Objective To investigate the effect of Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion on postherpetic neuralgia model rats,and to verify the mechanism of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine balance regulation in central nervous system.Methods 50 SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,thread-moxibustion without drugs group,Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion group and pregabalin group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for blank group,the rat model of postherpetic neuralgia was induced by a single intrapitoneal injection of resin-toxin(RTX).After successful modeling,each group was given corresponding treatment for 21 days.The Mechanical Pain Threshold(PWT)and Thermal withdrawal latency(TWL)were detected 3 days before modeling,1,4 and 7 days after modeling,and 3,7,14 and 21 days after intervention.After the intervention,extract spinal cord tissue,Flow cytometry was used to detect changes in the proportion of Th1/Th2/Th17 cells;The mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ,IL-2,IL-4,IL-10,IL-17 and IL-22 were detected by qPCR;The positive expressions of IFN-γ,IL-2,IL-4,IL-10,IL-17 and IL-22 were observed by immunohistochemistry.The protein expressions of IFN-γ,IL-2,IL-4,IL-10,IL-17 and IL-22 were detected by Western blot to elucidate the regulation effect of this therapy on the equilibrium mechanism.Results After intrapitoneal injection of resin-toxin,the PWT of rats showed a downward trend,while the TWL showed an upward trend,showing the separation of heat and pain,which was consistent with the clinical manifestations of PHN.After Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion therapy,PWT increased and TWL decreased in PHN rats,which reduced the separation trend of heat and pain.Thread-moxibustion without drugs group,Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion group and pregabalin group can promote Th1 response in the central nervous system(spinal cord),increase the proportion of CD4+IL-2+cells and the contents of IFN-γ and IL-2 in the spinal cord tissue,and up-regulate the expression of IFN-γ and IL-2 mRNA and protein.Meanwhile,Th2 and Th17 responses in the central nervous system were inhibited,and the proportions of CD4+IL-4+and CD4+IL-17A+cells and the contents of IL-4,IL-10,IL-17 and IL-22 in the spinal cord tissue were reduced.The mRNA and protein expressions of IL-4,IL-10,IL-17 and IL-22 were down-regulated.In addition,Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion group and pregabalin group had similar efficacy in correcting Th1/Th2/Th17 lymphocyte imbalance in the central nervous system,and both were better than the Thread-moxibustion without drugs group.Conclusion Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion can improve the separation trend of heat and pain in postherpetic neuralgia rats,which may be achieved by regulating Th1/Th2/Th17 cell balance and related cytokine levels.

Objective: To report the method and effect of in situ suturing technique for severe amputation of facial composite tissues. Methods: We in situ sutured severely amputated composite tissues of facial region in 14 cases in emergency by vessels and nerves anastomosis from May 2004 to December 2017. Results: All replanted composite tissues survived in 13 cases. Edge necrosis of auricle occurred in 1 case because of serious contusion and it was cured after dressing changed. The color and appearance of the replanted composite tissues were close to normal after 3 to 48 months′ follow-up. Conclusions In situ suturing technique in emergency is the ideal treatment for severe amputation of composite tissues of facial region.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of soft tissue defects around wrist joints repaired with forearm distal perforator propeller flap.Methods:The clinical data of 125 patients with defects of popliteal fossa from May 2008 to October 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, in which 71 men and 54 women were included aged from 16 to 87 years old. The sizes of soft tissue defect ranged from 3.5 cm×2.5 cm to 12.0 cm×6.0 cm. Perforator propeller flap was designed and cut to repair the defects according to their location, size and shape. 62 cases of distal radial artery perforator propeller flap, 48 cases of distal ulnar artery perforator propeller flap and 15 cases of distal posterior interosseous artery perforator propeller flap were included, in which the largest was 14.0 cm×6.0 cm and the smallest was 4.0 cm×3.0 cm. The donor sites were covered with free full-thickness skin grafts. Skin swelling rating in early and later stage and the color after 3 to 60 months follow-up were evaluated for the effect.Results:All the flaps survived in 116 patients, though the distal edge of the flaps were necrotic in 9 cases. The incisions in donor and recipient sites were primarily healed. After 3 to 60 months follow-up, we found no deformity of wrist joints and the appearance was good; the color and elasticity were close to normal; the scar was small; two-point discrimination was 6 mm to 9 mm. The outcome was satisfactory in 89 cases, average in 36 cases and without dissatisfactory. Skin swelling rating in early stage was first degree in 80 cases, second degree in 30 cases, third degree in 15 cases; in later stage was first degree in 85 cases, second degree in 35 cases, third degree in 15 cases. Wrist function was assessed in four aspects: palmar flexion, dorsiflexion, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation. Results were excellent in 29 cases, good in 63 cases, average in 33 cases and the good rate was 73.6%. The pain of wrist did not affect the patients’ daily routines and activities.Conclusions:It is reliable to repair soft tissue defects around wrist joints repaired with forearm distal perforator propeller flap which is worthy of clinical use, especially in middle-aged and senile patients.