Objective To assay the clinical effect of proximal dorsal digital artery pedicled island flap in treatment and sensory reconstruction of adjacent finger soft-tissue defect.Methods The study enrolled 21 cases of soft-tissue defect in 21 fingers treated from January 2013 to January 2014.All the defects were covered with the proximal dorsal artery pedicled island flaps raised from the adjacent finger.Index finger was injured in 7 patients,middle finger in 9 patients,ring finger in 4 patients,and little finger in 4 patients.Defect and flap dimensions varied from 1.9 cm × 1.5 cm to 4.3 cm × 2.3 cm and from 2.0 cm × 1.7 cm to 4.5 cm × 2.5 cm respectively.Donor site was resurfaced with a fullthickness skin harvested from medial side of the upper arm.Postoperative flap appearance and two-point discrimination were evaluated.Total active motion (TAM) of the finger was evaluated after operation.Results All the flaps and skin grafts survived after operation.Duration of the follow-up was 6-18 months (mean,14.7 months).Through the final follow-up,appearance and function of the flap were satisfactory,donor site healed well,and two-point discrimination was 5-9 mm (mean,6.3 mm).TAM evaluation was excellent in 19 patients and good in 2 patients with the excellent-good rate of 100％.Conclusion The proximal dorsal artery pedicled island flap raised from the adjacent finger is an ideal choice in finger soft-tissue reconstruction,for the technique has advantages of high survival rate,satisfactory appearance and sensory function as well as few complications.

Objective To investigate the influence of chondrocytes originating from different source on early chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in isolated co-culture system.Methods We applied hanging cell culture system to culture chondrocytes of different origin (osteoarthritis chondrocyte cells,nomal chondrocyte cells,infant chondrocyte cells) and controls.These chondrocytes and MSCs of the same origin were cultured in the common medium in a separated condition,and observed by microscope at 3,6,9,12 day after co culture.Expression levels of aggrecan,collagen type Ⅱ (Col 2),cartilage-specific transcription factor (Sox-9) in MSCs of different origin were determined by Real-time PCR.Results MSCs showed obviously morphological differentiation induced by chondrocytes of different origin at 12 day after coculture as compared with controls.Real-time PCR analysis showed that SOX9 mRNA level was stimulated by 1.7-fold,1.6-fold and 1.2-fold (all P＜0.05) and aggrecan mRNA level was increased by 2.8-fold,2.2-fold and 1.3-fold (all P＜0.05) in infant chondrocytes group,nomal chondrocytes group,osteoarthritis chondrocytes group respectively as compared with controls while COL2 mRNA level had no significant differences among the four groups.Corresponding protein signal level had obvious differences among the four groups,especially in infant chondrocytes as compared with osteoarthritis chondrocytes and nomal chondrocytes.Conclusions Isolated co-culture system may indirectly promote MSCs differentiation to chondrocytes by local micro-environment regulation.Chondrocytes of different origin have different effects on MSCs differentiation,but they could promote MSCs differentiation to chondrocytes.

