• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.205-207
• /
• 2008

Purpose: Although muscle hernia has been well described in the lower-extremity, muscle hernias in the upper extremity are extremely rare. As with lower extremity muscle hernias, the forearm muscle hernia may result from forced exertion of strenuous activity or following blunt trauma. The objective of this paper is to report an extraordinary case of forearm muscle hernia after radial forearm sensory tendocutaneous free flap with references. Methods: A 58-year-old male patient received wide excision and radical neck dissection and lower lip reconstruction with radial forearm sensory tendocutaneous free flap for squamous cell cancer on the lower lip. 16 weeks after the operation, he complained of protruding mass on the forearm and the size was increasing. In postoperative 18 weeks, MRI showed herniation of flexor digitorum superficialis. For unaesthetic cause and preventing progress, the authors performed direct fascial closure and Mesh graft. Results: In 12 months after the surgery there was no recurrence and the patient remained symptom-free. Conclusion: Pain on extremity exertion and unaesthetic buldge of forearm due to forearm muscle hernia were the primary indications for surgery which consist of direct closure, fasciotomy, fascia lata onlay graft, fascia lata inlay graft, etc. The authors experienced uncommon forearm muscle hernia after radial forearm free flap and satisfying result of treatment.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.336-341
• /
• 2007

Purpose: The most accepted method for the reanimation of a paralyzed face is the two-stage method that combines cross-face nerve grafting with free-muscle transfer. Although the results of reconstruction with this method are satisfactory, there is an excessive delay between the stages, which prolongs the period of rehabilitation. In order to overcome this drawback, a one- stage, neurovascular free-flap reconstruction method using free neurovascular muscle flaps is introduced. Methods: From 1994 to 2004, 35 patients with longstanding facial palsy were treated. Fifteen patients underwent the single-stage reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi muscle, and 20 patients underwent the two-stage reconstruction method with the gracilis muscle. We compared the long-term results of the two methods of reconstruction. The mean follow-up period was 28.7 months for one-stage reconstruction, and 35.2 months for the two-stage, respectively. Results: In the patient group of the single stage reconstruction, both mouth corner excursion and animation grade were markedly improved at the final postoperative visit. Moreover, the first muscle contraction occurred earlier in this group, than in the two-stage reconstruction group. However, four patients in the single stage group never achieved a first muscle contraction or mouth corner excursion. Conclusion: Facial palsy is a very challenging condition for cosmetic surgeons to deal with. Traditional methods for treatment of chronic facial palsy use a two-stage muscle flap which is time-consuming and burdensome to patients, many of whom are averse to waiting 8 to 12 months to complete the two stages. The one-stage reconstruction method described herein uses a latissimus dorsi free-flap and has demonstrated consistent positive outcomes in clinical assessments.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.229-236
• /
• 2007

Purpose: Breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator(DIEP) free flap is known to be the most advanced method of utilizing autologous tissue. The DIEP free flap method saves most of the rectus abdominis muscle as well as anterior rectus sheath. Therefore, the morbidity of the donor site is minimized and the risk of hernia is markedly decreased. Methods: We chose the internal mammary artery and its venae comitantes as recipient vessels, and deep inferior epigastric vessels as donor vessels. The number and location of the perforators derived from medial or lateral branch of deep inferior epigastric artery(DIEA) in 23 DIEP flaps were identified. Ten patients underwent evaluation of their abdominal wall function preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively by using Lacote's muscle grading system. Results: Of the 23 patients, a patient with one perforator from lateral branch of DIEA experienced partial necrosis of flap. Total flap loss occurred in one patient. Mild abdominal bulging was reported in one patient 4 months postoperatively probably because of early vigorous rehabilitational therapy for her frozen shoulder. Postoperative abdominal wall function tests in 10 patients showed almost complete recovery of muscle function upto their preoperative level of upper and lower rectus abdominis and external oblique muscle function at 6 months postoperatively. All patients have been able to resume their daily activities. Conclusion: The breast reconstruction with DIEP free flap is reliable and valuable method which provide ample soft tissue from abdomen without compromising the integrity of abdominal wall. Selection of reliable perforators is important and including more than two perforators may decrease fat necrosis and partial necrosis of flap.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.50 no.5
• /
• pp.507-513
• /
• 2023

