OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in fatigue and post-exertional malaise; however, whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is unclear. This study investigated the association between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and postpartum LUTS. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in China from November 1, 2022, to November 1, 2023. Participants were classified into infected and uninfected groups based on SARS-CoV-2 antigen results. LUTS prevalence and severity were assessed using self-reported symptoms and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). Pelvic floor muscle activity was measured using electromyography following the Glazer protocol. Group comparisons were performed to evaluate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LUTS and electromyography parameters, with stratified analyses conducted using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Among 3,652 participants (681 infected, 2,971 uninfected), no significant differences in LUTS prevalence or IIQ-7 scores were observed. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection was an independent factor influencing the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles (mean tonic contraction amplitudes), regardless of delivery mode ( P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly associated with an increased risk of postpartum LUTS but independently altered pelvic floor muscle electromyographic activity, suggesting potential neuromuscular effects.
Humans ; Female ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Pregnancy ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/virology* ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Electromyography ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pelvic Floor/physiopathology* ; Prevalence

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the repeatability and reliability of a self-developed domestic wireless surface electromyography (sEMG) system (Oralmetry) in assessing the activity of the temporalis and masseter muscles to provide theoretical support for its clinical application. METHODS: Twenty-two volunteers were recruited. Through multiple repeated measurements, the sEMG signals of bilateral anterior temporalis and masseter muscles during maximum voluntary clenching were collected using the self-developed sEMG device, Oralmetry, and two commercial sEMG devices (Zebris and Teethan), filtered, screened, and standardized. Seven sEMG indicators for assessing masticatory muscle function were calculated. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the repeatability of the measurements from the three sEMG devices, and statistical analysis was conducted to compare the consistency of the seven sEMG indicators obtained from the devices. RESULTS: Among the 22 participants, the ICC values of the repeated measurements from the three sEMG devices ranged from 0.88 to 0.99. The measurements of three sEMG indicators (antero-posterior coeffificient, percentage overlapping coeffificient_MM, and percentage overlapping coeffificient_TA) obtained by Zebris were significantly different from those obtained by Oralmetry and Teethan (P<0.05). No significant differences in the measurements of the seven sEMG indicators were found between Oralmetry and Teethan. CONCLUSIONS Oralmetry and the two commercial sEMG devices demonstrated good repeatability in capturing sEMG indicators for evaluating masticatory muscle function. In particular, Oralmetry showed the highest ICC values. All three devices also exhibited good consistency in measuring sEMG indicators, and a high agreement was observed between the two wireless sEMG devices (Oralmetry and Teethan). These findings provide theoretical support for the clinical application of Oralmetry.
Humans ; Electromyography/methods* ; Masseter Muscle/physiology* ; Masticatory Muscles/physiology* ; Wireless Technology ; Reproducibility of Results ; Temporal Muscle/physiology* ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of biodegradable magnesium alloy materials in promoting tendon-bone healing during rotator cuff tear repair and to investigate their potential underlying biological mechanisms. METHODS: Forty-eight 8-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were taken and randomly divided into groups A, B, and C. Rotator cuff tear models were created and repaired using magnesium alloy sutures in group A and Vicryl Plus 4-0 absorbable sutures in group B, while only subcutaneous incisions and sutures were performed in group C. Organ samples of groups A and B were taken for HE staining at 1 and 2 weeks after operation to evaluate the safety of magnesium alloy, and specimens from the supraspinatus tendon and proximal humerus were harvested at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation. The specimens were observed macroscopically at 4 and 12 weeks after operation. Biomechanical tests were performed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks to test the ultimate load and stiffness of the healing sites in groups A and B. At 2, 4, and 12 weeks, the specimens were subjected to the following tests: Micro-CT to evaluate the formation of bone tunnels in groups A and B, HE staining and Masson staining to observe the regeneration of fibrocartilage at the tendon-bone interface after decalcification and sectioning, and Goldner trichrome staining to evaluate the calcification. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expressions of angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), as well as osteogenic factors at the tendon-bone interface. Additionally, immunofluorescence staining was used to examine the expressions of Arginase 1 and Integrin beta-2 to assess M1 and M2 macrophage polarization at the tendon-bone interface. The role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway in tendon-bone healing was further analyzed using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Analysis of visceral sections revealed that magnesium ions released during the degradation of magnesium alloys did not cause significant toxic effects on organs such as the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, indicating good biosafety. Histological analysis further demonstrated that fibrocartilage regeneration at the tendon-bone interface in group A occurred earlier, and the amount of fibrocartilage was significantly greater compared to group B, suggesting a positive effect of magnesium alloy material on tendon-bone interface repair. Additionally, Micro-CT analysis results revealed that bone tunnel formation occurred more rapidly in group A compared to group B, further supporting the beneficial effect of magnesium alloy on bone healing. Biomechanical testing showed that the ultimate load in group A was consistently higher than in group B, and the stiffness of group A was also greater than that of group B at 4 weeks, indicating stronger tissue-carrying capacity following tendon-bone interface repair and highlighting the potential of magnesium alloy in enhancing tendon-bone healing. Immunohistochemical staining results indicated that the expressions of VEGF and BMP-2 were significantly upregulated during the early stages of healing, suggesting that magnesium alloy effectively promoted angiogenesis and bone formation, thereby accelerating the tendon-bone healing process. Immunofluorescence staining further revealed that magnesium ions exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects by regulating macrophage polarization, promoting their shift toward the M2 phenotype. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR results demonstrated that magnesium ions could facilitate tendon-bone healing by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Biodegradable magnesium alloy material accelerated fibrocartilage regeneration and calcification at the tendon-bone interface in rat rotator cuff tear repair by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby significantly enhancing tendon-bone healing.
