OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of free palmaris longus tendon graft reconstruction in the treatment of gouty tophus erosion lesions in flexor tendon of wrist and hand. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 8 patients with gouty tophus erosion lesions in flexor tendon of wrist and hand who underwent free palmaris longus tendon graft reconstruction between June 2017 and December 2023. All patients were male, aged 22-65 years, with an average of 45.9 years. The duration of gout history ranged from 2 to 18 years, with an average of 8.8 years. The duration from the discovery of gouty tophus to operation ranged from 12 to 26 months, with an average of 17.6 months. The gouty tophus eroded the flexor pollicis longus tendon in 4 cases, with Verdan flexor tendon zones being Ⅰ-Ⅱ in 1 case and Ⅳ-Ⅴ in 3 cases. The flexor digitorum profundus tendons were affected in 2 cases for the index finger, 1 for the middle finger, and 1 for the ring finger, all located in zone Ⅳ-Ⅴ. The long axis of the gouty tophus ranged from 2.3 to 4.5 cm, with an average of 3.4 cm. All 8 patients presented with limited finger flexion and extension. Among them, 4 cases were accompanied by median nerve compression symptoms, and 1 case had associated bone and joint destruction in the hand. The total active motion (TAM) of the affected finger was (81.3±30.2)° before operation according to the hand function evaluation criteria for tendon repair by the Chinese Society of Hand Surgery of the Chinese Medical Association, and the functional evaluation was poor. The harvested palmaris longus tendon intraoperatively was 7-9 cm in length. RESULTS: Surgical incisions in all 8 patients healed by first intention, with no infections, graft non-union, or significant adhesion complications. All patients were followed up 8-25 months, with an average of 14.8 months. Numbness symptoms resolved in all 4 patients who presented with median nerve compression symptoms. Patients did not experience wrist pain or other discomfort, and function was not compromised. At last follow-up, according to the hand function evaluation criteria for tendon repair by the Chinese Society of Hand Surgery of the Chinese Medical Association, the TAM of 8 patients was (197.5±55.8)°, which significantly improved when compared with that before operation ( t=11.638, P<0.001); the hand function of 1 patient with gouty tophus in zone Ⅰ-Ⅱ flexor pollicis longus tendon was good, and the other 7 patients were excellent. CONCLUSION Free palmaris longus tendon graft reconstruction demonstrates good effectiveness in treating gouty tophus erosion lesions in flexor tendon of wrist and hand.
Humans ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Adult ; Tendons/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Gout/complications* ; Wrist/surgery* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Hand/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of multi-segment inverted Y-shaped vein transplantation using the anterior lateral malleolar venous network for repair of amputated palm injury distal to the superficial palmar arch. METHODS: Between September 2018 and July 2023, 5 patients with amputated palm injury distal to the superficial palmar arch were treated. There were 3 males and 2 females with an average age of 35.4 years (range, 29-52 years). The time from injury to admission was 1-6 hours (mean, 3.2 hours). The multi-segment inverted Y-shaped vein transplantation in the anterior lateral malleolar venous network were used to repair the common and proper palmar digital arteries; the another anterior lateral malleolar venous network was used to repair the dorsal vein of the hand. The soft tissue defect of dorsal hand in 1 patient was repaired with the pedicled ilioinguinal flap, and the wound at the donor site was directly sutured. Postoperative treatment included anti-infection therapy, antispasmodic therapy, and thrombosis prevention measures. RESULTS: The partial necrosis of the fingertip of the thumb occurred in 1 case, and the marginal necrosis of the abdominal flap after operation occurred in 1 case. The remaining fingers showed good blood supply with normal tension. The incision at donor site of the abdominal flap healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 8-41 months (median, 19 months). At last follow-up, the hand contour was satisfactory; the grasping function, opposition function, and proprioception recovered, and two-point discrimination ranged from 5 to 7 mm (mean, 6 mm). According to the upper extremity function evaluation criteria issued by Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association, the functional outcomes were excellent in 3 cases, good in 1 case, and fair in 1 case. CONCLUSION The multi-segment inverted Y-shaped vein transplantation using the anterior lateral malleolar venous network for repairing defects in the common and proper palmar digital arteries distal to the superficial palmar arch offers advantages such as superficial location, flexible harvesting, and high compatibility. This technique has demonstrated favorable outcomes in complex transmetacarpal amputation reconstruction.
