Objective To explore the method of repairing skin defects in the foot, the ankle and the lower one-third of the lower leg with anterolateral island flaps of the lower leg formed by isolating peroneal artery from the anterior interosseous membrane of the lower leg. Methods 46 adult cadavers' lower legs were anatomized, to observe the blood supply of the anterolateral skin, the lateral anterior malleolar artery anastomoses with anterior perforating branches of the peroneal artery, and the relationship between peroneal vessels and interosseous membrane of the lower legs. Clinically, 8 cases(7 males, 1 female, age ranged from 7 to 48 years) of skin defects of the feet, the ankles and the lower one-third of the lower legs were repaired with anterolateral island flaps of the lower leg by isolating the peroneal vessels from the anterior interosseous membrane of the lower legs from June 1996 to August 2004. The flaps were cut into sizes between 7 cm ? 4 cm and 23 cm ? 12 cm. Results Averaged 3.2 anterior branches stem from the lower one-third of the peroneal artery, extend through the foremina in the interosseous membrane, pass the anterior intermuscular septum of the lower leg, arrive and provide nutrition to the anterolateral skin of the lower leg. The lateral anterior malleolar artery anastomosed with the lowest perforating branch of the peroneal artery to form the lateral malleolar artery arch. The peroneal vessels easily isolated after incision of the interosseous membrane of the lower leg. Eight cases were performed on transposition of the anterolateral island flaps with the artery pedicles of the lower leg. All the patients were followed up from 1 to 8 years, with a mean of 3 years. Only 1 case was necrosis at the distal one-third of the flap. The others totally survived without diabrosis and swelling. The ankle and phalanges had normal movement. The color and texture of the flaps were excellent. The sensation of flaps recovered in 4 cases by suture superficial peroneal nerve. All cases suffered hypoesthesia at the 3rd and 4th toe web. Conclusion Isolating peroneal artery and vein from the anterior interosseous membrane of the lower leg proved easy to perform. Peroneal artery are not main blood vessels and the excision of them affects blood supply to the foot insignificantly. The skin flaps thus formed are ideal for repairing skin defects of the foot, the ankle and the lower one-third of the lower leg.

Objective To explore the methods of repairing great toe soft tissue defect with the reverse medial pedis island flap with transverse artery of great toe.Methods This study was made up of two parts:an anatomical study and clinical application.In the anatomical study,49 cadaveric feet were injected with red latex and then anostomosis,distribution and external diameters of transverse artery of great toe,the deep branches of the first plantar metatarsal arteries and the deep branches of medial plantar artery were observed.From September 2006 to December 2012,8 cases of soft-tissue defects with the retrograde-flow medial pedis island flaps were harvested to cover the soft tissue defects of great toe.Soft tissue defect was form 2.5 cm × 3.5 cm-3.5 × 4.5 cm.Results There was an arterial circle under the first metatarsophalangeal joint which consisted of transverse artery of great toe,tibial proper plantar digital artery of great toe,fibular proper plantar digital artery of great toe and the distal part of first plantar metatarsal artery.This arterial circle under the first metatarsophalangeal joint and arterial network on the surface of abductor hallucis was responsible for the blood supply of the flap of medial pedis.The diameter of the pedicle was great,and the length of the pedicle was longer than in previous reported.In terms of clinical application,all patients were followed up with the mean of 10 months (range fromn 6-24 months).All flaps survived totally without diabrosis and swelling.The walking and weight-bearing were normal and the blood supply of foot was good.Conclusion Using of arterial circle under the first metatarsophalangeal joint,the medial pedis island flap has a reliable retrograde blood supply.The reverse point of the reverse medial pedis flap moved forward to th interphalangeal joint.This flap should be considered as a preferential way to reconstruct soft-tissue defects of the great toe.