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of transferred direct popliteal cutaneous artery perforator propeller flap for repairing soft tissue defects of the popliteal fossa.Methods:The clinical data of 9 patients with defects of popliteal fossa from June 2013 to June 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, in which including 6 men and 3 women whose ages ranged from 25 to 73 years old. The sizes of soft tissue defects ranged from 6.5 cm×3.5 cm to 17.0 cm×8.5 cm. Perforator propeller flap was designed and cut to repair the defects according to the location, size and shape of defects, in which the largest was 18.0 cm×10.0 cm and the smallest was 7.5 cm×4.5 cm. To evaluate the effect according to survival, infection control, elasticity and color, appearance of the flaps, the scar at the donor site, cutaneous sense, knee joint function, and patients’satisfaction.Results:All the flaps survived. The incisions in donor and recipient site were primary healing. The survival of flaps was good. The appearance, color, and elasticity were close to normal. On the other hand, the scar at the donor site was small after 6 to 60 months follow-up. 2 cases appeared necrosis on edge of distal flaps and were healed after dressing. The efficacy was satisfactory in 8 cases, general in 1 case and without dissatisfactory. The function of knee joint was excellent in 7 cases, good in 1 case, and general in 1 case. Skin swelling rating in early-stage was 1st degree in 6 patients, 2nd degree in 2 patients, 3rd degree in 1 patient; in the later stage was 1st degree in 8 patients, 2nd degree in 1 patient.Conclusions:It is simple, safe and reliable to repair soft tissue defects of popliteal fossa with transferred direct popliteal cutaneous artery perforator propeller flap, which would be an ideal method for repairing soft tissue defects of the popliteal fossa.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of soft tissue defects around wrist joints repaired with forearm distal perforator propeller flap.Methods:The clinical data of 125 patients with defects of popliteal fossa from May 2008 to October 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, in which 71 men and 54 women were included aged from 16 to 87 years old. The sizes of soft tissue defect ranged from 3.5 cm×2.5 cm to 12.0 cm×6.0 cm. Perforator propeller flap was designed and cut to repair the defects according to their location, size and shape. 62 cases of distal radial artery perforator propeller flap, 48 cases of distal ulnar artery perforator propeller flap and 15 cases of distal posterior interosseous artery perforator propeller flap were included, in which the largest was 14.0 cm×6.0 cm and the smallest was 4.0 cm×3.0 cm. The donor sites were covered with free full-thickness skin grafts. Skin swelling rating in early and later stage and the color after 3 to 60 months follow-up were evaluated for the effect.Results:All the flaps survived in 116 patients, though the distal edge of the flaps were necrotic in 9 cases. The incisions in donor and recipient sites were primarily healed. After 3 to 60 months follow-up, we found no deformity of wrist joints and the appearance was good; the color and elasticity were close to normal; the scar was small; two-point discrimination was 6 mm to 9 mm. The outcome was satisfactory in 89 cases, average in 36 cases and without dissatisfactory. Skin swelling rating in early stage was first degree in 80 cases, second degree in 30 cases, third degree in 15 cases; in later stage was first degree in 85 cases, second degree in 35 cases, third degree in 15 cases. Wrist function was assessed in four aspects: palmar flexion, dorsiflexion, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation. Results were excellent in 29 cases, good in 63 cases, average in 33 cases and the good rate was 73.6%. The pain of wrist did not affect the patients’ daily routines and activities.Conclusions:It is reliable to repair soft tissue defects around wrist joints repaired with forearm distal perforator propeller flap which is worthy of clinical use, especially in middle-aged and senile patients.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of transferred direct popliteal cutaneous artery perforator propeller flap for repairing soft tissue defects of the popliteal fossa.Methods:The clinical data of 9 patients with defects of popliteal fossa from June 2013 to June 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, in which including 6 men and 3 women whose ages ranged from 25 to 73 years old. The sizes of soft tissue defects ranged from 6.5 cm×3.5 cm to 17.0 cm×8.5 cm. Perforator propeller flap was designed and cut to repair the defects according to the location, size and shape of defects, in which the largest was 18.0 cm×10.0 cm and the smallest was 7.5 cm×4.5 cm. To evaluate the effect according to survival, infection control, elasticity and color, appearance of the flaps, the scar at the donor site, cutaneous sense, knee joint function, and patients’satisfaction.Results:All the flaps survived. The incisions in donor and recipient site were primary healing. The survival of flaps was good. The appearance, color, and elasticity were close to normal. On the other hand, the scar at the donor site was small after 6 to 60 months follow-up. 2 cases appeared necrosis on edge of distal flaps and were healed after dressing. The efficacy was satisfactory in 8 cases, general in 1 case and without dissatisfactory. The function of knee joint was excellent in 7 cases, good in 1 case, and general in 1 case. Skin swelling rating in early-stage was 1st degree in 6 patients, 2nd degree in 2 patients, 3rd degree in 1 patient; in the later stage was 1st degree in 8 patients, 2nd degree in 1 patient.Conclusions:It is simple, safe and reliable to repair soft tissue defects of popliteal fossa with transferred direct popliteal cutaneous artery perforator propeller flap, which would be an ideal method for repairing soft tissue defects of the popliteal fossa.