complete removal of all nonviable tissue is a safe and reliable regimen. It is advantageous to design the serviceable portion of the flap on the distal area of the vascular territory of the groin flap. Thoughtful yet "radical" defatting can be performed on the lateral portion of the groin flap territory. Constructed in this way, the long medial base of the groin flap allows freedom for movement at the wrist and metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints, thus decreasing edema and stiffness. In the management of soft-tissue defects in the hand requiring distant flap coverage, we choose to utilize the conventional groin flap in preference to the microvascular free flap when both techniques will deliver equal results.     

The descending branch of the superficial circumflex artery supplying anteromedial thigh skin

This report presents an extended groin flap design that consists of a conventional skin paddle in the groin region and a vertical extension in the anteromedial thigh region, based on the superficial iliac circumflex artery and an unnamed descending branch, respectively. The inferior branch of the superficial iliac circumflex artery that supplies the thigh extension of the flap, spanning approximately the upper half of the thigh region, was found to originate approximately 2 cm from the origin of the superficial iliac circumflex artery. A total of six free and four local flaps were used in 10 patients with ages ranging from 10 to 60 years (average, 45 years). There were six male and four female patients. The free flaps were required for total facial resurfacing, through-and-through cheek defect, and burn scar contractures and traumatic defects of the lower extremity. The local flaps were used for reconstruction of scrotum defect, trochanteric decubitus ulcer, and lower abdominal skin and fascia defects. All 10 flaps survived completely. The groin flap with anteromedial thigh extension offers the following advantages: (1) it is very easy and quick to elevate; (2) a significantly increased volume of tissue is available for reconstruction, based on one axial vessel and being completely reliable; (3) the flap offers two skin paddles that are independently mobile; (4) there is no need for positional change and a two-team approach is possible; and (5) it can be raised as a vertical skin island only. The authors conclude that the groin flap with anteromedial thigh extension is a useful modification for reconstruction of both distant and local defects.     

A microdissected thin tensor fasciae latae perforator flap.

A new method, named "microdissection," has been introduced to create a thin flap by elevating the tensor fasciae latae perforator flap to serve as microdissected thin tensor fasciae latae perforator flap. In microdissection, perforators that run in the posterolateral direction in the adipose tissue after penetrating the deep fascia are dissected meticulously using an operative microscope, and a thin flap is elevated in a single process. The caliber of the perforator artery and vein in the tensor fasciae latae muscle measures approximately 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm, respectively. When transplanting the flap, an end-to-side anastomosis to the main artery measuring 1 to 2 mm is preferable to avoid the risk of arterial thrombosis. In contrast, an end-to-end anastomosis of the perforator vein to the comitans vein of the main artery can be performed safely. In the present study, 11 flaps were transplanted to the sites of skin defects of the neck, hand, axilla, knee, and foot. The author considers that the first clinical indication of this flap is reconstruction of hand skin defects.     

Free anterolateral thigh adipofascial perforator flap

The anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap is a vascularized flap prepared from the adipofascial layer of the anterolateral thigh region. It is a perforator flap based on septocutaneous or musculocutaneous perforators of the lateral circumflex femoral system. With methods similar to those used for the free anterolateral thigh flap, only the deep fascia of the anterolateral thigh and a 2-mm-thick to 3-mm-thick layer of subcutaneous fatty tissue above the fascia were harvested. In 11 cases, this flap (length, 5 to 11 cm; width, 4 to 8 cm) was used for successful reconstruction of extremity defects. Split-thickness skin grafts were used to immediately resurface the adipofascial flaps for eight patients, and delayed skin grafting was performed for the other three patients. The advantage of the anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap is its ability to provide vascularized, thin, pliable, gliding coverage. In addition, the donor-site defect can be closed directly. Other advantages of this flap, such as safe elevation, a long wide vascular pedicle, a large flap territory, and flow-through properties that allow simultaneous reconstruction of major-vessel and soft-tissue defects, are the same as for the conventional anterolateral thigh flap. The main disadvantage of this procedure is the need for a skin graft, with the possible complications of subsequent skin graft loss or hyperpigmentation.     