Objective To explore surgical methods of repairing tibial skin defect using the anterolateral crural island flap.Methods The location,external diameters,anastomosis and distribution of perforators from the anterior tibial artery and the peroneal artery in the anterior septum were observed in 40 cadaveric specimens.Arterial angiography was performed in 4 fresh legs.Clinically,11 cases with tibial skin defect were repaired with the anterolateral crural island flap.There were 7 males and 4 females,with an average of 36 years (20-59 years).The area of the skin defect ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 12 cm×4 cm.Results An arterial chain was formed by the interconnection of the superficial peroneal artery,the anterior septocutaneous perforator from distal part of the anterior tibial artery and the anterior end-perforator of the peroneal artery.It ran in the anterior septum and went along with the superficial peroneal nerve to supply blood to adjacent fascia and skin.The external diameters of the three perforators were (1.4±0.4) mm,(1.0±0.4) mm and (1.5±0.4) mm respectively,and the external diameter of the arterial chain was (0.6±0.2) mm.Clinically,we designed 4 methods to repair 11 cases of tibial skin defect successfully with the anterolateral cnnal island flap.The anterior septocutaneous perforator from distal part of the anterior tibial artery was used as pedicle in 2 cases;ascending branch of the anterior septocutaneous perforator from distal part of the anterior tibial artery was used as pedicle in 3 cases;descending branch of the anterior septocutaneous perforator from distalpart of the anterior tibial artery was used as pedicle in 3 cases;ascending branch of the anterior end-perforator of the peroneal artery was used as pedicle in 3 cases.The area of the flaps ranged between 7 cm×5 cm and 13 cm×5 cm.All patients were followed up with a mean time of 1.5 years.All flaps survived totally without diabrosis and swelling.Conclusion The anterolateral island flaps pedicled with perforators arising from the anterior septum of the lower leg is a good choice for surgeons to repair tibial skin defect.

OBJECTIVETo explore the method of the treatment for hallux valgus with the proximal crescentic osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone, combining with distal lateral soft tissue release.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to December 2012, 21 cases 21 hallux valgus feet were treated by operative procedure, included 1 male (1 foot) and 20 females (20 feet), with the mean age of 52 years (range, 36-68 years). Among all patients were followed up for 12 to 26 months, with the mean 16 months. The preoperative, post-operative and final follow-up X-ray films of all patients were collected. The hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle and distal metatarsal articular angle were measured and analyzed. The surgical outcome was evaluated combined with the AOFAS score.

RESULTSThe average hallux valgus angle decreased from 42.3° ± 1.8° preoperatively to 14.5° ± 1.8 postoperatively, the average intermetatarsal angle did from 21.9° ± 1.7 to 9.1° ± 1.8°, and the average distal metatarsal articular angle did from 14.9° ± 1.8 to 7.2° ± 1.5, respectively. There were significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative roentgenographic index. AOFAS score was improved from 44.0 ± 1.8 preoperatively to 83.9 ± 2.2 at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSThe proximal crescentic osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone combined distal soft tissue reconstruction obtained satisfactory results in severe hallux valgus patients with big intermetatarsal angle.

Adult ; Aged ; Dermatologic Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Female ; Hallux Valgus ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Metatarsal Bones ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Osteotomy ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of reverse saphenous nerve neurocutaneous flaps for skin defects of forefoot.

METHODSIn the anatomic study, 50 cadaveric feet were injected with red latex and the anastomosis, distribution and external diameters of medialtarsal artery, medial anterior malleolus artery, medial plantar artery, the superficial branch of the medial basal hallucal artery and saphenousnerve nutritional vessels were observed. Based on anatomic research results, we designed the reverse saphenous nerve neurocutaneous flaps for repairing skin defects of forefoot.

RESULTSThe blood supply of reverse saphenous nerve neurocutaneous flaps were based on the vasoganglion, which consist of arterial arch at the superior border of abductor hallucis and arterial network on the surface of abductor hallucis around the saphenous nerve and medial pedis flap. From Oct. 2006 to Oct. 2011, the reverse saphenous nerve neurocutaneous flaps were used to repair skin defects of forefoot in 11 cases. The flap size ranged from 2.5 cm x 3.5 cm to 7.5 cm x 8.5 cm. The wounds at donor site were covered with full-thickness skin graft. All flaps survived completely with no ulcer at the donor site. 11 cases were followed up for 6 to 18 months( mean, 10 months). The skin color and texture were satisfactory. The patients could walk very well.

CONCLUSIONSIt is reliable to repair the skin defects of forefoot with reverse saphenous nerve neurocutaneous flaps. It is easily performed with less morbidity. This flap should be considered as a preferential way to reconstruct skin defects of forefoot.

