1.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
2.Prometive effect of knockdown of KIF3B gene on autophagy in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells by inhibiting Shh signaling pathway
Zhongzheng LIU ; Shubo LIAN ; Wenxuan FENG ; Xin WEN ; Hanyu LIU ; Wei HE
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(6):1445-1451
Objective:To discuss the effect of knock down of gene of kinesin family member 3B(KIF3B),an important component of primary cilia(PC)of in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal on the autophagy level of cells(mEPMCs)cells,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods:The mEPMCs from gestational day 14.5 C57BL/6J mice cultured in vitro were collected and divided into control group(administered normal saline),empty lentivirus transfected cell group(sh-NC group)(administered lentivirus transfection),KIF3B knockdown group(sh-KIF3B group)(administered KIF3B gene knockdown),and KIF3B knockdown plus Smoothened receptor agonist(SAG)group(sh-KIF3B+SAG group)(administered KIF3B gene knockdown followed by SAG addition),based on whether the KIF3B gene was knocked down and whether the SAG was used to activate the sonic hedgehog(Shh)signaling pathway and its downstream coreceptor Smo,with 5 rats in each group.Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the morphology and the number of autophagosomes/autolysosomes in the mEPMCs in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1 and p62,and the Shh signaling pathway proteins Shh and Smo in the mEPMCs in various groups.Results:The transmission electron microscope observation results showed that compared with control group,the number of autophagosomes/autolysosomes in sh-KIF3B group was significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with sh-KIF3B group,the number of autophagosomes/autolysosomes in the mEPMCs in sh-KIF3B+SAG group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).The Western blotting results showed that compared with control group,the Beclin-1 protein expression level in the mEPMCs in sh-KIF3B group was significantly increased(P<0.05),and the KIF3B,p62,Shh,and Smo protein expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with sh-KIF3B group,the Shh,Smo,and p62 protein expression levels in the mEPMCs in sh-KIF3B+SAG group were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the Beclin-1 protein expression level was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion:Knockdown of KIF3B gene can promote autophagy of the mEPMCs,and the mechanism may be related to its inhibition of the Shh signaling pathway.
3.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.
4.Clinical characteristics and carbapenem resistance gene of Klebsiella pneumonia isolates from children in Chongqing region from 2019 to 2024
Meirong ZHOU ; Dapeng CHEN ; Chunmei JING ; Zhongzheng XIONG ; Yupei XIANG ; Fang LIU ; Wei XIE
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(10):1655-1664
Objective:To investigate the clinical distribution characteristics changes in antimicrobial resistance, and carbapenemase resistance genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from children in Chongqing region during the period of January 2019 to December 2024, providing a basis for the rational use of antibiotics and the prevention and control of nosocomial infections.Methods:An observational study was conducted to retrospectively analyze 5 020 Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) isolates detected in four hospitals of the Southwest Pediatric Laboratory Specialty Alliance. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the minimum inhibitory concentration method combined with the disk diffusion method. Results were interpreted according to the 2024 Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards. Carbapenemase resistance genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with Sanger sequencing. WHONET 5.6 was used for resistance analysis and SPSS 19.0 for statistical analysis. The chi-square test was used to assess trends in resistance rates, ESBL detection rates, and resistance rates of different CRKP carbapenemase genotypes from 2019 to 2024. Statistical significance was confirmed if the two-tailed P-value was <0.05. Results:A total of 5 020 strains were isolated, with a detection rate of 5.1% (5 020/99 063). The majority were from sputum (59.2%, 2 970/5 020), followed by pus (17.1%, 857), urine (9.7%, 487), venous blood (6.5%, 326), secretions (2.6%, 130), and other specimens (5.0%, 250).The lowest resistance rate was to amikacin (3.8%), followed by levofloxacin (10.9%), imipenem (19.1%), and meropenem (19.9%). Resistance rates to cefoperazone/sulbactam ( χ2=9.982 0, P=0.001 6), piperacillin/tazobactam ( χ2=10.110 0, P=0.001 5), ceftazidime ( χ2=3.849 0, P=0.049 8), cefotaxime ( χ2=7.605 0, P=0.005 8), cefepime ( χ2=13.510 0, P=0.000 2), aztreonam ( χ2=6.457 0, P=0.011 1), imipenem ( χ2=4.672 0, P=0.030 7), and levofloxacin ( χ2=7.555 0, P=0.006 0) showed an annual increasing trend. The main carbapenemase genes were blaNDM-5 (42.2%, 127/301), blaNDM-1 (33.9%, 102/301), and blaKPC-2 (17.3%, 52/301). Patients with KPC-2-producing strains (median age, 240 days) were older than those with NDM-1/NDM-5-producing strains (median age, 40 days) ( χ2=22.620 0, P<0.000 1). In neonatal wards, the detection rate of NDM-KP was higher than that of KPC-KP (64.6%, 148/229 vs. 26.9%, 14/52, χ2=24.680 0, P<0.000 1), whereas in ICUs, it was lower (6.1%, 14/229 vs. 26.9%, 14/52, χ2=20.450 0, P<0.000 1). Conclusion:In Chongqing region, the isolation rate of K. pneumoniae from sputum was the highest with most cases from neonatal wards. Resistance to carbapenems showed an upward trend. BlaNDM-5 was the predominant genotype in pediatric CRKP. Patients with KPC-KP were older than those with NDM-KP. NDM-KP predominated in neonatal wards, while KPC-KP predominated in ICUs, with KPC-KP showing higher antimicrobial resistance.