胸三角皮瓣并自体脂肪移植修复颌面部大面积缺损畸形

目的：探讨颌面部皮肤软组织大面积缺损凹陷的理想修复方法。方法：本组6例均为爆炸伤后颌面部皮肤软组织缺损及严重凹陷畸形,采用胸三角皮肤扩张形成带蒂皮瓣修复上述皮肤缺损及自体脂肪移植纠正残存凹陷畸形。手术分五步进行：1．胸三角深筋膜浅层埋植500mL-800mL皮肤扩张器并注水扩张3个月。2井艮据面颈部预计皮肤缺损大小及形状作皮瓣预制并面部局部皮瓣纠正器官移位。3．带蒂皮瓣转移修复颌面部缺损。4．蒂部延迟及断蒂微整形。5．自体脂肪移植。结果：所有皮瓣成活良好,皮瓣色质接近面颈部周围正常皮肤,缺损畸形修复,外观形态好,供区直接缝合无需植皮,取得了较好的面部改观效果。结论：对于面部大面积皮肤软组织缺损,合并面部凹陷、面部器官缺损及移位,采取胸三角扩张延迟预制皮瓣并自体脂肪移植修复可取得良好的整复效果,为颌面部战创伤畸形提供了理想的修复方法。     

7. The groin flap: a new technique to repair traumatic tissue defects.

Tissue loss from trauma, particularly in the hand and forearm, occasionally requires immediate skin-flap coverage to ensure optimal healing. A consistently safe technique of skin-flap coverage is use of a groin flap. Anatomic studies of this flap have revealed the reliability of blood supply by the superficial circumflex iliac vessels to an area of skin and subcutaneous tissue running paralle to the inguinal ligament lateral to the femoral artery, and the axial relation of the vessels to the flap allows the surgeon to take a longer flap than usual without fear of vascular embarassment. Three case reports illustrate the value of the groin flap in primary soft-tissue closure and in the treatment of acute traumatic injuries.     

Abdominal wall partitioning (the accordion effect) for reconstruction of major defects: a retrospective review of 10 patients

Ten patients underwent abdominal wall reconstruction using the technique of abdominal wall partitioning. All defects were closed in the midline by approximating fascia to fascia with the assistance of a general surgeon. One patient had skin grafted small bowel. Five patients had chronically infected mesh and previous failed attempts at repair. Four patients had large ventral hernias following gastric reduction operations and massive weight loss. No defect in any dimension was less than 20 cm. All patients had secure abdominal wall repair by reconstruction of a midline anchor for the abdominal wall musculature. One patient was lost to follow-up after 3 weeks. The average follow-up time for the remaining nine patients was 18.6 months (range, 6 months to 4.7 years). One patient required readmission to the hospital for management of a limited area of skin necrosis. Two patients had minor wound infections, and three patients had subcutaneous seromas, all of which were managed on an outpatient basis. One patient developed a 2 x 2-cm subxiphoid hernia recurrence. Technical details include subcutaneous undermining of the abdominal skin to the anterior axillary lines bilaterally, mobilization of the viscera to expose the white lines of Toldt bilaterally, and parallel, parasagittal, staggered releases of the transversalis fascia, transversalis muscle, external oblique fascia, external oblique muscle, and rectus fascia. These multiple releases allow expansion and translation of the abdominal wall by an accordion-like effect. This accordion-like effect allows closure of abdominal wall defects that are substantially larger than what can be closed with current techniques.     

Transfer of free flaps to provide well-vascularized, thick cover for breast reconstructions after radical mastectomy.

The use of a free flap to bring in well-vascularized cover for a breast reconstruction (following radical mastectomy) is presented. Eleven of 12 such transfers were successful. (One free groin glap failed, and that reconstruction was abandoned.) Patients for breast reconstruction who have a marked deficiency of healthy, well-vascularized skin and subcutaneous tissue in the area are suitable candidates for this operative procedure. When a free groin flap is transferred, the donor defect is minimal.     