Animals ; Rotator Cuff Injuries/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; Wound Healing/drug effects* ; Alloys/pharmacology* ; Rats ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Rotator Cuff/metabolism* ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Magnesium/pharmacology* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism* ; Male ; Biocompatible Materials ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of autologous osteochondral tissue and periosteum transplantation on tendon-bone healing of rotator cuff in rabbits. METHODS: Twenty-four male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into autologous osteochondral tissue and periosteum transplantation group (experimental group, n=12) and simple suture group (control group, n=12). Both groups were subjected to acute supraspinatus tendon injury and repaired with corresponding techniques. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, 4 specimens from each group were taken from the right shoulder joint for histological examination (HE staining, Masson staining, and Safranin O-fast green staining), and the left shoulder was subjected to biomechanical tests (maximum tensile load and stiffness). RESULTS: Both groups of animals survived until the completion of the experiment after operation. At 4 weeks after operation, both groups showed less collagen fibers and disorder at the tendon-bone junction. At 8 weeks, both groups showed reduced inflammation at the tendon-bone junction, with more organized and denser collagen fibers and chondrocytes. The experimental group showed better results than the control group. At 12 weeks, the experimental group showed typical tendon-bone transition structure, with increased generation of collagen fibers and chondrocytes, and the larger cartilage staining area. Both groups showed an increase in maximum tensile load and stiffness over time ( P<0.05). The stiffness at 4 weeks and the maximum tensile load at 4, 8, and 12 weeks in the experimental group were superior to control group, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in stiffness at 8, 12 weeks between the two groups ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION Autologous osteochondral tissue and periosteum transplantation can effectively promote the fiber and cartilage regeneration at the tendon-bone junction of rotator cuff and improve the biomechanical effect of shoulder joint in rabbits.
Animals ; Rabbits ; Male ; Wound Healing ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Periosteum/transplantation* ; Rotator Cuff Injuries ; Rotator Cuff/surgery* ; Tendons/surgery* ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Chondrocytes/transplantation* ; Tendon Injuries/surgery* ; Tensile Strength

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic double fixation and enhanced suture of long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) in situ for repairing rotator cuff tear. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 patients with rotator cuff tears and LHBT injuries admitted between June 2022 and November 2023. All patients underwent arthroscopic double fixation and enhanced suture of LHBT in situ. There were 12 males and 19 females, with an average age of 61.6 years (range, 53-76 years). There were 10 cases of acute injury and 21 cases of chronic injury. According to DeOrio and Cofield classification criteria, the degree of rotator cuff tear rated as medium-sized tears in 3 cases, large tears in 12 cases, and massive tears in 16 cases. Associated injuries included 5 cases of shoulder joint adhesions, 12 cases of subscapularis muscle tears, and 31 case of shoulder impingement syndromes. The shoulder range of motion (ROM) (forward flexion, abduction, lateral external rotation, lateral internal rotation) and pain/function scores [visual analogue scale (VAS) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, Constant-Murley score] were recorded before operation and at last follow-up. MRI at last follow-up were taken to evaluate the rotator cuff healing and structural integrity. RESULTS: All 31 surgeries were successfully completed with operation time ranging from 90 to 210 minutes (mean, 144 minutes). The 3-5 anchors (mean, 3.8 anchors) were used during operation. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-29 months (mean, 18.5 months). At 3 months after operation, 2 cases developed joint adhesions, 3 had internal rotation limitations, and 2 experienced residual pain at the intertubercular groove, all resolved with conservative management. No Popeye deformity occurred during follow-up. At last follow-up, shoulder ROM (forward flexion, abduction, lateral external rotation, lateral internal rotation) and pain/function scores (VAS, UCLA, and Constant-Murley scores) showed significant improvements compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, MRI evaluation showed that the rotator cuff healing rate reached 90.3% according to the Sugaya classification criteria. LHBT exhibited normal morphology, course, and continuity without dislocation. Surrounding synovial sheath showed no thickening or effusion. CONCLUSION Arthroscopic double fixation and enhanced suture of LHBT in situ for repairing rotator cuff tear can significantly reduce shoulder joint pain, improve ROM, and achieve a high rotator cuff healing rate.