Arteries ; anatomy & histology ; Cadaver ; Female ; Foot ; blood supply ; innervation ; Forefoot, Human ; injuries ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Muscle, Skeletal ; anatomy & histology ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; innervation ; Transplant Donor Site ; surgery

Objective To explore a surgical treatment of skin defects on the thumb by reverse-flow island flaps on dorsal thumb web with dorsoulnar artery of thumb as a pedicle.Methods The origin,courses and distribution of dorsoulnar artery of thumb from 70 adult cadaveric hand specimens perfused by red latex were explored.Skin defects on the thumb of 8 cases were repaired with reverse-flow island flaps on dorsal thumb web.The cut areas of flaps vary from 4.5 cm × 3.0 cm to 7.5 cm × 4.0 cm.Results There were 4 types of the dorsoulnar artery of thumb basing on the origin and courses.Type Ⅰ was outside the first dorsal interosseous muscle type,which was the dorsoulnar artery of thumb mainly originated from the first dorsal metacarpal artery and cross through the surface of the first dosal interosseous muscle(42.9％).Type Ⅱ was under the first dorsal interosseous muscle type,which was from the thumb principal artery or deep branch of radial artery and run under the first dorsal interosseous muscle(41.4％).Type Ⅲ was mixed type from the anastomose point of above two arteries at the level of the first metacarpophalangeal joint(11.4％).Type Ⅳ was absence type (4.3％).Eight flaps fully survived.Excellent texture and satisfying appearance of the flaps as well as normal thumb web function were verified after 8 months' follow-up.Conclusion It is significant to determine the type of dorsoulnar artery of thumb to decide different operations due to the artery's considerable variation.The reverse-flow island flap on dorsal thumb is an ideal method to repair soft tissue defect on the thumb for its convenient operating and little effect in the donor area.

Objective To investigate the effect of retrograde sartorius myocutaneous flap for reparing skin defects of leg.Methods In the anatomic study,50 cadaveric lower limb were injected with red latex and the origin,diameter,course,distribution and anastomosis of sartorius's arteries were observed.Arteriographies were made in 4 sides of fresh specimens to study the arterial anastomosis in sartorius.Based on anatomic research results,we designed the retrograde sartorius myocutaneous flap for reparing skin defects of leg.Results Nutrient arteries of sartorius represented segnental distribution,Link-pattern arterial anastomosises were formed in sartorius by branches of adjacent vascular pedicles.Cutaneous arteries and musculocutaneous arteries above deep fascia formed interlocking arterial anastomosises net which provided blood supply for the skin on sartorius.The arterial branches in the distal 2/5 of sartorius came from saphenous artery,composed an arterial network around knee joint,which consist of anatomic basis for the blood supply of retrograde sartorius myocutaneous flap.Form February,2010 to April,2014,the retrograde sartorius myocutaneous flap were used to repair skin defects of leg in 2 cases.The flap size ranged from 7 cn×18 cm to 12 cm×25 cm.All flaps survived successfully with no ulcer.2 cases were followed up for 7 to 16 months.The skin color and texture were satisfactory.Conclusion the retrograde sartorius myocutaneous flap has constantly,reliable blood supply,and easily performed.It is an effective method for the reconstruction skin defects of leg.