Clinical applications of the subgaleal fascia

The anatomic boundaries and vascular supply of the subgaleal fascia have been described previously. The thin and malleable subgaleal fascia was selected for difficult reconstructive problems in seven patients. This flap has been based on either the supraorbital or the superficial temporal vascular leash. The subgaleal fascia is readily dissected from superficial galea and deep periosteum, leaving behind a well-vascularized scalp and a skin-graftable calvarium. The flap conforms to a cartilage framework for ear reconstruction. It takes a skin graft well. The subgaleal fascia can patch dural defects and fill sinus dead space. It has been used to augment facial contour. Free vascularized transfer of the subgaleal fascia has included the temporoparietal fascia, which was partially split from the subgaleal fascia for bilobed flap resurfacing of the hand. The subgaleal fascial flap should be considered when ultrathin, vascularized coverage is needed.     

Island rat groin flaps with twisted pedicles

Clinical attempts are made to avoid rotating a flap and twisting the pedicle for fear of perfusion compromise. Torsion of an island rat groin flap pedicle is not a well-recognized experimental entity. The authors describe the results of island flap rotation with pedicle twisting in the rat groin flap model. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10 animals each. In each group, bilateral groin flaps were elevated; one flap was sutured in place without rotation and the contralateral flap was subjected to 180, 270, 360, or 720 degrees of rotation. Blood flow within the flaps was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry, and flap edema and necrosis were determined 10 days postoperatively. No differences were noted between control flaps and those subjected to 180 and 270 degrees of rotation. Although flaps subjected to 360 degrees of rotation demonstrated a large amount of postoperative edema and congestion of the subcutaneous tissue with some histologic changes, all flaps in this group survived. Measured flap weights at death were different from those of controls. All flaps subjected to 720 degrees of rotation underwent ischemic necrosis. Because of the differences between human skin architecture and rat skin architecture it cannot be concluded that similar results would be observed in any human skin flap. There might be three important points arising from this study of unknowingly twisted island groin flap pedicles in the rat model: (1) twisting of less than 360 degrees has no effect on flap survival; (2) twisting of 720 degrees is always associated with skin flap necrosis; (3) twisting of 360 degrees, although associated with some changes, does not cause skin flap necrosis.     

A fasciocutaneous flap for vaginal and perineal reconstruction

A skin and fascia flap from the medial thigh is proposed for vaginal and perineal reconstruction. Dissection, vascular injection, and radiographs of 20 fresh cadaver limbs uniformly demonstrated the presence of a communicating suprafascial vascular plexus in the medial thigh. Three to four nonaxial vessels were consistently found to enter the proximal plexus from within 5 cm of the perineum. Preservation of these vessels permitted reliable elevation of a 9 X 20 cm fasciocutaneous flap without using the gracilis muscle as a vascular carrier. Fifteen flaps in 13 patients were used for vaginal replacement and coverage of vulvectomy, groin, and ischial defects. Depending on the magnitude of the defect, simultaneous and independent elevation of the gracilis muscle provided additional vascularized coverage as needed. Our experience indicates that the medial thigh fasciocutaneous flap is a durable, less bulky, and potentially sensate alternative to the gracilis musculocutaneous flap for vaginal and perineal reconstruction.     

The dorsal thoracic fascia: anatomic significance with clinical applications in reconstructive microsurgery

The anatomic distribution and potential arterial flow patterns of the circumflex scapular artery were investigated by Microfil injection. These studies demonstrated that the circumflex scapular artery lies within the dorsal thoracic fascia, which plays a significant role in the circulation of the overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue. We conclude that scapular/parascapular flaps are fasciocutaneous flaps, the dorsal thoracic fascia can be transferred as a free flap without its overlying skin and subcutaneous tissue, and intercommunication exists between the myocutaneous perforators of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and the vascular plexus of the dorsal thoracic fascia. We present microvascular cases in which the vascular properties of the dorsal thoracic fascia facilitated wound closure with free fascia flaps or expanded cutaneous or myocutaneous flaps.     

