1.Risk factors of blood transfusion in total knee revision in the United States
Xiaoyin LI ; Liangxiao BAO ; Hao XIE ; Qinfeng YANG ; Pengcheng GAO ; Jian WANG ; Zhanjun SHI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):201-208
[Objective] To explore the incidence and risk factors of blood transfusion undergoing total knee revision (TKR) using a nationwide database. [Methods] A retrospective data analysis was conducted based on the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), enrolling patients who underwent TKR from 2015 to 2019 with complete information. Patients under 18 years old and those using anticoagulants, antiplatelets, antithrombotic and non-steroidal were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they received blood transfusion or not. The demographic characteristics, length of stay (LOS), total charge of hospitalization, hospital characteristics, hospital mortality, comorbidities and perioperative complications by Wilcoxon rank test for continuous data and chi-square test for categorical data. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors of blood transfusion undergoing TKR. [Results] The NIS database included 63 359 patients who underwent TKR. Among them, 5 271 patients received blood transfusion, with an incidence of blood transfusion of 7.8%. There was a decrease in the incidence over the years from 2015 to 2019, dropping from 10.2% to 6.5%. TKR patients requiring transfusions had experienced longer LOS, incurred higher total medical expenses, utilized Medicare more frequently, and had increased in-hospital mortality rates (all P<0.001). Independent risk factors for blood transfusion included female gender, iron-deficiency anemia, rheumatoid disease, collagen vascular disease, chronic blood loss anemia, congestive heart failure, coagulopathy, diabetes with chronic complications, lymphoma, fluid and electrolyte disorders, peripheral vascular disorders, renal failure, valvular disease and weight loss (malnutrition). In addition, risk factors for transfusion in TKR surgery included sepsis, acute myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, acute renal failure, postoperative delirium, wound infection, lower limb nerve injury, hemorrhage, seroma, hematoma, wound rupture and non healing. [Conclusion] Our findings highlight the importance of recognizing the risk factors of blood transfusion in TKR and establishing corresponding clinical pathways and intervention measures to reduce the occurrence of adverse events.
2.Analysis of factors influencing frequent episodes in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a national multicenter cross-sectional study
Jing TIAN ; Yifeng GUO ; Xiaoyan LUO ; Yuan LIANG ; Ping LI ; Jinping CHEN ; Yao LU ; Jianping TANG ; Yunsheng LIANG ; Ying GAO ; Qiufang QIAN ; Hong SHU ; Hongxiang CHEN ; Pingshen FAN ; Xiuping HAN ; Hua QIAN ; Qinfeng LI ; Ming LI ; Shengchun WANG ; Ying LIU ; Hua WANG ; Lin MA
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(10):943-951
Objective:To investigate factors influencing frequent episodes (≥ 4 episodes within 1 year) in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in China.Methods:A national multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients under the age of 18 years diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AD were enrolled at dermatology clinics in 18 medical institutions across 12 provinces and municipalities in China between June 12 and August 8, 2023. At the time of the visit, their guardians completed a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, clinical features of AD, personal and family history, factors associated with frequent episodes of moderate-to-severe AD, compliance with treatment, and disease awareness. Statistical analyses included t tests, one-way analysis of variance, rank-sum tests, and chi-square tests, with multiple-response analysis applied for multiple-choice questions. Results:A total of 965 valid questionnaires were collected, and 965 children with moderate-to-severe AD were included. Among them, there were 531 males and 434 females, 678 (70.3%) were aged 2 - < 12 years, 837 (86.7%) were from urban areas, the age at onset was 2.47 ± 3.03 years, and the median frequency of AD episodes in the past year was 4 times. These children were divided into 2 groups based on the median episode frequency: < 4-episode group (439 cases, 45.5%) and ≥ 4-episode group (526 cases, 54.5%). Compared with the < 4-episode group, children in the ≥ 4-episode group showed younger ages at onset (2.22 ± 2.98 years vs. 2.76 ± 3.06 years, P = 0.006) and higher proportions of patients with comorbid allergic diseases in both the children themselves (82.9% [436/526] vs. 69.7% [306/439], χ2 = 23.42, P < 0.001) and their relatives (66.0% [347/526] vs. 57.4% [252/439], χ2 = 7.46, P = 0.006). Children in the ≥ 4- episode group also had higher monthly usage of moisturizers (150 [30, 300] g vs. 60 [6, 200] g) and daily frequency of moisturizer use, greater disease awareness, but more severe fear of medication use (all P < 0.05). The region and the human development index level were both significantly associated with the episode frequency (both P < 0.001), with the highest proportion of children from South China in the ≥ 4- episode group (36.3%, 191/526). Children in the ≥ 4-episode group also had a longer duration of topical glucocorticoid use than those in the < 4-episode group ( Z = -2.21, P = 0.027). External triggers associated with AD episodes mainly included heat exposure (50.36%, 486/965), hot water bathing (40.73%, 393/965), seafood (23.52%, 227/965), and dust mites (33.37%, 322/965) . Conclusion:In children with moderate-to-severe AD in China, factors influencing frequent episodes may include residence in southern or economically developed regions, earlier age at onset, having a personal or family history of allergic diseases, and fear of medication use.
