1.Reconstruction of Gustilo ⅢC foot and ankle injury in emergency surgery with Flow-through anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap combined with grafting of contralateral great saphenous vein
Liang YANG ; Rong ZHOU ; Jihui JU ; Zefeng NIU ; Zhongzheng LIU ; Liping GUO ; Zhijing LIU ; Qianheng JIN ; Chengwei GE
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(2):149-155
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of combination of a Flow-through anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap with a contralateral great saphenous vein grafting in reconstruction of Gustilo ⅢC foot and ankle injury in emergency surgery.Methods:This retrospective study analysed the clinical data of 9 patients who were admitted in the Department of Wound Repair Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital between September 2021 and October 2023. All patients were diagnosed with Gustilo ⅢC foot and ankle injury and met the predefined inclusion criteria. The average age of the patients was 45 (26-64) years. The mean of Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) was 8.2 points, with a range from 5 to 10 points. The wound area after debridement ranged from 15.5 cm×6.0 cm to 24.5 cm×12.5 cm, with the vascular occlusion or defect at 4.0-20.0 (mean, 6.3) cm in length. The size of the flap was 16.5 cm×7.0 cm-25.5 cm×13.5 cm. During surgery, segments of the great saphenous vein were excised in the length of 5.0-21.0 cm, at an approximately 6.5 cm in length. The Flow-through anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap was employed to reconstruct the soft tissue defect and to establish vascular connections between the anterior or posterior tibial arteries and veins, with the vessels carried by the flap. Additionally, the contralateral great saphenous vein was taken to bridge the posterior or anterior tibial arteries and veins. Follow-ups were carried out by outpatient visits, telephone calls and WeChat interviews. The flap viability, limb blood circulation, wound healing at both donor and recipient sites, as well as functional recovery of the affected limbs was observed. Sensation recovery of the flap was assessed according to the rating standard established by the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) , while the function recovery of foot and ankle was evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale.Results:All flaps successfully survived without vascular complication. Eight affected limbs were effectively cured, while a calf that had an infection and necrosis of a long segment of tibia and fibula was amputated below-the-knee in the stage-II surgery. One of the donor sites of flap was covered with a medium-thickness skin graft from lower abdomen due to the large size of the flap, while the other donor sites were directly sutured and healed at first intention. One patient developed postoperative bone infection, which was successfully treated through re-debridement and antibiotic bone cement filling. Another patient experienced partial necrosis at the distal hallux due to a prolonged limb ischemia, and a stump repair surgery was performed. All patients were entered into the postoperative follow-up for 15.3 (6-24) months. At the final follow-up visit, satisfactory colour and texture were observed on all flaps, although minor oedema was present. Donor sites healed well and the donor limb function was not affected. Sensory evaluation rated S 2 in 5 flaps and S 3 in 3 flaps according to BMRC. Functional assessment of foot and ankle of the affected limb yielded excellent in 2 patients, good in 5 patients and fair in 1 patient according to AOFAS. Conclusion:Flow-through anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap combined with a contralateral great saphenous vein grafting enables one-stage reconstruction for soft tissue defect and blood circulation of the affected limb. It is a good method in the treatment of Gustilo ⅢC foot and ankle injury in emergency surgery.
2.Innovative strategies for improving CAR-T cell therapy: A nanomedicine perspective.
Mengyao WANG ; Zhengyu YU ; Liping YUAN ; Peipei YANG ; Caixia JING ; Ying QU ; Zhiyong QIAN ; Ting NIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2769-2782
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells have reshaped the treatment landscape of hematological malignancies, offering a potentially curative option for patients. Despite these major milestones in the field of immuno-oncology, growing experience with CAR-T cells has also highlighted several limitations of this strategy. The production process of CAR-T cells is complex, time-consuming, and costly, thus leading to poor drug accessibility. The potential carcinogenic risk of viral transfection systems remains a matter of controversy. Treatment-related side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome, can be life-threatening. And the biggest challenge is the inadequate efficacy related to poor infiltration and retention of CAR-T cells in tumor tissues and impaired T cell activation caused by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Innovative strategies are urgently needed to address these problems, and nanomedicine offers good solutions to these challenges. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in the application of nanomaterials to enhance CAR-T cell therapy. We examine the role of innovative nanoparticle-based delivery systems in the production of CAR-T cells, with a particular focus on polymeric delivery systems and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Furthermore, we explore various strategies for delivering immune stimulators, which significantly enhance the efficacy of CAR-T cells by modulating T cell viability and functionality or by reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME. In addition, we discuss several novel therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating the adverse effects associated with CAR-T therapies. Finally, we offer an integrated perspective on the future challenges and opportunities facing CAR-T therapies.