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of soft tissue defects around knee joints repaired with thigh distal perforator propeller flap.Methods:Clinical data of 72 patients with defects around knee joints from January, 2009 to October, 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, including 43 males and 29 females, aged from 17 to 83 years. The sizes of soft tissue defects ranged from 4.0 cm×3.0 cm to 22.0 cm×13.0 cm. Perforator propeller flaps were designed and harvested to repair the defects according to anatomical features of the origin, course, branches, distribution and anastomosis of vascular network of the perforator vessels and location as well as the size and shape of defects. Nine patients repaired with the lateral distal perforator propeller flaps (LDF), 53 with descending genicular artery perforator propeller flaps (DGF) and 10 with direct popliteal artery perforator propeller flaps (DPF). The size of flap was 4.5 cm×3.5 cm to 24.0 cm×14.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly or covered with free full-thickness skin. To evaluate the effect, the skin swelling rating in early and later stage were taken. Three to 72 months of followed-up was conducted through outpatient clinic (78%), telephone (15%) and WeChat (7%).Results:The flaps totally survived in 65 patients and 7 patients underwent partial necrosis at the distal end of the flaps ( 2 cases of LDF, 4 cases of DGF, 1 case of DPF) who were treated with dressing, and the donor sites were completely healed. The appearance and shape of the repaired knee joints was good, and the color and elasticity was close to surrounding normal skin, TPD of the flaps were 7-10 mm, and the scar was small after 3 to 72 months' follow-up. The efficacy was satisfactory in 48 cases ( 4 cases of LDF, 39 cases of DGF, 5 cases of DPF), general in 24 cases ( 5 cases of LDF, 14 cases of DGF, 5 cases of DPF). Degree of flap swelling: in early stage, I° in 40 cases ( 4 cases of LDF, 31 cases of DGF, 5 cases of DPF), II° in 20 cases ( 3 cases of LDF, 14 cases of DGF, 3 cases of DPF), III° in 10 cases ( 2 cases of LDF, 7 cases of DGF, 1 case of DPF), IV° in 2 cases(1 case of DGF, 1 case of DPF); in later stage: I° in 55 cases ( 6 cases of LDF, 41 cases of DGF, 8 cases of DPF), II° in 15 cases ( 2 cases of LDF, 12 cases of DGF, 1 case of DPF), III° in 2 cases ( 1 case of LDF, 1 case of DPF). The evaluation of knee joint function: excellent in 17 cases ( 2 cases of LDF, 12 cases of DGF, 3 cases of DPF), good in 35 cases( 4 cases of LDF, 27 cases of DGF, 4 cases of DPF), general in 20 cases( 3 cases of LDF, 14 cases of DGF, 3 cases of DPF). The good rate was about 73%. The range of motion and stability of the knee joint were basically normal and there was no pain found to affect study and life. All the patients were satisfied with the effect.Conclusion:Repairing soft tissue defect around knee joint with thigh distal perforator propeller flap is reliable and clinical applicable.

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of dorsal perforator fascia pedicle flap of the deep palmar arch in the repair of skin and soft tissue defects of finger web area. Methods: Eleven patients (7 males and 4 females, aged from 18 to 73 years) with soft tissue defects of finger web area in distal dorsal side were admitted to Xinhua Hospital (Chongming) of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from October 2010 to September 2018. The sizes of skin and soft tissue defects ranged from 2.5 cm×1.5 cm to 6.0 cm×2.5 cm. According to the origin, course, branches, and distribution of the dorsal perforator of deep palmar arch, and the anatomical characteristics with vascular network of dorsal carpal and dorsal metacarpal, dorsal perforator fascia pedicle flaps of the deep palmar arch from the back of the injured hands were designed and transferred to repair the wounds of finger web area in distal dorsal side. The sizes of the flaps of patients ranged from 3.5 cm×2.0 cm to 6.5 cm×3.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly or covered with free forearm full-thickness skin graft. The clinical effects and swelling degree of flaps in early and late stages were evaluated during the follow-up of 3 to 36 months post surgery. Results: All the flaps survived in 11 patients, the incisions in donor and recipient sites were healed. During the follow-up of 3 to 36 months post surgery, the survival of flaps was good, and the appearance, color, and elasticity were close to normal skin, with two-point discrimination distance of 7 to 10 mm and sensory function recovery of grade S₃. The wounds in donor site had small scar without infection. The efficacy was evaluated as satisfactory in 8 patients, general in 3 patients, and dissatisfactory in no patient. Flap swelling rating in early stage was 1st degree in 7 patients, 2nd degree in 2 patients, and 3rd degree in 2 patients. Flap swelling rating in late stage was 1st degree in 8 patients, 2nd degree in 2 patients, and 3rd degree in 1 patient. The extension and flexion of the metacarpal and interphalangeal joints were basically normal and the patients were satisfied with the outcomes. Conclusions Based on the dorsal perforator of deep palmar arch, dorsal perforator fascia pedicle flap of the deep palmar arch is reliable to transfer to repair skin and soft tissue defects of finger web area in distal dorsal side, which is worthy of promotion in clinic.