Background Free tissue transfer is considered the gold standard option for the reconstruction of distal leg defects. Free tissue transfer using recipient vessels in the contralateral leg (cross-leg bridge) is a potential option to supply the flap if there are no suitable recipient vessels in the injured leg. Most studies have described this technique using end-to-end anastomosis which sacrifices the main vessel in the uninjured leg. This study evaluated the use of a cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap for the reconstruction of defects in single-vessel legs, using end-to-side anastomosis to recipient vessels in the contralateral leg without sacrificing any vessel in the uninjured leg. Methods This is a retrospective study that included 22 consecutive patients with soft tissue defects over the lower leg. All the reconstructed legs had a single artery as documented by CT angiography. All patients underwent cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap using end-to-side anastomosis to the posterior tibial vessels of the contralateral leg. Results The age at surgery ranged from 12 to 31 years and the mean defect size was 86 cm². Complete flap survival occurred in 20 cases (91%). One patient had total flap ischemia. Another patient had distal flap ischemia. Conclusion Cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a reliable and safe technique for the reconstruction and salvage of mutilating leg injuries, especially in cases of leg injuries with a single artery. As far as preservation of the donor limb circulation is concerned, end-to-side anastomosis is a reasonable option as it maintains the continuity of the donor leg vessels.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.293-300
• /
• 2017

Background Simulation training is becoming an increasingly important component of skills acquisition in surgical specialties, including Plastic Surgery. Non-living simulation models have an established place in Plastic Surgical microsurgery training, and support the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement of animal use. A more sophisticated version of the basic chicken thigh microsurgery model has been developed to include dissection of a type 1-muscle flap and is described and validated here. Methods A step-by-step dissection guide on how to perform the chicken thigh adductor profundus free muscle flap is demonstrated. Forty trainees performed the novel simulation muscle flap on the last day of a 5-day microsurgery course. Pre- and post-course microvascular anastomosis assessment, along with micro dissection and end product (anastomosis lapse index) assessment, demonstrated skills acquisition. Results The average time to dissect the flap by novice trainees was $82{\pm}24$ minutes, by core trainees $90{\pm}24$ minutes, and by higher trainees $64{\pm}21$ minutes (P=0.013). There was a statistically significant difference in the time to complete the anastomosis between the three levels of training (P=0.001) and there was a significant decrease in the time taken to perform the anastomosis following course completion (P<0.001). Anastomosis lapse index scores improved for all cohorts with post-test average anastomosis lapse index score of $3{\pm}1.4$ (P<0.001). Conclusions The novel chicken thigh adductor profundus free muscle flap model demonstrates face and construct validity for the introduction of the principles of free tissue transfer. The low cost, constant, and reproducible anatomy makes this simulation model a recommended addition to any microsurgical training curriculum.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.835-838
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the distal lower leg, especially in the distal third, largely depends on free tissue transfer and local fasciocutaneous flaps. But several local muscle flaps have also been proposed as useful alternative reconstructive manner. In this report, the authors present the successful use of the flexor digitorum longus muscle flaps in the distal lower leg reconstruction. Methods: Case 1: An 81-year-old woman with a dog bite wound in the left distal lower leg was admitted. She had a $10{\times}8\;cm$ wound with tibial exposure along the medial aspect of the leg. Soft tissue reconstruction with a flexor digitorum longus muscle flap and a split-thickness skin graft was performed. Case 2: A 77-year-old woman had a squamous cell carcinoma in the right distal lower leg. After wide excision, a $5{\times}4\;cm$ wound was developed with exposure of the tibia. The flexor digitorum longus muscle flap was transposed and covered with a split-thickness skin graft. Results: The flexor digitorum longus muscle flaps were shown to be useful to cover tibial defects in the distal lower leg. During the follow-up period, no significant donor site morbidity was found. Conclusion: The flexor digitorum longus muscle flap can be used to cover the exposed distal tibia, especially when a free tissue transfer is not an option. The relative ease of dissection and minimal functional deficits were the major advantages of this flap, while the extent of reach into the lower third has a limitation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.42 no.1
• /
• pp.73-77
• /
• 2015