Humans ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; Hand Injuries/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Veins/transplantation* ; Surgical Flaps/blood supply* ; Hand/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery*

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of turbocharged large free anterolateral thigh flaps (ALTF) by anastomosis with a superior perforator of the flap in reconstruction of large soft tissue defects of limbs.Methods:From June 2017 to June 2021, 6 patients with large soft tissue defects of limbs with exposed joints and tendons were treated in the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University with turbocharged large free ALTFs. The pressurised blood supply of ALTF was achieved by anastomosing a superior perforating branch carried in the flap. Such large and turbocharged ALTFs were used to repair large soft tissue defects with exposed joints and tendons in limbs. Of the 6 patients, there were 4 males and 2 females, and aged 32-60(46.0±8.1) years old. Cause of injury: 5 by traffic accident and 1 by machine crush. Four patients had soft tissue defects in lower limbs: 2 with open tibia and fibula fractures, 1 had patellar defect and fibula fracture, and 1 associated with fibula fracture. The other 2 patients had soft tissue defect in upper limbs with bone and tendon exposed but without fracture. The sizes of wound were 25.0 cm×12.0 cm-35.0 cm×19.0 cm. In the primary surgery, Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) was applied. In the second stage, free ALTFs were used to cover the wound. The area of flap incision was increased by anastomosing the superior perforators and as the consequence, the size of flaps was achieved to 26.0 cm×13.0 cm-36.0 cm×15.0 cm. Donor site of 6 cases were reduced by direct suture, and the remaining wound was covered by free skin graft. Postoperative follow-ups were conducted at outpatient clinic reviews at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after surgery, and followed by telephone or WeChat interviews. The results of the operation were evaluated according to the appearance, texture and sensory recovery of the flap.Results:All 6 flaps survived and the patients completed the postoperative follow-up that lasted for 6-24 (16.7±5.0) months. No necrosis of flap occurred after surgery. The appearance and texture of the flaps were satisfactory without wear and tear. Sensation recover was evaluated by the standered of British Medical Research Council (BMRC), 4 patients recovered to S 3 and 2 patients to S 2. The Mayo score of the elbow joint was good in 2 patient with upper extremity injuries. Of the other 4 patients with lower limb injuries, the knee function evalued by Hospital for Special Surgery(HSS) score were excellent in 3 patients and good in 1 patient, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Societ(AOFAS) ankle-hind foot function score was excellent in 2 patients and good in 2 patients. There was no infection or function loss at all donor sites. Conclusion:The perforator of an ALTF is relatively constant, and the flap can partially restore sensation. The superior perforator is reliable and the incision area of the flap can be enlarged by anastomosing the superior perforator vessels. It is a better way to reconstruct a large soft tissue defects in limbs.