Humans
;
Nanomedicine/methods*
;
Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism*
;
Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods*
;
T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
;
Nanoparticles/chemistry*
;
Animals
3.Effectiveness of three-dimensional printing-assisted vascularized fibular graft for repairing metatarsal defects.
Rong ZHOU ; Jihui JU ; Liang YANG ; Liping GUO ; Yucheng LIU ; Chao GENG ; Zhongzheng LIU ; Zefeng NIU ; Shuai DONG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(11):1447-1451
OBJECITVE:
To investigate the effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) printing-assisted vascularized fibular graft for repairing metatarsal defects.
METHODS:
Between November 2021 and February 2024, 11 patients with varying degrees of metatarsal defects caused by trauma were treated. There were 10 males and 1 female, aged 22-67 years, with a mean age of 51.2 years. The defect locations were as follows: the first metatarsal in 4 cases, the fifth metatarsal in 2 cases, the first and the second metatarsals in 1 case, the first to third metatarsals in 1 case, the third and the fourth metatarsals in 1 case, the third to fifth metatarsals in 1 case, and the first to fifth metatarsals in 1 case. The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 67.0 (48.5, 72.5). Based on 3D-printed bilateral feet models and mirrored healthy-side foot arch angles for preoperative planning and design, the vascularized fibular graft was performed to repair the metatarsal defects. At last follow-up, the medial and lateral longitudinal arches of bilateral feet were measured on weight-bearing X-ray films, and functional assessment was conducted using the AOFAS score.
RESULTS:
All operations were successfully completed, with an operation time ranging from 180 to 465 minutes (mean, 246.8 minutes). All incisions healed by first intention, with no occurrence of osteomyelitis. All patients were followed up 6-22 months (mean, 10 months). X-ray film reviews showed bone graft healing in all cases, with a healing time of 3-6 months (mean, 5 months). All patients underwent internal fixator removal at 6-12 months after operation. At last follow-up, no significant difference was observed in the medial and lateral longitudinal arches between the healthy and affected feet ( P>0.05). The AOFAS score of the affected foot was 78.0 (73.5, 84.0), showing a significant improvement compared to the preoperative score ( P<0.05). The effectiveness was rated as excellent in 1 case, good in 7 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case. Linear scarring remained at the donor site, with no functional impairment in adjacent joint movement.
CONCLUSION
3D printing-assisted vascularized fibular graft for repairing metatarsal defects can effectively restore the physiological angle of the foot arch, facilitate the recovery of weight-bearing alignment, promote good bone healing, and yield satisfactory clinical outcomes.
Humans
;
Printing, Three-Dimensional
;
Middle Aged
;
Male
;
Fibula/blood supply*
;
Female
;
Metatarsal Bones/injuries*
;
Adult
;
Bone Transplantation/methods*
;
Aged
;
Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*
;
Young Adult
;
Treatment Outcome
4.Clinical effects of free bilateral turbocharged anterolateral thigh flaps in tandem in repairing extensive wounds in the foot and ankle
Liang YANG ; Rong ZHOU ; Jihui JU ; Zefeng NIU ; Zhongzheng LIU ; Liping GUO ; Zhijin LIU ; Qianheng JIN ; Chengwei GE ; Guiyang WANG ; Lin YANG ; Junnan CHENG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(1):61-69
Objective:To explore the clinical effects of free bilateral turbocharged anterolateral thigh flaps in tandem in repairing extensive wounds in the foot and ankle.Methods:The study was a retrospective observational study. From April 2020 to June 2023, 12 patients with extensive wounds in the foot and ankle who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Wound Repair Surgery of Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital, including 8 males and 4 females, aged 21 to 65 years. The wound area after debridement ranged from 27 cm×14 cm to 37 cm×20 cm. The bilateral perforator flaps pedicled with either oblique or descending branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery were designed and harvested based on the size and shape of the wounds. The individual flap incision area ranged from 16 cm×9 cm to 34 cm×12 cm. The non-homologous perforator of the flap on the one side was turbocharged by anastomosing it with the gross muscular branch or main vessel of the oblique or descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery from the flap. Subsequently, the proximal end of the oblique or descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its accompanying vein from the flap on the one side were connected end-to-end with either the anterior tibial artery and vein, posterior tibial artery and vein, or dorsal foot artery and vein in the recipient area, the distal end of the oblique or descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its accompanying vein from the flap on the one side were anastomosed end-to-end with a source vessel originating from flap on the other side. The wounds in the flap donor areas were sutured directly. The number and source of perforators carried by the flaps and the duration of the flap repair surgery were recorded. The survival of the flap, the occurrence of vascular crisis, and the wound healing at both donor and recipient areas were observed after surgery. The flap condition, appearance and function of the affected limb were observed during follow-up. At the last follow-up, the sensory function of the flap