3.Value of blockchain technique in clinical configuration management for emergency and life-supporting equipment of hospital
Wei HAN ; Wei PAN ; Xiangyu GAO ; Bin YU ; Qinfeng LIU
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(4):105-110
Objective:To develop a blockchain-based clinical configuration management model for medical equipment and evaluate its application value in optimizing clinical configuration management of hospital emergency and life-support devices.Methods:A data traceability management model was implemented.The Spatial Durbin Model(SDM)was used to identify issues in equipment configuration,and a blockchain-enabled review framework was established for procurement management of emergency and life-support devices.From January 2019 to December 2022,57 emergency and life-support devices deployed in Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Among them,26 devices(January 2019-December 2020)were managed via conventional expert evaluation,while 31 devices(January 2021-December 2022)were managed using blockchain-based review.In the conventional mode,four traceability parameters-procurement declaration,supplier qualification,transaction records,and after-sales support-were randomly sampled 128,85,119,and 100 times,respectively;in the blockchain mode,these parameters were sampled 145,94,124,and 105 times.Procurement process compliance was evaluated across device categories:emergency,monitoring,therapeutic,and others required 25,40,30,and 35 review steps(conventional mode)versus 30,45,45,and 35 steps(blockchain mode).Comparative metrics included data traceability rates,process compliance rates,and procurement performance target achievement rates.Results:The blockchain mode demonstrated superior traceability rates:92.41%(134/145)for declarations,100.00%(94/94)for suppliers,97.58%(121/124)for transactions,and 97.14%(102/105)for after-sales support-all significantly higher than the conventional mode(x2=5.898,4.525,9.185,8.362,P<0.05).Process compliance rates reached 100.00%(30/30)for emergency devices,95.56%(43/45)for monitoring devices,97.78%(44/45)for therapeutic devices,and 97.14%(34/35)for others,with statistically significant improvements(x2=5.176,4.936,5.103,3.968,P<0.05).Procurement performance targets for progress,benefit,quality,and satisfaction were achieved at 96.77%(30/31),100.00%(31/31),100.00%(31/31),and 93.55%(29/31),respectively,surpassing the conventional mode(x2=6.581,6.535,5.129,5.780,P<0.05).Conclusion:The blockchain-based clinical configuration management model enhances data traceability,standardizes procurement workflows,and improves performance goal attainment in hospital emergency and life-support device deployment.