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Rotator Cuff Injuries/physiopathology* ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Suture Techniques ; Treatment Outcome ; Rotator Cuff/surgery* ; Shoulder Joint/physiopathology* ; Tendons/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transplantation combined with external fixation in the treatment of bone and soft tissue defects around the knee joint. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 13 patients with high-energy trauma-induced bone and soft tissue defects around the knee joint admitted between January 2016 and July 2023. Among them, 11 were male and 2 were female, the age ranged from 23 to 61 years, with an average of 35.7 years. The causes of injury included 10 cases of traffic accident, 2 cases of machine entanglement injury, and 1 case of heavy object crush injury. According to the Gustilo-Anderson classification, 11 cases were type Ⅲ B and 2 cases were type Ⅲ C. Post-injury, 2 cases had wound infection and 2 cases had popliteal artery injury. The time from injury to flap repair was 40-49 days, with an average of 27.5 days. The wound size was 18 cm×13 cm to 32 cm×20 cm, all accompanied by distal femoral bone defects and quadriceps muscle defects. After primary debridement, vacuum sealing drainage combined with external fixation was used for treatment. In the second stage, free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were transplanted to repair soft tissue defects, with the flap size ranging from 20 cm×15 cm to 34 cm×22 cm. The donor sites of 9 flaps were directly sutured, and 4 cases with large tension were repaired with a keystone flap based on the posterior intercostal artery perforator. At 6-15 months postoperatively, with an average of 10.5 months, 11 patients underwent knee arthrodesis surgery; 2 patients with large bone defects at the distal femur and proximal tibia underwent multi-segment bone transport reconstruction of the bone defect. At last follow-up, the recovery of the flap and the donor site was recorded, and the function of the shoulder joint was evaluated by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and the function of the affected knee joint was evaluated by the Knee Society Score (KSS). RESULTS: All the flaps survived after operation, the wounds and donor site incisions healed by first intention. All 13 patients were followed up 15-55 months, with an average of 21.6 months. Four patients who underwent the restoration of the donor site with the thoracodorsal keystone perforator flap had obvious scar hyperplasia around the wound, but no contracture or symmetrical breasts on both sides. At last follow-up, the appearance and texture of the flaps were good; the bony fusion of the knee joint was good, and the range of motion and function recovered well; the shoulder joint function on the flap-harvested side was not significantly affected, and the range of motion was satisfactory. The ASES shoulder joint score of the latissimus dorsi muscle-harvested side was 85-95, with an average of 89.5. The knee joint function KSS score was 75-90, with an average of 81.2. CONCLUSION Free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transplantation combined with external fixation for the treatment of bone and soft tissue defects around the knee joint caused by high-energy trauma can repair bone and soft tissue defects and reconstruct the stability of the knee joint, effectively preserve the integrity of the limb and soft tissues, and improve the patient's ability of self-care.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Superficial Back Muscles/transplantation* ; External Fixators ; Myocutaneous Flap/transplantation* ; Knee Joint/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Knee Injuries/surgery* ; Free Tissue Flaps/transplantation*

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel arthroscopic technique of modified tri-anchor double-pulley suture-bridge in repairing medium-sized supraspinatus tendon tears and evaluate the early effectiveness. METHODS: Between June 2021 and January 2024, 26 patients with medium-sized supraspinatus tendon tears who underwent arthroscopic modified tri-anchor double-pulley suture-bridge repair and met the selective criteria were included. There were 11 males and 15 females with an average age of 61.4 years (range, 43-74 years). Five patients had a significant history of trauma, while the remaining 21 patients had no apparent cause. The time from symptom onset to hospitalization was 3-25 months (mean, 7.9 months). The effectiveness was evaluated during follow-up, including the scores of University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), visual analogue scale (VAS), the range of forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation, and patient's satisfaction. Either MRI or ultrasound examination were used to evaluate structural integrity of the tendon. RESULTS: The operation time was 65-110 minutes (mean, 81.8 minutes). All patients were followed up 12-43 months (mean, 23.0 months). At 3 and 12 months after operation, the shoulder range of flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation, and the scores of VAS, UCLA, and ASES significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). The improvement was further observed at 12 months compared to 3 months ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, 13 patients were very satisfied with the effectiveness, 11 patients were satisfied, 1 was relatively satisfied, and 1 was dissatisfied. During follow-up, 15 patients underwent imaging examination and imaging reexamination showed that the re-tear rate of tendon was 6.6%(1/15). The remaining 11 patients refused imaging examination. Complications included partial anchor withdrawal in 1 case, shoulder stiffness in 5 cases, and mild pain in shoulder joint in 2 cases in physical activity or heavy physical activity. CONCLUSION Arthroscopic modified tri-anchor double-pulley suture-bridge technique is a novel surgical technique that uses double-loaded suture anchors as medial- and lateral-row anchors. In repairing medium-sized supraspinatus tendon tears, 6 sets of double-pulley suture-bridges can be created from one medial-row anchor; knotless medial-row can reduce re-tear rate of the tendon; good early effectiveness is obtained.