was assessed using the British Medical Research Council's sensory rating standard, the foot and ankle function of the affected limb was evaluated according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring standard.Results:A total 24 flaps were successfully harvested, carrying 60 perforators, including 34 perforators from the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, 24 perforators from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, one perforator from the transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and one perforator from the direct branch of the femoral artery. The duration of the flap repair surgery ranged from 4.2 to 9.0 hours. The flaps of 12 patients exhibited complete survival after surgery. A total of two flaps of two patients experienced venous crisis after surgery but survived through emergency exploration. One patient encountered undesirable wound healing at the donor area of flap on the one side after surgery, which healed after dressing change, debridement, and suturing. The remaining patients' donor area wounds healed. Two patients displayed impaired wound healing in the recipient area, which improved after dressing change and resection of residual sequestrum, and the wounds in the recipient area of other patients healed successfully. During the follow-up of 4-26 months, the flaps demonstrated favorable color and texture, slight edematous appearance, and partial sensory recovery, as well as good aesthetic and functional restoration of the affected limbs. At the last follow-up, the sensory function of the flap was assessed as grade S2 in 9 cases and grade S3 in 3 cases; the foot and ankle function of the affected limb was evaluated as excellent in two cases, good in 9 cases, and fair in one case.Conclusions:The bilateral turbocharged anterolateral thigh flaps have numerous sources of perforators. By implementing supercharging of non-homologous perforators within the flap, the vascular supply to the flap is turbocharged, thereby mitigating the risk of extensive flap necrosis. The flap is an effective approach for repairing extensive wounds in the foot and ankle, resulting in improved function of the affected limb after repair.
5.Clinical features and prognosis of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis:An analysis of 107 cases
Tongtong MENG ; Weijia DUAN ; Xinyu LI ; Junqi NIU ; Huiguo DING ; Ying HAN ; Wen XIE ; Lu ZHOU ; Bangmao WANG ; Liping GUO ; Jie LI ; Bei JIA ; Lingyi ZHANG ; Liang WANG ; Xiaoqian XU ; Yu WANG ; Xiaojuan OU ; Xinyan ZHAO ; Hong YOU ; Jidong JIA ; Yuanyuan KONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1337-1343
Objective To describe the clinical features of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)in China based on a nationwide multicenter patient cohort,and to investigate the risk factors for prognosis.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among the patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PSC based on the electronic medical record system of seven grade A tertiary hospitals across the country,and related data were extracted.The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups,and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate liver transplant-free survival,and the log-rank test was used for comparison of survival rate between PSC patients with different features.The Cox regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for the prognosis of PSC patients and the interactions between key factors.Results A total of 107 patients were enrolled,among whom 55.6%(55/99)had large-duct PSC and 29.0%(31/107)had comorbidity with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).The positivity rate of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)was 32.9%(24/73),and 50.0%(40/80)of the patients had an increase in IgG/IgM.The median symptom-to-diagnosis interval was 1 year(<1-4.0),and 38.3%(41/107)of the patients had progressed to decompensated cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.The median liver transplant-free survival time was 114 months(95%confidence interval[CI]:62-166),with a 5-year survival rate of 65.7%.The multivariate analysis showed that an increase in total bile acid(TBA)(hazard ratio[HR]=1.006,95%CI:1.002-1.010,P=0.001)and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval(HR=1.252,95%CI:1.059-1.480,P=0.009)were independent risk factors for prognosis.The interaction analysis showed that compared with the female patients with TBA<50 μmol/L,both male and female patients with TBA≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(male:HR=16.563,95%CI:2.103-130.449,P<0.001;female:HR=17.009,95%CI:2.113-136.934,P<0.001),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a TBA level of<50 μmol/L,the patients with an age of≥45 years and a TBA level of≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=10.729,95%CI:1.325-86.859,P=0.026).Compared with the female patients with an symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the male patients with a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.825,95%CI:1.725-13.644,P=0.003),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.983,95%CI:1.366-18.173,P=0.015).Conclusion Compared with the reports from Western countries,large-duct PSC is also the main type of PSC in China,but with a relatively low proportion,and there is also a relatively low proportion of patients with IBD or positive ANCA.An increase in TBA and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval are independent risk factors for prognosis,with significant interactions with age and sex.This suggests that early screening and intervention should be enhanced to improve prognosis.