4.Analysis of factors influencing frequent episodes in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a national multicenter cross-sectional study
Jing TIAN ; Yifeng GUO ; Xiaoyan LUO ; Yuan LIANG ; Ping LI ; Jinping CHEN ; Yao LU ; Jianping TANG ; Yunsheng LIANG ; Ying GAO ; Qiufang QIAN ; Hong SHU ; Hongxiang CHEN ; Pingshen FAN ; Xiuping HAN ; Hua QIAN ; Qinfeng LI ; Ming LI ; Shengchun WANG ; Ying LIU ; Hua WANG ; Lin MA
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(10):943-951
Objective:To investigate factors influencing frequent episodes (≥ 4 episodes within 1 year) in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in China.Methods:A national multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients under the age of 18 years diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AD were enrolled at dermatology clinics in 18 medical institutions across 12 provinces and municipalities in China between June 12 and August 8, 2023. At the time of the visit, their guardians completed a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, clinical features of AD, personal and family history, factors associated with frequent episodes of moderate-to-severe AD, compliance with treatment, and disease awareness. Statistical analyses included t tests, one-way analysis of variance, rank-sum tests, and chi-square tests, with multiple-response analysis applied for multiple-choice questions. Results:A total of 965 valid questionnaires were collected, and 965 children with moderate-to-severe AD were included. Among them, there were 531 males and 434 females, 678 (70.3%) were aged 2 - < 12 years, 837 (86.7%) were from urban areas, the age at onset was 2.47 ± 3.03 years, and the median frequency of AD episodes in the past year was 4 times. These children were divided into 2 groups based on the median episode frequency: < 4-episode group (439 cases, 45.5%) and ≥ 4-episode group (526 cases, 54.5%). Compared with the < 4-episode group, children in the ≥ 4-episode group showed younger ages at onset (2.22 ± 2.98 years vs. 2.76 ± 3.06 years, P = 0.006) and higher proportions of patients with comorbid allergic diseases in both the children themselves (82.9% [436/526] vs. 69.7% [306/439], χ2 = 23.42, P < 0.001) and their relatives (66.0% [347/526] vs. 57.4% [252/439], χ2 = 7.46, P = 0.006). Children in the ≥ 4- episode group also had higher monthly usage of moisturizers (150 [30, 300] g vs. 60 [6, 200] g) and daily frequency of moisturizer use, greater disease awareness, but more severe fear of medication use (all P < 0.05). The region and the human development index level were both significantly associated with the episode frequency (both P < 0.001), with the highest proportion of children from South China in the ≥ 4- episode group (36.3%, 191/526). Children in the ≥ 4-episode group also had a longer duration of topical glucocorticoid use than those in the < 4-episode group ( Z = -2.21, P = 0.027). External triggers associated with AD episodes mainly included heat exposure (50.36%, 486/965), hot water bathing (40.73%, 393/965), seafood (23.52%, 227/965), and dust mites (33.37%, 322/965) . Conclusion:In children with moderate-to-severe AD in China, factors influencing frequent episodes may include residence in southern or economically developed regions, earlier age at onset, having a personal or family history of allergic diseases, and fear of medication use.
5."Two-point and two-line method" in design of free perforator flap of medial sural artery: clinical application and clinical significance
Yan ZHANG ; Yucheng LIU ; Yang CAO ; Haibo WU ; Yongtao HUANG ; Chengpeng YANG ; Fengwen SUN ; Qinfeng GAO ; Jihui JU ; Guangzhe JIN
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(1):55-59
Objective:To study the feasibility of design and harvest of free medial sural artery perforator flap with the "two-point and two-line method".Methods:From September 2022 to June 2023, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital implemented the "two-point and two-line method" to guide preoperative perforator positioning and flap design. Thirty medial sural artery perforator flaps were successfully harvested with the method, and 21 wounds of hand and 9 of foot and ankle were reconstructed with the flaps. The size of soft tissue defects were 2.5 cm×2.5 cm-7.0 cm×14.5 cm, and the flaps size were 3.0 cm×3.0 cm-7.5 cm×15.0 cm. All donor sites were directly closed or by skin grafting. All patients were entered in 6-15 months of postoperative outpatient follow-up, and the recovery of donor and recipient sites was assessed by the comprehensive evaluation scales. The sensory function of the flaps was evaluated using the sensory function evaluation standard of British Medical Research Council (BMRC).Results:All perforators were successfully located with 47 perforators in total, and all of them were musculocutaneous perforator. It was found that there was 1 perforator in 14 flaps, 2 perforators in 15 flaps and 3 perforators in 1 flap. All 30 flaps survived after surgery, beside 2 flaps that had arterial insufficiency but survived successfully after surgical exploration. All donor sites healed in one stage. Comprehensive evaluation scale of flap was employed to evaluate the flaps and the scores were 84 points to 96 points with an average score of 92.5 points. The excellent and good grades were achieved in 27 flaps and 3 flaps, respectively, with a combined excellent and good rate at 100%. Sensation of the flaps was evaluated by BMRC with 1 flap of S 1, 17 of S 2 and 12 of S 3. Conclusion:The "two-point and two-line method" has been used in design of the perforator flap of medial sural artery. This method is simple and accurate, and is feasible and ideal in design of flaps before surgery.