Objective To investigate the clinical result of treating Tillaux-Chaput fractures using the full ankle arthroscopy technique.Methods A retrospective analysis was made on 21 patients with Tillaux-Chaput fractures followed up after treatment by the full ankle arthroscopy technique from May 2013 to May 2015.There were 16 males and 5 females,with the age range of 6-55 years [(25.5 ± 12.8)years].Right ankle was involved in 12 patients and left ankle in 4 patients.Sixteen patients had single TillauxChaput fractures and 5 patients had combined proximal fibular fractures.Diagnosis of Tillaux-Chaput fractures was confirmed by X-rays in 18 patients an CT in 3 patients.Ankle arthroscopy was used through the anterolateral and anteriormedal approaches for closed reduction and internal fixation using one or two Herbert screws.Wound healing,bone union and visual analogue score (VAS) were detected postoperatively.Function assessment was performed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scoring system.Results All incisions healed by first intention,without evidence of nerve,vessel and tendon injuries.Period of follow-up was (15.3 ± 7.1) months (range,12-25 months).Fracture healed within 12 to 36 weeks [(22.6 ±4.6)weeks] after operation.VAS was (0.8 ± 0.3) points after operation,obviously lower than preoperative (8.3 ± 1.3) points (P ＜ 0.05).At the final follow-up,all patients regained normal ankle function and normal walking gait,without the presence of ankle pain and weight-bearing walking pain.AOFAS score was improved from preoperative (51.2 ± 12.5) points to postoperative (92.7 ± 16.5) points (P ＜ 0.05).Based on the AOFAS score,the results were excellent in 19 patients and good in 2 patients,with the excellent-good rate of 100％.Conclsion Full ankle arthroscopy by the anterolateral and anterionnedal approaches provides a precise and effective method for closed reduction and internal fixation of Tillaux-Chaput fractures and deserves clinical application.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcome of all arthroscopic autogenous tendon suspended fixation for Myerson type III chronic noninsertional achilles tendon rupture in elderly patients.Methods:Data of 18 patients with Myerson type III chronic noninsertional Achilles tendon rupture who had performed all arthroscopic autogenous tendon suspended fixation from February 2016 to February 2019 in Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Xuzhou Central Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 6 females (right side, 10 cases and left side, 8 cases) aged from 60 to 79 years with a median of 65.3 years. The mean injury-to-surgery time was 12 weeks (range, 6-32 weeks). All the patients were treated by all arthroscopic autogenous tendon suspended fixation. The function of the ankle and the foot was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) foot and ankle score and the achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS), and the excellent and good rate was evaluated according to Arner-Lindholm score.Results:All patients healed at the first stage without any complications such as infection, sural nerve injury or tend re-rupture. The mean follow-up period was 18.6 months (range, 12-50 months). At the latest follow-up, all achilles tendons were healed with the VAS score reduced from 4 (1, 7) preoperatively to 0 (0, 1) postoperatively ( Z=2.334, P< 0.05); the AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was improved from 60.3±9.7 (range, 40-83) preoperatively to 92.6±4.3 (range, 86-100) postoperatively ( t=34.541, P< 0.05); the ATRS score was improved from 55.7±10.6 (range, 42-80) preoperatively to 93.1±3.2 (range, 88-100) postoperatively ( t=64.773, P< 0.05); one patient was unable to stand on tiptoe of the single injured limb, because he could stand it, no further treatment was given; another patient complained of mild pain after a long time walking,which was alleviated by stretching the achilles tendon consistently. According to the score of Arner-Lindholm, 14 cases were excellent, 4 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100% (18/18). Conclusion:All arthroscopic autogenous tendon suspended fixation for Myerson type III chronic noninsertional achilles tendon rupture in elderly patients is an effective method, which has the advantages of less trauma, faster recovery and fewer complications.

Objective:To evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic resection of symptomatic talocalcaneal coalitions in adolescents using a posterior approach.Methods:A retrospective case-series study was performed to analyze the data of 15 adolescent patients (16 feet) with symptomatic talocalcaneal coalitions (TCC) who had been treated by posterior arthroscopy from February 2017 to December 2020 at Department of Orthopaedics, Xuzhou Central Hospital. There were 11 boys and 4 girls with an average of 14.3 years (from 11 to 17 years). The left side was affected in 9 and the right side in 5 patients, and both sides were involved in one. Ten patients had a history of ankle sprain. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) postoperatively.Results:The 15 patients were followed up for a mean time of 19.9 months (from 12 to 36 months). At the final follow-up, the VAS significantly decreased from preoperative 6 (6, 7) points to 1 (1, 3) point, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score significantly increased from preoperative (54.1±10.4) points to (90.0±16.6) points, and the SF-36 score significantly improved from preoperative (55.5±12.7) points to (88.7±6.5) points ( P<0.05). Follow-ups found such complications as infection, TCC recurrence or osteoarthritis in none of the patients. Conclusion:Endoscopic TCC resection using a posterior approach is an effective surgery for symptomatic TCC in adolescents, showing advantages of limited invasion, fast recovery, a low rate of postoperative complications and precise resection.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of total ankle arthroscopy for resection of the talus os trigonum and debridement of the synovium of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) in the treatment of osteogenic posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) complicated with flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis (FHLT).Methods:The 14 patients with osteogenic PAIS and FHLT were retrospectively analyzed who had been treated at Department of Hand-Foot-Ankle Microsurgery, Xuzhou Central Hospital from July 2017 to July 2019. They were 8 men and 6 women, aged from 29 to 53 years (mean, 42.4 years). The talus os trigonum and the giant posterolateral process of the talus were resected under total ankle arthroscopy in the prone position of the posterior ankle while the FHL was released and cleared. The efficacy was evaluated by comparing the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Maryland functional score, and pain visual analog scale (VAS) between preoperation and one year postoperation.Results:All patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months (average, 15 months). For all patients, their plantar flexion and dorsal extension were improved significantly from preoperative 19.2°±4.0° and 14.2°±2.7° to postoperative 42.9°±2.7° and 24.5°±3.2°, their AOFAS score increased significantly from preoperative 42.1±4.2 to 91.6±2.7 at one year postoperation, their Maryland score increased significantly from preoperative 43.9±4.1 to 91.9±3.5 at one year postoperation, and their VAS score decreased significantly from preoperative 6 (6, 7) to 0 (0, 0) at one year postoperation (all P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of osteogenic PAIS complicated with FHLT, total ankle arthroscopy for resection of the talus os trigonum and release of FHL can lead to fine efficacy and limited surgical invasion, resolving the FHL pathological inflammation and PAIS at the same time.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical outcomes of the use of the perforator propeller flaps based on the end dorsal branch of digital proper artery in the same finger in repair of finger pulp defects and sensory reconstruction in children.

