Objective:To analyze the necessity of anastomosis of the cutaneous nerve by comparing anterolateral femoral flaps with versus without anastomosis of the anterolateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the repair of extremity soft tissue defects.Methods:A retrospective analysis was made of the clinical data of 30 patients with extremity soft tissue defects who had been admitted to Department of Orthopedics, The Sixth People＇s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from September 2019 to March 2022. The patients were assigned into 2 groups according to whether the anterolateral femoral cutaneous nerve was anastomosed or not in the repair of extremity soft tissue defects using anterolateral femoral flaps. In the anastomosis groups of 14 cases, there were 7 males and 7 females, with an age of (46.4±15.2) years and a flap size of (22.4±7.3) cm×(8.5±1.3) cm. In the non-anastomosis group of 16 cases, there were 11 males and 5 females, with an age of (39.9±15.8) years and a flap size of (23.0±6.4) cm×(9.0±2.1) cm. The 2 groups were compared in terms of flap survival, Semmes-Weinstein recovery degree and area of monofilament tactile sensation, and time periods for temperature sensation and two-point discrimination.Results:There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in the preoperative general data, showing they were comparable ( P>0.05). All the flaps survived completely without vascular crisis. In the anastomosis group, the time periods required for Semmes-Weinstein recovery of monofilament tactile sensation to the areas of 20.0%, 50.0%, and 80.0% [(2.5±0.7) months, (6.7±1.1) months, and (11.0±1.2) months] were significantly shorter than those in the non-anastomosis group [(3.6±1.3) months, (8.6±1.4) months, and (15.0±2.2) months], the recovery area at the last follow-up [100.0% (100.0%, 100.0%)] was significantly larger than that in the non-anastomosis group [84.6% (81.7%, 89.9%)], and the time period for recovery of temperature sensation [(3.9±0.7) months] significantly shorter than that in the non-anastomosis group [(6.1±1.1) months] (all P<0.05). The time for recovery of two-point discrimination in the 14 patients in the anastomosis group was (10.4±1.7) months while only 7 of the 16 patients in the non-anastomosis group recovered two-point discrimination after (14.7±1.4) months, showing a significant difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the repair of extremity soft tissue defects using anterolateral femoral flaps, compared with no anastomosis of the cutaneous nerve, anastomosis of the anterolateral femoral cutaneous nerve may ensure more or less the sensory recovery of the flaps.