Objective:To explore the application and effect of multidisciplinary collaboration in patients with tophi during perioperative period.Methods:Forty-five patients undergoing tophaceous gout surgery in our hospital from May to October 2020 were selected as the control group and treated with routine treatment.From November 2020 to April 2021, 41 patients undergoing tophaceous gout surgery in our hospital who were treated with multidisciplinary collaboration management mode were included as the intervention group. Postoperative pain, blood uric acid level, hospitalization expenses, hospitalization days and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups.Results:After implementing the multidisciplinary integration man-agement mode, the pain score of the patients at 4 hours, 1 day and 3 days after operation was lower than that of the control group [(3.6±1.0) vs (4.1±1.0), t=2.33, P=0.022; (2.5±0.8) vs (3.0±0.6), t=3.85, P<0.001; (1.8±0.5) vs (2.2±0.7), t=3.52, P<0.001], the serum uric acid level was significantly lower than that of the control group at 1 month and 3 months after operation [(355±58) vs (3928±39), t=3.50, P=0.001; (316±48) vs (366±47), t=4.84, P<0.001], the hospitalization days and hospitalization expenses were significantly decreased [(8.90±2.48) d vs (10.62±3.96) d, t=2.44, P=0.017; (1.00±0.13) ten thousand yuan vs (1.11±0.17) ten thousand yuan, t=3.34, P=0.001], and the patient satisfaction was markedly improved (97.6% vs 82.2%, χ2=3.87, P=0.049). Conclusion:The multi-disciplinary collaboration mode in patients with tophi during perioperative period can effectively reduce the postoperative pain, improve the quality of care, promote reha-bilitation, improve the outcome, and reduce the economic burden of patients, which is worthy of popularization and being applied in clinic.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of free posterior tibial artery perforator flap in repair of forefoot soft tissue defect.Methods:From January 2017 to January 2021, a retrospective study was conducted on 13 patients with forefoot soft tissue defect, metatarsal head exposed, and forefoot transverse arch integrity, including 9 males and 4 females. The age was (40.0±13.0) years old. Cause of injury: 8 cases of traffic accident injury, 5 cases of heavy object smashing injury. Seven cases had forefoot skin defect and toe damage, and 6 cases had forefoot skin avulsion injury, open toe fracture with tendon, blood vessel and nerve injury. The wound area was 4.5 cm×3.0 cm-8.0 cm×6.0 cm. VSD treatment was performed in the first stage, and free posterior tibial artery perforator flap was used for the second stage. The flap area was 5.5 cm×4.0 cm-9.0 cm×7.0 cm. Outpatient reviews scheduled at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after surgery, through outpatient clinic, telephone or WeChat. The flaps were evaluated according to appearance, texture, sensory recovery, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot function scoring system.Results:All 13 flaps survived. The follow-up lasted for 6 to 24 months. The feet were in good shape, walking with weight beries, and the flaps had satisfactory appearance without wear and tear. Five cases were S 3, 6 were S 2, and 2 were S 1. According to AOFAS ankle-hindfoot function score, 4 had excellent scores, 7 were in good, and 2 in fair. Conclusion:The free posterior tibial artery perforator flap has relatively constant perforators, and the pedicle of the middle and upper perforators is longer, and the flap can build part of the sensation. Posterior artery perforator flap is a good flat for repairing the soft tissue defects of the metatarsal head of the forefoot.

Objective:To summarise the clinical experience in replantation of the severed auricle distal to helix with microsurgical technique.Methods:From December 2018 to October 2021, a total of 5 patients with severed auricle injury were treated in the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery of The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. They were 4 males and 1 female with 23-62 years old. After complete debridement of the auricular pinna, the retrograde replantation method was used. For arteries: a dorsal vein of the foot was used to bridge the posterior auricular artery. For veins: 2 patients had the veins directly anastomosed, 2 had the arteriovenous bridging to the posterior ear vein with dorsal foot veins, and the veins in 1 case were not anastomosed. Among the patients, 2 developed venous occlusions after severed auricle, and were treated with bloodletting through small incision at the skin margin. Two patients who received the arteriovenous of the severed auriclse achieved good blood supply. All the patients underwent treatments including anti-freezing, anti-spasm and anti-infection after the emergency surgery. The follow-ups were conducted regularly by telephone and by display photos via WeChat after surgery.Results:All 5 severed auricles were successfully replanted and survived. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 months to 2 years, with an average of 10 months. In the 2 cases with venous crisis, the auricles had mild atrophy. All auricles had no obvious pigmentation, and had the sensation recovery back to normal in 1 year after surgery.Conclusion:The pre-judgment of blood vessel quality and high-quality microsurgery skills are the necessary pre-conditions for auricle replantation. For replantation of severed auricle, it is the key to prevent vascular crisis by having the injured blood vessels thoroughly removed.

Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of gout patients and explore whether there is an interaction between serum uric acid and diastolic blood pressure affecting the onset of tophi.Methods:A total of 4 798 gout patients were retrospective selected in the outpatient Department of the Gout Clinical Medical Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from September 2016 to May 2020. It was divided into tophi group and non-tophi group to compare the differences in indicators. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of tophi, and an interaction model was constructed to analyze the interactions.Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between age, diastolic blood pressure, alcohol consumption history, gout family history, blood uric acid, urea nitrogen, and creatinine clearance and tophi formation. The results of blood uric acid-related interaction analysis showed a significant interaction between blood uric acid and diastolic blood pressure( Pinteraction=0.014), and the risk of developing tophi in low diastolic blood pressure and high diastolic blood pressure group increased by 34.4%( OR=1.344, 95% CI 1.105-1.635, P=0.003) and 95.4%( OR=1.954, 95% CI 1.558-2.450, P<0.001) in the high blood uric acid group compared with the low blood uric acid group. The results of diastolic blood pressure and blood uric acid subgroup analysis showed that there was no statistical difference in the risk of developing tophi in people with low uric acid levels( P=0.238), but in people with high uric acid levels, the risk of developing tophi was 67%( OR=1.670, 95% CI 1.379-2.022, P<0.001) higher than that in the low uric acid group. Conclusion:Age, diastolic blood pressure, combined alcohol consumption history and gout family history, blood uric acid, renal function are related to the occurrence of tophi. High uric acid and high diastolic blood pressure have interaction on the occurrence of tophi. Attention and proactive intervention shall be applied to this group of patients.

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), including acute radiation pneumonitis and chronic radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF), is a side effect of radiotherapy for lung cancer and esophageal cancer. Pulmonary macrophages, as a kind of natural immune cells maintaining lung homeostasis, play a key role in the whole pathological process of RILI. In the early stage of RILI, classically activated M1 macrophages secrete proinflammatory cytokines to induce inflammation and produce massive reactive oxygen species (ROS) through ROS-induced cascade to further impair lung tissue. In the later stage of RILI, alternatively activated M2 macrophages secrete profibrotic cytokines to promote the development of RIPF. The roles of macrophage in the pathogenesis of RILI and the related potential clinical applications are summarized in this review.
Humans ; Lung/radiation effects* ; Lung Injury/physiopathology* ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Radiation Injuries ; Radiation Pneumonitis/etiology* ; Radiotherapy/adverse effects*

To report a case of completely amputated ear beyond the anthelix with a severe cross section contusion. After the inspection and exclusion of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as per prevention and control procedure, an ear replantation surgery was performed under strict protective measures. At 2 week of followed-up, the replanted auricle survived well and the left ear showed a good appearance.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of lateral ligament reconstruction with autogenous partial peroneus longus tendon for chronic lateral ankle instability. Methods: Between September 2014 and November 2018, 32 patients (32 sides) with chronic lateral ankle instability were treated with lateral ankle ligament reconstruction by using autogenous anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon. There were 25 males and 7 females, with an average age of 28.5 years (range, 20-51 years). The disease duration was 6-41 months (mean, 8.9 months). The preoperative Karlsson-Peterson ankle score was 53.7±9.7. The talar tilt angle was (14.9±3.7)°, and the anterior talar translation was (8.2±2.8) mm. Six patients combined with osteochondral lesion of talus and 4 patients combined with bony impingement. Results: All incisions healed by first intention postoperatively. All patients were followed up 12-53 months (mean, 22.7 months). At last follow-up, the Karlsson-Peterson ankle score was 85.2±9.6; the talar tilt angle was (4.3±1.4)°; the anterior talar translation was (3.5±1.1) mm. There were significant differences in all indexes between pre- and post-operation ( P<0.05). Seventeen patients were very satisfied with the results, 10 patients were satisfied, 4 patients were normal, and 1 patient was unsatisfied. After operation, the ankle sprain occurred in 7 cases, the tenderness around the compression screws at calcaneus in 5 cases, the anterolateral pain of ankle joint over 6 months in 4 cases. No patient had discomfort around the reciepient sites. At last follow-up, the ultrasonography examination showed that there was no significant difference in the density and diameter between bilateral peroneus longus tendons in 12 cases. Conclusion: For chronic lateral ankle instability, the lateral ankle ligament reconstruction with the autogenous partial peroneus longus tendon is a safe and effective surgical option.