Neuromucosal prelaminated flaps for reconstruction of intraoral lining defects after radical tumor resection

To reconstruct intraoral lining defects after radical tumor resection by reinnervated vascularized mucosa, eight distal radial forearm flaps and two fibula flaps were prelaminated. Prelamination was performed by exposing the vascularized fascia, onto which the split distal end of a sural graft was fixed. The fascia and the sural nerve graft were covered by device-meshed mucosa or small full-thickness mucosa pieces. These structures again were covered by a Silastic sheet as large as the future flap, and the wound was closed by the elevated skin and subcutaneous tissue. Coverage by a Silastic sheet enabled mucosal spreading on the fascia, and the final flaps were thin, mucus-producing, and larger than the originally inserted mucosa. The 10 neuromucosal prelaminated flaps were harvested together with the inserted sural nerve graft after 8 to 10 weeks. During this time, the patient underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Donor sites were closed directly by the preserved skin and subcutaneous tissue. Intraoral defects were reconstructed successfully by eight neuromucosal prelaminated distal radial forearm flaps and two neuromucosal prelaminated fibula flaps. The sural nerve grafts, inserted between the fascia and the mucosa, were coaptated eight times with the lingual nerve and two times with the inferior alveolar nerve. Intended reinnervation of the mucosa could already be proved clinically and histologically in the first two patients after 11 and 9 months. Preservation of skin and subcutaneous tissue considerably lowered donor-site morbidity. Neuromucosal prelamination enables reconstruction of intraoral lining defects by reinnervated mucus-producing tissue. Reconstruction of other mucosa-lined structures by this method seems feasible. Avoidance of skin islands for reconstruction lowers donor-site morbidity.     

Distally based lateral supramalleolar adipofascial flap for reconstruction of the dorsum of the foot and ankle

Soft-tissue reconstruction of the dorsum of the foot and ankle has long been a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Limitations in the available local tissue and donor-site morbidity restrict the options. In an effort to solve these difficult problems, the authors have begun to use a distally based lateral supramalleolar adipofascial flap. This report presents the authors' early experience with seven patients treated with this flap. The patients' ages ranged from 5 to 26 years; four of the patients were male and three were female. The cause of the soft-tissue defects involved acute trauma and chronic scar contracture. The flap and the adjoining raw area were covered with a full-thickness skin graft, and the donor site at the lateral aspect of the leg was closed primarily without grafting. A skin graft was taken from the groin area, which was closed primarily. Compared with the other flaps, this adipofascial flap was thinner and produced less bulkiness to the recipient site and minor aesthetic sequelae to the donor site. It is believed that this flap is versatile and effective and is a good addition to the available techniques used by reconstructive surgeons for coverage of the dorsum of the foot and ankle.     

The dorsal scapular island flap: an alternative for head,neck, and chest reconstruction

The back has become an increasingly popular donor site for flaps because it can provide thin, pliable tissue, with minimal bulk, and the scar can be easily hidden under clothing. The authors performed a cadaveric and clinical study to evaluate the anatomy of the dorsal scapular vessels and their vascular contribution to the skin, fascia, and muscles of the back. On the basis of anatomical studies in 28 cadavers and clinical experience with 32 cases, it was concluded that the dorsal scapular vessels provide a reliable blood supply to the skin of the medial back, making it a versatile flap to use as an island flap. A flap raised on the dorsal scapular vessels can be harvested with a long pedicle and can be rotated to reach as far as the anterior regions of the head, neck, and chest wall. Delaying and expanding the flap may help to facilitate venous drainage. The authors recommend the use of this versatile island pedicle flap as an alternative to microvascular free-tissue transfer for the reconstruction of defects in the head, neck, and anterior chest.     

Prefabricated temporalis fascia pedicled flap for previously skin-grafted contracted eye socket

The use of free skin, mucous membrane, or dermis-fat grafts in eye socket reconstruction proved to be unsatisfactory in long-term follow-up because of the progressive contraction of the socket. For achieving eye socket expansion of proper size and shape and a good vascularized lining that can last despite eventual fibrosis, a prefabricated temporalis fascia flap pedicled on the superficial temporal bundle is described in this report. In this technique, a split-thickness skin graft is applied over the termporalis fascia to create a sort of prefabricated flap, on which the proper dimensions of the socket can be fabricated on the grafted temporalis fascia. This study was conducted on 17 patients who had previously undergone eye socket reconstruction with skin graft after posttraumatic enucleation. All patients presented with a contracted eye socket, which manifested clinically by extrusion and migration of the ocular prosthesis. The procedure was performed in two stages. The purpose of prefabrication was to provide the proper shape and size of the newly created socket after release of skin-graft contracture to get a proper fit of the prosthesis, because the flap is thin and can be shaped well. The follow-up period ranged between 1 and 5 years, and the results were good.     