6.Clinical features and prognosis of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis:An analysis of 107 cases
Tongtong MENG ; Weijia DUAN ; Xinyu LI ; Junqi NIU ; Huiguo DING ; Ying HAN ; Wen XIE ; Lu ZHOU ; Bangmao WANG ; Liping GUO ; Jie LI ; Bei JIA ; Lingyi ZHANG ; Liang WANG ; Xiaoqian XU ; Yu WANG ; Xiaojuan OU ; Xinyan ZHAO ; Hong YOU ; Jidong JIA ; Yuanyuan KONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1337-1343
Objective To describe the clinical features of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)in China based on a nationwide multicenter patient cohort,and to investigate the risk factors for prognosis.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among the patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PSC based on the electronic medical record system of seven grade A tertiary hospitals across the country,and related data were extracted.The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups,and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate liver transplant-free survival,and the log-rank test was used for comparison of survival rate between PSC patients with different features.The Cox regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for the prognosis of PSC patients and the interactions between key factors.Results A total of 107 patients were enrolled,among whom 55.6%(55/99)had large-duct PSC and 29.0%(31/107)had comorbidity with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).The positivity rate of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)was 32.9%(24/73),and 50.0%(40/80)of the patients had an increase in IgG/IgM.The median symptom-to-diagnosis interval was 1 year(<1-4.0),and 38.3%(41/107)of the patients had progressed to decompensated cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.The median liver transplant-free survival time was 114 months(95%confidence interval[CI]:62-166),with a 5-year survival rate of 65.7%.The multivariate analysis showed that an increase in total bile acid(TBA)(hazard ratio[HR]=1.006,95%CI:1.002-1.010,P=0.001)and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval(HR=1.252,95%CI:1.059-1.480,P=0.009)were independent risk factors for prognosis.The interaction analysis showed that compared with the female patients with TBA<50 μmol/L,both male and female patients with TBA≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(male:HR=16.563,95%CI:2.103-130.449,P<0.001;female:HR=17.009,95%CI:2.113-136.934,P<0.001),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a TBA level of<50 μmol/L,the patients with an age of≥45 years and a TBA level of≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=10.729,95%CI:1.325-86.859,P=0.026).Compared with the female patients with an symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the male patients with a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.825,95%CI:1.725-13.644,P=0.003),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.983,95%CI:1.366-18.173,P=0.015).Conclusion Compared with the reports from Western countries,large-duct PSC is also the main type of PSC in China,but with a relatively low proportion,and there is also a relatively low proportion of patients with IBD or positive ANCA.An increase in TBA and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval are independent risk factors for prognosis,with significant interactions with age and sex.This suggests that early screening and intervention should be enhanced to improve prognosis.
