Transfer of free chimeric functional thoracodorsal artery perforator flap with latissimus dorsi in reconstruction of composite tissue defect of forearm: a report of 13 cases
10.3760/cma.j.cn441206-20231125-00087
- VernacularTitle:功能性胸背动脉穿支皮瓣嵌合背阔肌游离移植重建前臂复合组织缺损13例
- Author:
Jiadong PAN
1
;
Xin WANG
;
Shanqing YIN
;
Yaopeng HUANG
;
Yijun SHEN
;
Gaoxiang YU
;
Hao GUO
;
Dongchao XIAO
Author Information
1. 宁波市第六医院手外科、整复外科，浙江 宁波 315040
- Keywords:
Thoracodorsal artery perforator flap;
Latissimus dorsi muscle flap;
Functional muscle transfer;
Forearm;
Traumatic muscle defect;
Chimeric flap
- From:
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery
2024;47(3):241-247
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore the surgical techniques and effects of transfer of the free chimeric functional thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (TDAPF) with latissimus dorsi in reconstruction of dynamic muscle and soft tissue defects in forearm.Methods:From January 2014 to December 2020, a total of 13 transfer surgery of free chimeric functional TDAPF with vascularised latissimus dorsi were performed in the Department of Hand Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Ningbo Sixth Hospital, to reconstruct forearm composite defects. The patients were 12 males and 1 female with an average age of 33.2 years old. They all had open forearm injuries, with 5 in the left and 8 in the right. Removal of inactivated muscles, exploration and repair of blood vessels and nerves were performed in emergency surgery, and VSD were applied after the surgery. Phase II reconstructive surgery were completed within 4 to 12 days, with 7.5 days in average. The wounds and flaps sized were 9.0 cm×8.0 cm - 21.0 cm×11.0 cm and were 10.0 cm×9.0 cm - 22.0 cm×12.0 cm, respectively. The volume of transferred muscles ranged were 9.0 cm × 2.0 cm × 1.5 cm - 19.0 cm × 9.0 cm × 1.5 cm. Free chimeric functional muscular flaps were transferred to reconstruct the musculus flexor digitorum profundus in 4 patients, the musculus extensor digitorum communis in 8 patients, the musculus flexor carpi radialis in 3 patients, and the musculus flexor pollicis longus in 1 patient. Reconstruction of both of musculus flexor carpi radialis and musculus extensor digitorum communis with 2 functional sub-blocks of latissimus dorsi were performed in 3 patients. All donor sites were closed primarily. All patients were included in the postoperative follow-up to evaluate the appearance of flaps, range of motion of the digits, recovery of muscle strength and gripping power, at the outpatient clinics or through the telephone interview.Results:A total of 12 flaps survived uneventfully after reconstructive surgery. One flap developed a vascular crisis and it was rectified after surgical exploration. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 17 to 52 months, with a mean of 34.1 months. Appearances of limbs and flaps were good without obvious bulky, hyperpigmentation or scar contracture. Four patients with reconstructed musculus flexor digitorum profundus showed muscle strength recovery of M 4, with the fingertips measured lower than 2.0 cm from the centre of palm when clenching a fist, and the average gripping strength of the hand reached 27.5% (20%-35%) to the healthy side. Five patients with reconstructed musculus extensor digitorum communis showed muscle strength recovery of M 4, and there was no obvious limitation in fingers flexion and extension, with the average gripping strength of the hand reached 75.4% (65%-80%) to the healthy side. Of the 3 patients with reconstruction of both power muscles, the recovery of muscle strength of musculus flexor carpi radialis was at M 4 in all the 3 patients, and the musculus extensor digitorum communis was at M 4 in 1 and M 3 in 2 patients. However, the patient who received reconstruction of musculus flexor pollicis had no significant recovery in muscle strength. Conclusion:Transfer of free chimeric functional TDAPF combines the benefits of a perforator flap and a functional muscle transfer together. This surgical technique can effectively reconstruct damaged muscle groups in forearm and resulting in good hand movement. Additionally, it can also restore the aesthetic appearance of forearm, hence makes it an excellent option for complex wound coverage.