METHODSTwenty-three children (31 fingers) with index, middle, ring or little finger pulp defects were hospitalized from September 2012 to December 2013. The area of finger pulp defects ranged from 1.2 cm × 1.0 cm to 2.0 cm × 1.5 cm. The perforator propeller flaps based on the end dorsal branch of digital proper artery in the same finger were used to repair the defects, with the flap size ranging from 1.3 cm × 1.2 cm to 2.2 cm × 1.6 cm. The dorsal branch of the digital proper nerve of the flap was conducted end-to-end anastomosis with the broken end of the nerve of the wound to reconstruct sensation. The donor sites were covered with autologous full-thickness skin obtained from inner aspect of the thigh.

RESULTSPrimary healing of the wounds and donor sites were achieved in all 23 children. All the flaps and skin grafts of donor sites survived. All the patients were followed up for 6 to 20 months, with mean time of 14 months. At the last follow-up, the flaps and donor sites were in good appearance, the finger pulps were mellow and plump, with no obvious pigmentation or cicatricial contracture. The sensation of finger pulps reached S3(+), and the distance of two-point discrimination ranged from 4.5 to 6.0 mm, with mean distance of 5.1 mm. Twenty-one parents of the patients were strongly satisfied with the appearance of the repaired fingers, and the other 2 parents also expressed satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONSTransplantation of the perforator propeller flap based on the end dorsal branch of digital proper artery in the same finger is a safe and reliable method for the repair of index, middle, ring, and little finger pulp defects and sensory reconstruction of children. The flaps are with good blood supply, appearance and sensory function after operation.

Arteries ; innervation ; Child ; Contracture ; Finger Injuries ; surgery ; Fingers ; blood supply ; innervation ; surgery ; Humans ; Perforator Flap ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Skin ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Treatment Outcome ; Wound Healing

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)_AK096792 as a clinical predictor of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Methods: All the cord blood(2-5 mL) of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants born in Huai′an First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University were collected from December 1, 2015 to December 1, 2017.Moreover, the peripheral blood(2 mL) of those VLBW infants diagnosed with BPD was also collected.A total of 36 infants with BPD were collected.Another 36 cases of premature children with VLBW were chosen as control group according to random number table.The relative content of lncRNA_AK096792 in cord blood and peripheral blood was detected by using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Additionally, the correlation of lncRNA_AK096792 levels between cord and peripheral blood of BPD infants was analyzed.The sensitivity and specificity of lncRNA_AK096792 for BPD were analyzed by using receiver operating curve test. Results: (1)LncRNA_AK096792 was a common, evolutionarily conserved, non-coding RNA present in both mouse and human.(2) The expression level of lncRNA_AK096792 in peripheral blood was significantly higher than that in cord blood in BPD group[(463.3±352.0)% vs.(50.0±37.5)%], and the difference was significant(P<0.001), and they were highly correlated (r=0.825, P<0.001). (3) The level of lncRNA_AK096792 in cord blood in BPD group was signi-ficantly higher than that in non-BPD group [(484.3±280.5)% vs.(101.2±28.6)%], and the difference was significant(P<0.001). (4)When lncRNA_AK096792 served as a clinical predictor for BPD, the specificity was 83.3%, the sensitivity was 75.6%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.88(P<0.001). Conclusions LncRNA_AK096792 is highly correlated with the development of BPD.The level of lncRNA_AK096792 in umbilical cord blood of premature infants can be used as an early predictive marker for BPD, it calls for further study.