Objective:To observe the changes of the structure and visual function of the retina in patients with or without the ectopic inner foveal layers (EIFL) and to explore the factors influencing the recovery of visual function in patients with idiopathic epimacular membrane (IMEM).Methods:A retrospective clinical study. From March 2015 to June 2019, 90 patients with MEM who were diagnosed by Ophthalmic Center of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University were enrolled in the study. All patients were examined by best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and frequency domain optical coherence scan. BCVA was recorded by Snellen vision table, and it was converted into the minimum resolution angle logarithm (logMAR) vision. Among 90 eyes, IMEM grade 2-4 was 68 (75.6%, 68/90), 18 (20.0%, 18/90), 4 (4.4%, 4/90), respectively. According to this, the grade 2 was set as group A, and the grade 3 and grade 4 were combined to group B. There was no significant difference in age ( t=0.015), sex composition ratio of patients between two groups ( χ2=0.060) and the average of central macular thickness (CMT) ( F=2.277) ( P=0.904, 0.809, 0.141). The difference of average logMAR and BCVA was statistically significant ( F=35.913, P=0.000). All patients underwent 25G pars plana three channel vitrectomy with simultaneous removal of epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane. BCVA, CMT and improvement of IMEM grading were observed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation. BCVA, EIFL thickness and CMT were compared before and after operation by single factor repeated variance analysis; Fisher exact probability method was used to compare the changes of the anatomical structure of the eyes in the two groups at 12 months after operation. Results:1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation, the average eyes of logMAR BCVA in group A were 0.50±0.13, 0.38±0.12, 0.27±0.12, 0.19±0.10. The patients in group B were 0.66±0.14, 0.60±0.13, 0.54±0.14, 0.52±0.14. CMT in group A were 364.82±81.29, 281.65±72.45, 228.55±55.34, 182.84±56.13 μm. The patients in group B were 455.88±69.60, 440.18±68.65, 383.76±65.38, 371.39±66.60 μm. The difference was statistically significant in the two groups (BCVA: F=37.913, 11.479, 24.250, 39.013; P=0.000, 0.002, 0.000, 0.000. CMT: F=10.987, 39.610, 55.789, 79.987; P=0.002, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000). In group A, IMEM was improved to 57 eyes of grade 1 on 12 months after operation. Among the 18 eyes in group B, IMEM was improved to 1 and 3 eyes in level 1 and level 2, respectively, and no improvement was found in 4 eyes in grade 4. The difference was statistically significant ( P=0.000) in the improvement of the number of eyes in the two groups. Conclusions:The patients with IMEM without EIFL have better visual prognosis and reversible anatomical changes. EIFL is an important factor affecting the visual function and anatomical structure recovery after operation.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of staged surgery in treatment of calf Gustilo-Anderson type IIIC fracture.Methods:A retrospective case series was conducted to analyze clinical data of 16 patients with calf Gustilo-Anderson type IIIC fracture admitted to Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital from January 2017 to December 2019. There were 12 males and 4 females, with the age of (38.6±8.2)years (range, 18-53 years). All patients had limb salvage treatment at one stage in the emergency department. The survival of the limb and the occurrence of vascular crisis were examined within one week after limb salvage. The second stage involved the repair of skin and soft tissue defects with the defect area from 12.0 cm×5.0 cm to 20.0 cm×8.0 cm using free flaps. The survival of the flap, vascular crisis, and donor site healing within two weeks after the flap procedure. The third stage used bone graft revision and bone lengthening technology to repair bone tissue. The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and Mazur ankle joint function score were used to evaluate the function of the affected limb before bone repair and at the last follow-up. The fracture healing and related complications were observed at the last follow-up.Results:All patients were followed up for (14.2±4.6)months (range, 8-20 months). At one stage, the limb-saving surgery was successful in all patients, among which one had vascular crisis. At second stage, free flaps survived in all patients, among which two had vascular crisis. All donor areas were healed by first intention. At third stage, the LEFS of the affected limb was increased from (32.0±7.4)points before bone repair to (48.0±10.2)points at the last follow-up ( P<0.01) and the Mazur score was increased from (50.9±15.3)points before bone repair to (73.8±11.9)points at the last follow-up ( P<0.01). All bone defects were repaired and healed without complications such as infection or osteomyelitis at the last follow-up. Conclusion:For calf Gustilo-Anderson type IIIC fracture, the staged strategy can effectively save limbs and restore limb function.

Objective: To evaluate osteotomy, bone shortening and lengthening by one stage with external fixation for a large bone defect following open femoral fracture. Methods: From April 2014 to April 2019, 11 consecutive patients with a large bone defect following open femoral fracture were treated at Department of Orthopaedics, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Shanghai. They were 9 males and 2 females, with an average age of 40.5 years (from 18 to 70 years). The left side was involved in 6 cases and the right side in 5. All their primary open fractures had deteriorated into osteomyelitis and bone defects after treatment. Their bone defects averaged 60.5 mm after thorough debridement. Postoperative X-ray examinations were taken regularly. Bony union time and index, time till removal of external fixator, external fixation index, flap survival, soft tissue healing, visual analogue scale (VAS), Association for Studying and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scores for bone healing and lower limb function were recorded. Results: All the patients were followed up for 9 to 30 months (mean, 21.9 months). The bony union time averaged 10.5 months (from 5.2 to 22.3 months). The bony union indexes averaged 52.9 d/cm (from 33.4 to 73.3 d/cm). The time till removal of external fixator averaged 15.5 months (from 9.8 to 27.5 months). The external fixation indexes averaged 86.0 d/cm (from 60 to 113 d/cm). All the bone nonunions healed with no recurrence of osteomyelitis. Complications like union failure, refracture at ends of bone lengthening or fracture, or leg length discrepancy>2.5 cm, happened in none. The VAS scores ranged from 0 to 3 points. By ASAMI evaluation, the bony union was excellent in 10 cases and good in one case, and the lower limb function was excellent in 3 cases, good in 7 cases and fair in one. Conclusion Osteotomy, bone shortening and lengthening by one stage with external fixation is a reliable treatment for large femoral bone defects because this strategy can remove the lesions and restore the femoral length at the same time.

Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical effect of palmar venous anastomosis in fingertip replantation.Methods From October,2008 to May,2017,the clinical data of 15 patients with 24 finger replantation were retrospectively analyzed by outpatient,telephone and WeChat followed-up.One artery was anastomosed for revascularization with or without nerve repair,and 1 palmar venous anastomosis was performed to reestablish the outflow system.The finger nerve was sutured randomly according to the injury.Results The patients were followed-up for 18-65 (mean,39.9) months.Except for 1 replantation finger with rotation avulsed injury failed,the remaining 14 cases with 23 fingers survived completely.Excellent restoration of finger motion was observed during the follow-up.The mean regained static 2-point discrimination sensation was 3.6 (2.8-4.0) mm.All patients were satisfied with the treatment effect.Conclusion Successful palmar venous anastomosis can improve the survival rate of replanted fingertips,simplify postoperative care,reduce postoperative complications,and improve the treatment effect.

Objective To explore the operative technique and clinical results of posterior tibial artery perforator flap within saphenous nerve branch for sensory reconstruction.Methods From January,2016 to June,2018,9 patients suffered from soft tissue defect were treated by the posterior tibial artery perforator flap containing saphenous nerve branch.Seven patients were males and 2 were females,with age ranged from 31 to 62 years.Soft tissue defects located in hands in 5 patients,plantar in 2 patients,ankle in 1 patient and dorsal foot in 1 patient.The size of soft tissue defects ranged from 8.0 cm×2.5 cm to 21.0 cm×4.0 cm.The regular post-operative followed-up was performed.Results All flaps survived without complications.The size of flap ranged from 10.0 cm×3.5 cm-23.0 cm×5.0 cm.Donor sites were primarily closed in 5 patients and secondary closed in 4 patients.Followed-up ranged from 6 to 15 months with 10 months in average.The contour of flaps were satisfied and the sensory function of the donor sites were normal.At 6 months followed-up,SW test reached 5.07 in all flaps,and 2PD ranged from 14 to 35 mm.Conclusion The novel sensory flap can provide satisfied sensory outcome without sacrificing main artery and saphenous nerve,and is a good candidate for sensory reconstruction of soft tissue defects.

Objective To report clinical application of free chimeric vascularized fibular graft combined with sural flap for reconstruction of composite extremity defects after open fracture.Methods From June 2010 to July 2014,free chimeric vascularized fibular grafts and sural flaps were used to treat 4 patients with composite extremity defects at Department of Orthopaedics,The Sixth People's Hospital.They were 3 men and one woman,aged from 39 to 61 years(average,48.5 years).There were 2 cases of soft tissue defects on the forearm complicated with radial defect,one case of soft tissue defects on the forearm complicated with ulnar shaft defect,and one case of soft tissue defects on the leg complicated with tibial defect.The length of bone defect ranged from 8 cm to 18 cm (average,13.0 cm);the size of soft tissue defects ranged from 22 cm × 6cmto23cm × 15 cm (average,22.3cm × 9.7cm).Results The area of flap ranged from 25 cm × 9 cm to 26 cm × 18 cm (average,25 cm × 13 cm);the length of fibular graft ranged from 8 cm to 18 cm (average,13 cm).The 4 patients were followed up for 8 to 42 months (average,20.5 months).All the chimeric flaps survived.All the fractures united after an average of 8.5 months.The last follow-ups revealed no refracture.All the patients were satisfied with the outcomes.Conclusion Free chimeric vascularized fibular graft combined with sural flap is a reliable choice for reconstruction of composite extremity defects after open fracture.