Objective: To introduce the surgical method of lateral dorsalis pedis chain-linked artery based flap for repairing foot, ankle, and posterior heel wounds, and to evaluate its clinical outcome. Methods: From June 2013 to February 2016, 11 cases with skin defects of foot, ankle, and posterior heel wounds were reviewed. The defects were repaired using the lateral dorsalis pedis chain-linked artery based flap.The wounds in 7 cases were repaired using the island flap based on the descending branch of the anterior lateral malleolar artery. The wounds in 3 cases were repaired using the island flap based on the lateral calcaneal branch of the posterior lateral malleolar artery. The reversed flap based on the forth metatarsal artery was used in one patient. The wound defects ranged from 1.5 cm×2.0 cm to 6.0 cm×13.0 cm.The area of the flap ranged from 2 cm×3 cm to 7 cm×15 cm were used to repair the wound.The donor site was skin grafted with split-thickness skin harvested from the abdomen. Results: Circulations of the all 11 cases were stable, with good wound healing after 2 weeks.10 patients had clinical follow-up. The patients were followed up from 2 months to 18 months, average of 8 months.All flap grafts survived with no bloated menifestion in pedical or "cat′s ear" deformity.Flaps were soft. Color was consistent with normal skin.Skin graft donor sites had no obvious scars.Patients were extremely satisfied with the result of repair. Conclusions The use of the lateral dorsalis pedis chain-linked artery based flap has many advantages, such as no sacrifice of the main vessels, extended coverage area and thin flap. It is a simple and effective method to repair wounds of the foot, ankle, and posterior heel.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy using different technique.Methods Sixty-four embalmed feet of 32 cadavers were analyzed and classified anatomically with respect to the individual cross links in the Henry's knot.These three techniques were then combined to determine the total potential tendon graft length obtainable using single incision,double incision and minimally invasive incision.From January,2012 to June,2015,10 patients (10 feet) with chronic Achilles tendinopathy were treated with double incision technique.The score was 63.04 ±7.75 according to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score system.Results Only two different configurations were found.Type 1,a tendinous slip branched from the FHLT to the FDLT was 96.9％(62 of 64 feet).Type 2,a slip branched from the FHLT to the FDLT and another slip from the FDLT to FHLT was 3.1％(2 of 64).The average length of the FHLT graft available from a single incision measured (5.08±1.09)cm,double incision technique measured (6.72 ± 1.02) cm,and minimally invasive incision measured (17.49 ± 1.80)cm.The difference between the lengths obtained from these three techniques was statistically significant.Ten patients were followed-up 12-36 months (mean,13.7 months).At 12 months after operation,the AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was 93.28 ± 3.72,showing significant difference when compared with that before operation.The results were excellent in 6 cases,good in 3 cases,and fair in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 90％.No sural nerve injury,posterior tibial nerve injury,medial plantar nerve injury,and lateral plantar nerve injury occurred.Conclusion In over 96 ％ of the feet,a proximal to distal connection from the FHLT to the FDLT was found,which might contribute to the residual function of the lesser toes after FDLT transfer.The distal stump of the FHLT tendon should be sutured onto the FDLT tendon under tension to en able a co-activation of the great toe,preserved hallux plantar flexion.Chronic Achilles tendinopathy reconstruction with flexor hallucis longus tendon harvested using double incision technique offers a desirable outcome in operative recovery,tendon fixation,preserved hallux plantar flexion and less complications.

Objective To introduce an indirect reduction technique using a modified tibial distraction support in minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) of distal femur fractures and investigate its clinical effect.Methods Between April 2014 and March 2016,26 distal femur fractures treated with MIPPO technique using a modified tibial distractionsupport were reviewed.There were 18 males and 8 females with an average age of (50±10.1) years (25-76 years).Among them,nineteen patients were type A and 7 patients were type C according to AO classification.Operations were performed on an average of (5.6±3.1) d (2-14 d) after the trauma.All the patients were performed indirect reduction with a modified tibial distraction support before using the MIPPO technique.Angular deformity was obtained from preoperative and postoperative for all subjects.In each case,intraoperative image intensification shots to confirm reduction and the operating time were recorded.Functional outcome was evaluated using the Schatzker-Lambert criteria 1 year postoperative.Results All the patients completed closed reduction using the modified tibia] distraction support.Preoperative anteroposterior radiographs revealed amean of 8.0°±3.1° (0-16°) angulation in the coronal plane.Lateral radiographs revealed a mean of 16.8°±8.4° (5°-8.6°) angulation in the sagittal plane.Postoperative anteroposterior and lateral radiographs showed a mean angulation of 1.8°±0.6° (0-3.2°) and 2.5°±0.6° (0-3.8°) of varus/valgus and apex posterior angulation,respectively.The mean operating time was (100±11.6) min (80-120 min).No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered.Twenty-five patients were followed up and the mean follow up time was (18±3.9) months (12-28 months).There were one delayed union and one non-union.The average time of radiographic evidence of bridging callous was present at (4±0.7) months (3-6 months) in the remained patients.There were 22 excellent patients and 3 good patients according to Schatzker-Lambert criteria one year postoperative.The excellent rate was 100％.Conclusion The modified tibial distraction support is simple and easy to manipulate which is a good option in MIPPO for distal femur fractures and has good clinical effects.