5.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.
6.Effects of scaffold materials combined with biological factors on biological characteristics of dental follicle cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation
Zhongzheng LI ; Zhenghao CHEN ; Ziyou TANG ; Kaiyang LOU ; Rui ZHANG ; Qi LIU ; Na ZHAO ; Kun YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(34):7405-7414
BACKGROUND:Dental follicle cells are widely used in periodontal tissue regeneration engineering because of their excellent characteristics.With the development of biological scaffold materials,their relationship with periodontal tissue regeneration technology is increasingly close.OBJECTIVE:To review the performance of ivory follicle cells under the influence of internal and external biological factors by different experiments,and analyze their effects on the biological characteristics of dental follicle cells with scaffold materials.METHODS:Using"dental follicle cell,scaffolds,material,periodontal tissue regeneration,tissue engineering,review"as English and Chinese key words,the articles published in PubMed,Sciencedirect,and CNKI from 2013 to 2023 were searched,and finally 95 articles were included for analysis and discussion.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Dental follicle cells originate from dental follicle tissue,which has certain stem cell differentiation potential.Because of its excellent performance,it is actively used in periodontal tissue regeneration engineering research.(2)The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental follicle cells are affected by many biological factors,and both endogenous and exogenous factors can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental follicle cells to a certain extent.(3)3D printing technology and nanotechnology enable researchers to manufacture more suitable scaffold materials.(4)Polymer materials show us their flexibility and plasticity in periodontal tissue regeneration.We can manufacture targeted scaffold materials according to different defect sites to achieve efficient tissue regeneration.The good biocompatibility of inorganic materials makes them widely used in periodontal tissue regeneration engineering.By adjusting the content of nanoscale inorganic materials or improving the performance of scaffolds,scaffolds with better biocompatibility can be prepared.(5)There are many new synthetic(composite)materials,which show us excellent characteristics.However,because the mechanism of biological factors in scaffold materials on dental follicle cells is complicated,and the research on dental follicle cells is mostly concentrated on in vitro culture,so how to make scaffold materials more suitable for the growth and development of dental follicle cells and apply them safely and effectively in clinical treatment is the future research direction.
7.Effects of scaffold materials combined with biological factors on biological characteristics of dental follicle cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation
Zhongzheng LI ; Zhenghao CHEN ; Ziyou TANG ; Kaiyang LOU ; Rui ZHANG ; Qi LIU ; Na ZHAO ; Kun YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(34):7405-7414
BACKGROUND:Dental follicle cells are widely used in periodontal tissue regeneration engineering because of their excellent characteristics.With the development of biological scaffold materials,their relationship with periodontal tissue regeneration technology is increasingly close.OBJECTIVE:To review the performance of ivory follicle cells under the influence of internal and external biological factors by different experiments,and analyze their effects on the biological characteristics of dental follicle cells with scaffold materials.METHODS:Using"dental follicle cell,scaffolds,material,periodontal tissue regeneration,tissue engineering,review"as English and Chinese key words,the articles published in PubMed,Sciencedirect,and CNKI from 2013 to 2023 were searched,and finally 95 articles were included for analysis and discussion.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Dental follicle cells originate from dental follicle tissue,which has certain stem cell differentiation potential.Because of its excellent performance,it is actively used in periodontal tissue regeneration engineering research.(2)The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental follicle cells are affected by many biological factors,and both endogenous and exogenous factors can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental follicle cells to a certain extent.(3)3D printing technology and nanotechnology enable researchers to manufacture more suitable scaffold materials.(4)Polymer materials show us their flexibility and plasticity in periodontal tissue regeneration.We can manufacture targeted scaffold materials according to different defect sites to achieve efficient tissue regeneration.The good biocompatibility of inorganic materials makes them widely used in periodontal tissue regeneration engineering.By adjusting the content of nanoscale inorganic materials or improving the performance of scaffolds,scaffolds with better biocompatibility can be prepared.(5)There are many new synthetic(composite)materials,which show us excellent characteristics.However,because the mechanism of biological factors in scaffold materials on dental follicle cells is complicated,and the research on dental follicle cells is mostly concentrated on in vitro culture,so how to make scaffold materials more suitable for the growth and development of dental follicle cells and apply them safely and effectively in clinical treatment is the future research direction.