The latissimus dorsi flap is popular due to the versatile nature of its applications. When used as a pedicled flap it provides a robust solution when soft tissue coverage is required following breast, thoracic and head and neck surgery. Its utilization as a free flap is extensive due to the muscle's size, constant anatomy, large caliber of the pedicle and the fact it can be used for functional muscle transfers. In facial palsy it provides the surgeon with a long neurovascular pedicle that is invaluable in situations where commonly used facial vessels are not available, in congenital cases or where previous free functional muscle transfers have been attempted, or patients where a one-stage procedure is indicated and a long nerve is required to reach the contra-lateral side. Although some facial palsy surgeons use the trans-axillary approach, an operative guide of raising the flap by this method has not been provided. A clear guide of raising the flap with the patient in the supine position is described in detail and offers the benefits of reducing the risk of potential brachial plexus injury and allows two surgical teams to work synchronously to reduce operative time.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.387-393
• /
• 2014

Background Reconstruction of ischial pressure sore defects is challenging due to extensive bursas and high recurrence rates. In this study, we simultaneously applied a muscle flap that covered the exposed ischium and large bursa with sufficient muscular volume and a profunda femoris artery perforator fasciocutaneous flap for the management of ischial pressure sores. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 14 patients (16 ischial sores) whose ischial defects had been reconstructed using both a profunda femoris artery perforator flap and a muscle flap between January 2006 and February 2014. We compared patient characteristics, operative procedure, and clinical course. Results All flaps survived the entire follow-up period. Seven patients (50%) had a history of surgery at the site of the ischial pressure sore. The mean age of the patients included was 52.8 years (range, 18-85 years). The mean follow-up period was 27.9 months (range, 3-57 months). In two patients, a biceps femoris muscle flap was used, while a gracilis muscle flap was used in the remaining patients. In four cases (25%), wound dehiscence occurred, but healed without further complication after resuturing. Additionally, congestion occurred in one case (6%), but resolved with conservative treatment. Among 16 cases, there was only one (6%) recurrence at 34 months. Conclusions The combination of a profunda femoris artery perforator fasciocutaneous flap and muscle flap for the treatment of ischial pressure sores provided pliability, adequate bulkiness and few long-term complications. Therefore, this may be used as an alternative treatment method for ischial pressure sores.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.49 no.3
• /
• pp.365-368
• /
• 2022

Spinal extradural arachnoid cyst (SEAC) is a rare disease and has surgical challenges because of the critical surrounding anatomy. We describe the rare case of a 58-year-old woman who underwent extradural cyst total excision with dural repair and presented with refractory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage even though two consecutive surgeries including dural defect re-repair and lumbar-peritoneal shunt were performed. The authors covered the sacral defect using bilateral gluteus maximus muscle flap in tongue in groove and wrap around pattern for protection of visible sacral nerve roots and blockage of CSF leakage point. With the flap coverage, the disappearance of cyst and fluid collection was confirmed in the postoperative radiological finding, and the clinical symptoms were significantly improved. By protecting the sacral nerve roots and covering the base of sacral defect, we can minimize the risk of complication and resolve the refractory fluid collection. Our results suggest that the gluteus muscle flap can be a safe and effective option for sacral defect and CSF leakage in extradural cyst or other conditions.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.89-92
• /
• 2011

Purpose: Electrical burn of scalp is uncommon. Much more, chronically exposed dura in unstable burn scar is quite exceptional. Hence, we report a case of chronically exposed dura following electrical burn. Methods: A 63-year-old man presented with an about 40 years history of an ulcerative lesion arising from electrical burn scar with 'squeeze like sensation' around wound. Wound was about $6{\times}8$ cm. Area in the center was $3{\times}3$ cm nonviable dura without sequestrum. Tangential excision with an intraoperative neurosurgical consultation and transposition flap under general anesthesia was done. Intraoperative biopsy was done. The wound was diagnosed as chronic osteomyelitis, not Marjolin ulcer. Flap was taken successfully. But after 5 days, infectious discharge had been appeared during 2 weeks, despite irrigation and drainage. As flap was re-evaluated, we could see remnant necrotic dura. After that, latissimus dorsi muscle free flap with meshed split thickness skin graft was transferred without excision of necrotic dura. Results: Flap was taken successfully. Follow-up at 10 weeks has been uneventful, with good and stable coverage of the wound. Conclusion: It is true that complete excision of devitalized tissue with sagittal sinus obliteration is prerequisite to flap taken. But necrotic dura was tangentially excised instead of total dura excision, because, posterior two-thirds of the sagittal sinus was involved underneath. Muscle is rich in blood vessels and decrease the recipient-site bacterial count effectively. In this case, muscle flap with skin graft without total dura excision is an alternative treatment.