The clinical experiences in the appieation of umbilical-thoracic skin flap in the coverage of the defect of the forearm in 9 cases were reported. The flap was supplied by the branches of inferior epigastric artery.The biggest flap was 8.5×28cm,the smallest one was 7× 16cm.All flaps surviVed.The results were satisfactory. The advantages of the flap were:(1)potients felt comfortable when the upper extremity was immobilized at the side of the they;(2)the size of skin taken from the do...
Objective To observe the clinical outcome of primary repair of the tissue defects of the Achilles tendon and skin by thigh anterolateral free flap and free iliotibial tract. Methods From January 2000 to January 2005, the thigh anterolateral free flap and the iliotibial tract were used to primarily repair the defects of the Achilles tendon and skin in 11 patients (7 males and 4 females, aged 6-45 years). The defects of the skin and Achilles tendon were found in 6 patients, and the defects of the Achilles tendonand skin accompanied by the fracture of the calcaneus were found in 5 patients.The defect of the Achilles skin was 6 cm×5cm-14 cm×8 cm in area. The defect of the Achilles tendon was 511 cm in lenth. The skin flap was 11 cm×6 cm-17 cm×11 cm in area.The iliotibial tract was 7-13 cm in length and 3-5 cm in width. The medial and lateral borders were sutured to from double layers for Achilles tendon reconstruction. The woundon the donor site could be sutured directly in 5 patients, and the others could be repaired with skin grafting. Results After operation, all the flaps survived and the wound healed by first intention. The followup of the 11 patients for 6 mouths-4 years (average, 30 months) revealed that according to Yin Qingshui’s scale, the result was excellent in 6 patients, goodin 4, and fair in 1. The excellent and good rate was 99%. The results showed a significant improvement in the “heel test” and the Thompson sign, and both were negative. No complications of ulceration on the heel and re-rupture of the Achiles tendon occurred. Conclusion The primary repair of the tissue defects of the Achilles tendon and skin by free grafting of the anterolateral femoral skin flap and the iliotibial tract is an effective surgical method.
Objective To study the blood supply of the distally pediceled composite vascular net flap of forearm and its clinical effect. Methods From February 2000 to December 2003, the distally pediceled composite vascular net flap of forearm was used to repair a series of 26 skin defects with bone or tendon exposure on the hand and wrist.Of 26 patients, there were 17 males and 9 females at ages of 18 to 56 years; 16 received emergency operation and 10 received selective operation. The flap sizes ranged for 10 cm ×5 cm to 18 cm×7 cm. Results Allof the flaps survived. At followup of 3 to 8 months, there was no flap loss, even partial and the outcome was satisfactory in all patients.Twopoint discrimination was 6 to 10 mm. Conclusion Plexus around the cutaneous nerves and the superficial vein are connected with the superficial subdermal plexus and the deep facial plexus by perforators from the underling main arteries, forming a threedimensional vascular network and in a sort of longitudinal axiality, which is the anatomic base of blood supply for the flaps. Blood supply to the flap is provided by the perforators arising from the deeply situated radial or ulnar arteries in the distal pedical. The advantage of this flap is its constant and reliable blood supply without sacrifice of the main artery. The elevation of the flapis simple and rapid, and the flap has a higher survival rate.
Objective To report the clinical result of the improvedisland skin flap with distallybased sural nerve nutrient vessels in repairing skin defect in the heel, ankle or foot. Methods From August2004 to April 2005, 15 patients with skin defect in the heel, ankle or foot at distal part were treated by the improved island skin flap with distally-based of sural nerve nutrient vessels. Of 15 flaps, 12 were simplex flaps and 3 were complex flaps. These flap area ranged from 7 cm×6 cm to 11×8 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly and covered with free flap. Results All flaps survived without flap swelling and disturbance of blood circulation. The wounds of donor and recipient sites healed by first intention. The followup period ranged from 3 to 6 months. The texture of flap was soft and the color of flap was similar to that of normal skin. The foot function was excellent. Conclusion The improved island skin flap with distally-based sural nerve nutrient vessels is an ideal skin flap for repairing skin defect in the heel, ankle or foot distal part in clinical. The operation is simple and need not to anastomose blood vessel.
Patients receiving venous skin grafts having 3 different patterns of nutrient supply were introduced. It was considered that the venous skin graft had contain role in the repair of skin defects of fingers and dorsum of hands. The mechanism of the survival of the venous skin graft was discussed. It was assumed that, in the early stage, the skin nutrient was possibly in relation with the effusion or exudation from the wound surface, and in the later stage, depended upon the collateral circulation established with the surrounding tissues.
Twenty cases with skin defect of forearm and hand were treated by free skin graft with subcutaneous fat from 0.5 to 0.7 cm in thickness. The maximal area of free skin graft is 27×10cm, and the smallest one is 1.5×2cm. All of skin flaps survived except one having partial necrosis. Follow up shown round external figure, clasticity, and no change of skin color. It preserved the function of sweat gland and the cutaneous sensation began to recover 4 months postoperation.