Objective To evaluate the outcomes of internal fixation combined with bone grafting in the treatment of distal humeral nonunion.Methods This retrospective study included 48 patients who had undergone internal fixation combined with iliac bone grafting for distal humeral nonunion between January 2011 and December 2015 at Department of Orthopedic Surgery,The Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai.They were 31 males and 17 females,with a mean age of 35.4 years (from 22 to 49 years).The outcomes were evaluated by clinical examination,X-ray film,Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) during follow-up.Results All the 48 patients were followed up for 18 to 60 months (mean,36 months).No wound-related complications were reported in this cohort.Solid bone union was achieved at 3 to 8 months (mean,4.2 months) after surgery.At the last follow-up,the range of elbow flexion-extension was improved from preoperative 66° to 101°,and the ranges of pronation and supination were enhanced from 65° and 45° preoperatively to 82° and 75°,respectively.The MEPS increased from 54 points preoperatively to 82 points postoperatively.The results were excellent in 26,good in 16 and fair in 6 cases (with an excellent to good rate of 87.5％).The VAS decreased from 4.5 points preoperatively to 1.2 points postoperatively,indicating notable relief of the elbow pain due to distal humeral nonunion.Follow-ups revealed no ulnar nerve injury,nonunion,heterotopic ossification,implant loosening or breakage,or instability of the elbow joint.Conclusion Internal fixation combined with bone grafting is reliable in treatment of distal humeral nonunion,leading to satisfactory outcomes.

Objective To clarify the role of microsurgery in limb salvage procedure and its efficiency in long-term functional results through a retrospective review of patients who sustained severe injury of lower extremities and had been treated Shanghai 6th people's hospital, in recent 10 years. Methods Patients who sustained severe injury of lower extremities and treated with microsurgical techniques in January, 2006 to January, 2016 were studied. Patients' general information, classification of open fracture, and MESS were noted. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups (group A: primary microsurgical reconstruction;group B: non-microsurgical reconstruction ) according to whether primary microsurgical reconstruction was performed or not. Each group were also further divided into sub-group according to preoperative MESS (MESS<7 and MESS≥7). The reconstruction methods, hospitalization days, op-eration times, postoperative complications, as well as the SIP were then recorded for each groups. The differences of these data among each groups were analyzed and compared. Results The main objection was patient with Gustilo grade III open fracture, totally 548 patients were admitted, with 312 males and 236 females. The main age was 35.6 years old. The main etiology was road traffic accident (79.7％). There were 211 patients (38.5％) in group A, and 337 patients (61.5％) in group B. In group A, there were 37 patients in subgroup one (MESS<7), and 174 patients in sub-group two (MESS≥7). The rate of delayed amputation was 2.8％, while the complication rate was 11.8％. In group B, there were 181 patients in subgroup one(MESS<7), and 156 patients in subgroup two (MESS≥7). The rate of delayed amputation was 4.0％, while the complication rate was 13.3％. In long-term survey, the average VAS score of group B was higher than that of group A, but no significant difference was noted. The average VAS scores in 2 year postopera-tively in the subgroups (MESS≥7) were higher than those in the other subgroups (MESS<7). The results of SIP scores were similar with VAS scores in two groups. Conclusion The techniques of microsurgery has been promoting the successful rates and outcomes for limb salvage procedure over the recent decades. Meanwhile, the current evaluating system for se-vere limb injury needs to be updated to meet the demands of ever-developing limb salvage techniques.