8.Clinical characteristics and carbapenem resistance gene of Klebsiella pneumonia isolates from children in Chongqing region from 2019 to 2024
Meirong ZHOU ; Dapeng CHEN ; Chunmei JING ; Zhongzheng XIONG ; Yupei XIANG ; Fang LIU ; Wei XIE
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(10):1655-1664
Objective:To investigate the clinical distribution characteristics changes in antimicrobial resistance, and carbapenemase resistance genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from children in Chongqing region during the period of January 2019 to December 2024, providing a basis for the rational use of antibiotics and the prevention and control of nosocomial infections.Methods:An observational study was conducted to retrospectively analyze 5 020 Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) isolates detected in four hospitals of the Southwest Pediatric Laboratory Specialty Alliance. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the minimum inhibitory concentration method combined with the disk diffusion method. Results were interpreted according to the 2024 Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards. Carbapenemase resistance genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with Sanger sequencing. WHONET 5.6 was used for resistance analysis and SPSS 19.0 for statistical analysis. The chi-square test was used to assess trends in resistance rates, ESBL detection rates, and resistance rates of different CRKP carbapenemase genotypes from 2019 to 2024. Statistical significance was confirmed if the two-tailed P-value was <0.05. Results:A total of 5 020 strains were isolated, with a detection rate of 5.1% (5 020/99 063). The majority were from sputum (59.2%, 2 970/5 020), followed by pus (17.1%, 857), urine (9.7%, 487), venous blood (6.5%, 326), secretions (2.6%, 130), and other specimens (5.0%, 250).The lowest resistance rate was to amikacin (3.8%), followed by levofloxacin (10.9%), imipenem (19.1%), and meropenem (19.9%). Resistance rates to cefoperazone/sulbactam ( χ2=9.982 0, P=0.001 6), piperacillin/tazobactam ( χ2=10.110 0, P=0.001 5), ceftazidime ( χ2=3.849 0, P=0.049 8), cefotaxime ( χ2=7.605 0, P=0.005 8), cefepime ( χ2=13.510 0, P=0.000 2), aztreonam ( χ2=6.457 0, P=0.011 1), imipenem ( χ2=4.672 0, P=0.030 7), and levofloxacin ( χ2=7.555 0, P=0.006 0) showed an annual increasing trend. The main carbapenemase genes were blaNDM-5 (42.2%, 127/301), blaNDM-1 (33.9%, 102/301), and blaKPC-2 (17.3%, 52/301). Patients with KPC-2-producing strains (median age, 240 days) were older than those with NDM-1/NDM-5-producing strains (median age, 40 days) ( χ2=22.620 0, P<0.000 1). In neonatal wards, the detection rate of NDM-KP was higher than that of KPC-KP (64.6%, 148/229 vs. 26.9%, 14/52, χ2=24.680 0, P<0.000 1), whereas in ICUs, it was lower (6.1%, 14/229 vs. 26.9%, 14/52, χ2=20.450 0, P<0.000 1). Conclusion:In Chongqing region, the isolation rate of K. pneumoniae from sputum was the highest with most cases from neonatal wards. Resistance to carbapenems showed an upward trend. BlaNDM-5 was the predominant genotype in pediatric CRKP. Patients with KPC-KP were older than those with NDM-KP. NDM-KP predominated in neonatal wards, while KPC-KP predominated in ICUs, with KPC-KP showing higher antimicrobial resistance.
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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