Prefabricated buccal mucosa-lined flap in an animal model that could be used for vaginal reconstruction

Congenital vaginal aplasia, gynecological tumor excision, and male-to-female sex surgery are three clinical conditions in which the plastic surgeon is involved in vaginal reconstruction. Skin-lined or skin-grafted local flaps are currently used, but for many reasons, keratinized skin is not the ideal lining for such a moist cavity because it leads to dryness, desiccation, maceration of the skin, and even hair growth in the cavity. The purpose of this study was to create a subcutaneous cavity lined with mucosa in an area with a predictable blood supply. The abdominal area supplied by the deep circumflex iliac vessels was chosen. Six minipigs were used. Strips of tongue buccal mucosa formed the lining; if additional tissue was required, it was taken from the mucosal aspect of the cheek. The mucosa was expanded by using multiple stab incisions. The mucosa was sutured onto the fascia supplied by the deep circumflex iliac vessels, and the skin incision was closed over a silicone sheet to prevent adhesion to the underlying mucosa. This was left for 1 week to allow the mucosa to take. The prefabricated fascial flap was rolled over a silicone stent and was closed longitudinally to form a cylindrical shape. The flap was placed in a subcutaneous pocket in the right inguinal area. The caudal end was left open and was sutured to the surrounding skin. The silicone stent was used to keep the cavity patent and to prevent adhesions in the early stage of the healing process. Regular digital examination was performed to assess patency and contour; endoscopy allowed assessment of mucosa viability. This method of producing a mucosa-lined flap may provide a solution to the difficult problem of vaginal reconstruction.     

Pulsed magnetic fields applied to a transferred arterial loop support the rat groin composite flap

Pulsed magnetic fields have been shown to stimulate neovascularization in the authors' laboratory. The rat groin composite flap was used to create a prospective randomized trial to test the effectiveness of these pulsed magnetic fields. The skin paddle to this flap is highly consistent, and the authors proposed using the flap to study how pulsed magnetic fields affect composite flap survival when the dominant vessel to the flap is divided and flap survival becomes dependent on a transferred vessel loop. Forty-three rats had the tail artery microsurgically anastomosed to the femoral artery and placed between the groin musculature and the abdominal skin. Pulsed magnetic energy of 1 gauss was applied for 8 (n = 14) or 12 (n = 8) weeks to the experimental groups. Control groups were treated in a comparable manner for 8 (n = 16) or 12 (n = 5) weeks. After the 8 or 12 weeks, all groups had an 8 x 4-cm skin flap raised, and the superficial epigastric artery, the main feeding vessel, was ligated. After 5 days, the total area of the flap and the area of necrosis were traced onto velum paper for each rat. The percent survival was calculated per rat, and a mean survival percentage was calculated per group. The experimental animals treated with pulsed magnetic fields for 8 weeks had statistically significant improved flap survival over the control animals. The study provides evidence that pulsed magnetic energy stimulates angiogenesis and suggests a possible use of this modality to create island vascular flaps in otherwise random vascular territories.     

The use of a fascial flap in ear reconstruction.

We describe the use of a fascial flap for covering the framework in ear reconstruction. When covered in turn with a skin graft, this fascial flap provides an abundant amount of a thin, tough, vascular, hairless cover of good quality in all cases except those where injuries in the auricular area have been deep enough to damage this fascia. This method of ear reconstruction is particularly useful in secondary ear reconstructions useful in secondary ear reconstructions and in reconstruction after traumatic losses. The procedure described can often be performed in one stage, requiring two to 4 hours, with minimal complications.