7.Application of solution-focused approach combined with empathic nursing in post-PCI patients with acute myocardial infarction
Liping MU ; Chen CHEN ; Jing LIU ; Lei WANG ; Jing YANG ; Linlin WANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Jinguo FU ; Heping NIU ; Fengpeng LI ; Qianyu ZHANG ; Rufu JIA
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(17):2320-2324
Objective:To explore the application effects of the solution-focused approach combined with empathic nursing in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) .Methods:A total of 96 AMI patients who underwent PCI in the Department of Cardiology at Cangzhou Central Hospital from March 2020 to March 2023 were selected using convenience sampling. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group ( n=48) and a control group ( n=48) using a random number table. The control group received routine nursing care, while the experimental group received a solution-focused approach combined with empathic nursing. Medication adherence, coping strategies, and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results:After the intervention, medication adherence and satisfaction scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the differences werestatistically significant ( P<0.05) . Additionally, the experimental group scored higher in confrontation coping, and lower in avoidance and resignation coping than the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.01) . Conclusions:The combination of a solution-focused approach and empathic nursing can effectively improve medication adherence, coping strategies, and patient satisfaction in AMI patients after PCI.
8.Application of solution-focused approach combined with empathic nursing in post-PCI patients with acute myocardial infarction
Liping MU ; Chen CHEN ; Jing LIU ; Lei WANG ; Jing YANG ; Linlin WANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Jinguo FU ; Heping NIU ; Fengpeng LI ; Qianyu ZHANG ; Rufu JIA
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(17):2320-2324
Objective:To explore the application effects of the solution-focused approach combined with empathic nursing in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) .Methods:A total of 96 AMI patients who underwent PCI in the Department of Cardiology at Cangzhou Central Hospital from March 2020 to March 2023 were selected using convenience sampling. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group ( n=48) and a control group ( n=48) using a random number table. The control group received routine nursing care, while the experimental group received a solution-focused approach combined with empathic nursing. Medication adherence, coping strategies, and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results:After the intervention, medication adherence and satisfaction scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the differences werestatistically significant ( P<0.05) . Additionally, the experimental group scored higher in confrontation coping, and lower in avoidance and resignation coping than the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.01) . Conclusions:The combination of a solution-focused approach and empathic nursing can effectively improve medication adherence, coping strategies, and patient satisfaction in AMI patients after PCI.
9.Reconstruction of Gustilo ⅢC foot and ankle injury in emergency surgery with Flow-through anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap combined with grafting of contralateral great saphenous vein
Liang YANG ; Rong ZHOU ; Jihui JU ; Zefeng NIU ; Zhongzheng LIU ; Liping GUO ; Zhijing LIU ; Qianheng JIN ; Chengwei GE
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(2):149-155
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of combination of a Flow-through anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap with a contralateral great saphenous vein grafting in reconstruction of Gustilo ⅢC foot and ankle injury in emergency surgery.Methods:This retrospective study analysed the clinical data of 9 patients who were admitted in the Department of Wound Repair Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital between September 2021 and October 2023. All patients were diagnosed with Gustilo ⅢC foot and ankle injury and met the predefined inclusion criteria. The average age of the patients was 45 (26-64) years. The mean of Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) was 8.2 points, with a range from 5 to 10 points. The wound area after debridement ranged from 15.5 cm×6.0 cm to 24.5 cm×12.5 cm, with the vascular occlusion or defect at 4.0-20.0 (mean, 6.3) cm in length. The size of the flap was 16.5 cm×7.0 cm-25.5 cm×13.5 cm. During surgery, segments of the great saphenous vein were excised in the length of 5.0-21.0 cm, at an approximately 6.5 cm in length. The Flow-through anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap was employed to reconstruct the soft tissue defect and to establish vascular connections between the anterior or posterior tibial arteries and veins, with the vessels carried by the flap. Additionally, the contralateral great saphenous vein was taken to bridge the posterior or anterior tibial arteries and veins. Follow-ups were carried out by outpatient visits, telephone calls and WeChat interviews. The flap viability, limb blood circulation, wound healing at both donor and recipient sites, as well as functional recovery of the affected limbs was observed. Sensation recovery of the flap was assessed according to the rating standard established by the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) , while the function recovery of foot and ankle was evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale.Results:All flaps successfully survived without vascular complication. Eight affected limbs were effectively cured, while a calf that had an infection and necrosis of a long segment of tibia and fibula was amputated below-the-knee in the stage-II surgery. One of the donor sites of flap was covered with a medium-thickness skin graft from lower abdomen due to the large size of the flap, while the other donor sites were directly sutured and healed at first intention. One patient developed postoperative bone infection, which was successfully treated through re-debridement and antibiotic bone cement filling. Another patient experienced partial necrosis at the distal hallux due to a prolonged limb ischemia, and a stump repair surgery was performed. All patients were entered into the postoperative follow-up for 15.3 (6-24) months. At the final follow-up visit, satisfactory colour and texture were observed on all flaps, although minor oedema was present. Donor sites healed well and the donor limb function was not affected. Sensory evaluation rated S 2 in 5 flaps and S 3 in 3 flaps according to BMRC. Functional assessment of foot and ankle of the affected limb yielded excellent in 2 patients, good in 5 patients and fair in 1 patient according to AOFAS. Conclusion:Flow-through anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap combined with a contralateral great saphenous vein grafting enables one-stage reconstruction for soft tissue defect and blood circulation of the affected limb. It is a good method in the treatment of Gustilo ⅢC foot and ankle injury in emergency surgery.