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Adult ; Rotator Cuff Injuries/surgery* ; Aged ; Suture Techniques ; Treatment Outcome ; Suture Anchors ; Rotator Cuff/surgery* ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Tendon Injuries/surgery* ; Patient Satisfaction

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of piriformis muscle release versus preservation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) via supercapsular percutaneously-assisted total hip (SuperPATH) approach on muscle injury. METHODS: Forty-nine patients undergoing initial THA via SuperPATH approach between June 2022 and June 2023 were randomly divided into two groups, with 24 patients in trial group and 25 patients in control group. The trial group received piriformis muscle release intraoperatively, whereas the control group underwent muscle preservation. There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, body mass index, disease type, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grading, and preoperative muscle infiltration, muscle atrophy, muscle injury serological indicators, Harris score, etc. ( P>0.05). The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, total blood loss, hospital stay, preoperative and postoperative 1-day muscle injury serological indicators [including creatine kinase (CK) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH)], and incidence of complications between two groups were recorded. Harris score was used to evaluate the recovery of hip joint function. MRI was used to evaluate the extent of hip muscle injuries (gluteus minimus, gluteus medius, piriformis, obturator internus, quadratus femoris), including tendon integrity, degree of muscle fat infiltration, and degree of muscle atrophy preoperative and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and total blood loss in the trial group were significantly shorter than those in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incision length and length of hospital stay between the two groups ( P>0.05). Both groups showed a significant increase in serum CK and LDH levels on postoperative day 1 compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up, the follow-up time for the trial group and the control group was (14.8±2.8) and (15.1±3.0) months, respectively, with no significant difference ( t=-0.400, P=0.691). Incisions healed by first intention in both groups, with 1 case in the trial group and 2 cases in the control group experiencing venous thrombosis in the calf muscle space. There was no complication such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, hip dislocation, prosthesis loosening, or periprosthetic infection in the lower limbs. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 1 year after operation, both groups of patients showed a significant increase in Harris scores compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with preoperative results, both groups showed significant fat infiltration in the piriformis and obturator muscles at 1 year after operation ( P<0.05), while there was no significant fat infiltration in the gluteus minimus, gluteus medius, and quadratus femoris muscles ( P>0.05). At 1 year after operation, except for the higher incidence of piriformis muscle fat infiltration in the control group compared to the trial group ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the incidence of other muscle infiltrations between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 1 year after operation, both groups of piriformis and obturator muscles showed significant muscle atrophy compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05). The gluteus minimus and gluteus medius showed mild atrophy compared to preoperative levels, while the maximum transverse diameter of the quadriceps muscle slightly increased, but the differences were not significant ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the maximum cross-sectional diameter or cross-sectional area changes of each muscle between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 1 year after operation, the continuity of the gluteus medius and quadratus femoris muscles in both groups was intact. Both groups had some patients with incomplete continuity of the piriformis muscle, obturator internus, and gluteus minimus, but the difference was not significant ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION The SuperPATH approach THA may cause injury to the piriformis, gluteus minimus, and obturator internus. The piriformis muscle release does not increase muscle injury, but it can shorten the operation time and reduce bleeding.
Humans ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Muscle, Skeletal/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology* ; Adult ; Operative Time ; Muscular Atrophy ; Creatine Kinase/blood* ; Length of Stay ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of arthroscopic outside-in release for gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) in supine position versus lateral decubitus position. METHODS: The clinical data of 34 GMC patients meeting selection criteria between January 2022 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Arthroscopic contracture band release was performed in the lateral decubitus position (lateral group, n=14) or the supine position (supine group, n=20). No significant difference ( P>0.05) was observed between groups in baseline data, including gender, age, body mass index, preoperative GMC functional quantitative score, modified Harris hip score (mHHS), visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, and hip flexion/adduction range of motion (ROM). The total operation time, release procedure time, non-release procedure time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared. Functional outcomes (GMC functional quantitative score, mHHS score, VAS score, hip flexion/adduction ROM) were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: All incisions healed by first intention without major vascular or neurological complications. In the lateral group, 3 patients developed patchy bruising on bilateral buttocks and posterior thighs at 3 days after operation, which resolved after 2 weeks of ice packs and ultrasonic therapy. The supine group demonstrated significantly shorter total operation time, non-release procedure time, hospital stay, and reduced intraoperative blood loss versus the lateral group ( P<0.05). No significant difference was found in release procedure time ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 24 months. Both groups showed significant improvements ( P<0.05) in mHHS score, GMC functional quantitative score, VAS score, and hip adduction/flexion ROM at all postoperative timepoints compared to preoperative values, with no significant intergroup differences ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION Both surgical positions effectively improve hip function in GMC patients. However, the supine position offers significant advantages over the lateral decubitus position in operation time, anesthesia management, intraoperative blood loss control, and reduced hospital stay.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Buttocks/surgery* ; Adult ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Supine Position ; Treatment Outcome ; Middle Aged ; Contracture/surgery* ; Muscle, Skeletal/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Operative Time ; Hip Contracture/surgery* ; Patient Positioning/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of emergency reconstruction of traumatic dynamic muscle defects using functional superficial vastus lateralis chimeric perforator flap based on descending branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 10 patients with traumatic dynamic muscle defects treated between March 2020 and April 2024. There were 8 males and 2 females, aged 23-52 years (mean, 36.7 years). Injuries included 7 cases of Gustilo type ⅢB forearm trauma (2 with flexor muscle group defects, 3 with extensor muscle group defects, and 2 with combined flexor and extensor muscle group defects), 1 case of right first metacarpal defect with concomitant thenar muscle and skin defect, 1 case of complete transection of the right upper arm musclecutaneous nerve extracted from the biceps brachii muscle, and 1 case of Gustilo type ⅢC lower-limb trauma with extensor hallucis longus and toe extensor defects. Soft tissue defects ranged from 10 cm×8 cm to 36 cm×11 cm. Preoperative musculoskeletal ultrasound of the contralateral side was used to measure cross-sectional area, length, and pennation angle of the target muscles. Based on these parameters, anterolateral thigh flaps combined with one or two superficial vastus lateralis muscle segments were designed and transplanted to the recipient sites. The grafts were used to cover wounds, reconstruct major missing muscle groups, and were fixed in place. Vascular and neural anastomoses were performed simultaneously with repair of bone and soft tissue injuries to restore limb perfusion and function. Postoperative evaluation included musculoskeletal ultrasound, electrophysiology, and dynamic assessment of muscle strength during follow-up. RESULTS: All transplanted muscles and flaps survived primarily without vascular or neural complications. All the 10 patients were followed up 10-38 months, with an average of 22.8 months. The muscle strength recovery reached M₅ in 6 cases, M₄ in 3 cases, and M3+ in 1 case. Patients achieving M₄ or above regained their original work capacity; limb contours were symmetrical, with no joint deformities, and patients achieved effective ranges of motion; functional recovery included the ability to push or lift weights of 2-30 kg, perform opposition, and achieve grasping function. All flaps were soft and lustrous, and the protective sensation restored in all patients. There was no discomfort in the donor site and knee joint. Musculoskeletal ultrasound showed that the average cross-sectional area of the transplanted muscles increased by 4%-66% in 10 cases at 1 month after operation, and the ratio of the average cross-sectional area of the transplanted muscles in contraction and relaxation was 1.37±0.16 in 7 cases at 6 months after operation. Electrophysiological examination showed that motor potential could be detected in 8 cases at 2 months after operation, and then the amplitude increased gradually, and 2 cases were not detected. CONCLUSION Emergency reconstruction of traumatic dynamic muscle defects using functional superficial vastus lateralis chimeric perforator flap based on descending branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery achieves near-normal muscle strength recovery and effective joint motion. This technique allows for reconstruction of one or two major muscle groups as clinically required.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Quadriceps Muscle/transplantation* ; Femoral Artery/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Muscle, Skeletal/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Forearm Injuries/surgery*