10.Clinical effects of free bilateral turbocharged anterolateral thigh flaps in tandem in repairing extensive wounds in the foot and ankle
Liang YANG ; Rong ZHOU ; Jihui JU ; Zefeng NIU ; Zhongzheng LIU ; Liping GUO ; Zhijin LIU ; Qianheng JIN ; Chengwei GE ; Guiyang WANG ; Lin YANG ; Junnan CHENG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(1):61-69
Objective:To explore the clinical effects of free bilateral turbocharged anterolateral thigh flaps in tandem in repairing extensive wounds in the foot and ankle.Methods:The study was a retrospective observational study. From April 2020 to June 2023, 12 patients with extensive wounds in the foot and ankle who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Wound Repair Surgery of Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital, including 8 males and 4 females, aged 21 to 65 years. The wound area after debridement ranged from 27 cm×14 cm to 37 cm×20 cm. The bilateral perforator flaps pedicled with either oblique or descending branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery were designed and harvested based on the size and shape of the wounds. The individual flap incision area ranged from 16 cm×9 cm to 34 cm×12 cm. The non-homologous perforator of the flap on the one side was turbocharged by anastomosing it with the gross muscular branch or main vessel of the oblique or descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery from the flap. Subsequently, the proximal end of the oblique or descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its accompanying vein from the flap on the one side were connected end-to-end with either the anterior tibial artery and vein, posterior tibial artery and vein, or dorsal foot artery and vein in the recipient area, the distal end of the oblique or descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its accompanying vein from the flap on the one side were anastomosed end-to-end with a source vessel originating from flap on the other side. The wounds in the flap donor areas were sutured directly. The number and source of perforators carried by the flaps and the duration of the flap repair surgery were recorded. The survival of the flap, the occurrence of vascular crisis, and the wound healing at both donor and recipient areas were observed after surgery. The flap condition, appearance and function of the affected limb were observed during follow-up. At the last follow-up, the sensory function of the flap was assessed using the British Medical Research Council's sensory rating standard, the foot and ankle function of the affected limb was evaluated according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring standard.Results:A total 24 flaps were successfully harvested, carrying 60 perforators, including 34 perforators from the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, 24 perforators from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, one perforator from the transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and one perforator from the direct branch of the femoral artery. The duration of the flap repair surgery ranged from 4.2 to 9.0 hours. The flaps of 12 patients exhibited complete survival after surgery. A total of two flaps of two patients experienced venous crisis after surgery but survived through emergency exploration. One patient encountered undesirable wound healing at the donor area of flap on the one side after surgery, which healed after dressing change, debridement, and suturing. The remaining patients' donor area wounds healed. Two patients displayed impaired wound healing in the recipient area, which improved after dressing change and resection of residual sequestrum, and the wounds in the recipient area of other patients healed successfully. During the follow-up of 4-26 months, the flaps demonstrated favorable color and texture, slight edematous appearance, and partial sensory recovery, as well as good aesthetic and functional restoration of the affected limbs. At the last follow-up, the sensory function of the flap was assessed as grade S2 in 9 cases and grade S3 in 3 cases; the foot and ankle function of the affected limb was evaluated as excellent in two cases, good in 9 cases, and fair in one case.Conclusions:The bilateral turbocharged anterolateral thigh flaps have numerous sources of perforators. By implementing supercharging of non-homologous perforators within the flap, the vascular supply to the flap is turbocharged, thereby mitigating the risk of extensive flap necrosis. The flap is an effective approach for repairing extensive wounds in the foot and ankle, resulting in improved function of the affected limb after repair.

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