6.Value of blockchain technique in clinical configuration management for emergency and life-supporting equipment of hospital
Wei HAN ; Wei PAN ; Xiangyu GAO ; Bin YU ; Qinfeng LIU
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(4):105-110
Objective:To develop a blockchain-based clinical configuration management model for medical equipment and evaluate its application value in optimizing clinical configuration management of hospital emergency and life-support devices.Methods:A data traceability management model was implemented.The Spatial Durbin Model(SDM)was used to identify issues in equipment configuration,and a blockchain-enabled review framework was established for procurement management of emergency and life-support devices.From January 2019 to December 2022,57 emergency and life-support devices deployed in Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Among them,26 devices(January 2019-December 2020)were managed via conventional expert evaluation,while 31 devices(January 2021-December 2022)were managed using blockchain-based review.In the conventional mode,four traceability parameters-procurement declaration,supplier qualification,transaction records,and after-sales support-were randomly sampled 128,85,119,and 100 times,respectively;in the blockchain mode,these parameters were sampled 145,94,124,and 105 times.Procurement process compliance was evaluated across device categories:emergency,monitoring,therapeutic,and others required 25,40,30,and 35 review steps(conventional mode)versus 30,45,45,and 35 steps(blockchain mode).Comparative metrics included data traceability rates,process compliance rates,and procurement performance target achievement rates.Results:The blockchain mode demonstrated superior traceability rates:92.41%(134/145)for declarations,100.00%(94/94)for suppliers,97.58%(121/124)for transactions,and 97.14%(102/105)for after-sales support-all significantly higher than the conventional mode(x2=5.898,4.525,9.185,8.362,P<0.05).Process compliance rates reached 100.00%(30/30)for emergency devices,95.56%(43/45)for monitoring devices,97.78%(44/45)for therapeutic devices,and 97.14%(34/35)for others,with statistically significant improvements(x2=5.176,4.936,5.103,3.968,P<0.05).Procurement performance targets for progress,benefit,quality,and satisfaction were achieved at 96.77%(30/31),100.00%(31/31),100.00%(31/31),and 93.55%(29/31),respectively,surpassing the conventional mode(x2=6.581,6.535,5.129,5.780,P<0.05).Conclusion:The blockchain-based clinical configuration management model enhances data traceability,standardizes procurement workflows,and improves performance goal attainment in hospital emergency and life-support device deployment.
7."Two-point and two-line method" in design of free perforator flap of medial sural artery: clinical application and clinical significance
Yan ZHANG ; Yucheng LIU ; Yang CAO ; Haibo WU ; Yongtao HUANG ; Chengpeng YANG ; Fengwen SUN ; Qinfeng GAO ; Jihui JU ; Guangzhe JIN
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(1):55-59
Objective:To study the feasibility of design and harvest of free medial sural artery perforator flap with the "two-point and two-line method".Methods:From September 2022 to June 2023, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital implemented the "two-point and two-line method" to guide preoperative perforator positioning and flap design. Thirty medial sural artery perforator flaps were successfully harvested with the method, and 21 wounds of hand and 9 of foot and ankle were reconstructed with the flaps. The size of soft tissue defects were 2.5 cm×2.5 cm-7.0 cm×14.5 cm, and the flaps size were 3.0 cm×3.0 cm-7.5 cm×15.0 cm. All donor sites were directly closed or by skin grafting. All patients were entered in 6-15 months of postoperative outpatient follow-up, and the recovery of donor and recipient sites was assessed by the comprehensive evaluation scales. The sensory function of the flaps was evaluated using the sensory function evaluation standard of British Medical Research Council (BMRC).Results:All perforators were successfully located with 47 perforators in total, and all of them were musculocutaneous perforator. It was found that there was 1 perforator in 14 flaps, 2 perforators in 15 flaps and 3 perforators in 1 flap. All 30 flaps survived after surgery, beside 2 flaps that had arterial insufficiency but survived successfully after surgical exploration. All donor sites healed in one stage. Comprehensive evaluation scale of flap was employed to evaluate the flaps and the scores were 84 points to 96 points with an average score of 92.5 points. The excellent and good grades were achieved in 27 flaps and 3 flaps, respectively, with a combined excellent and good rate at 100%. Sensation of the flaps was evaluated by BMRC with 1 flap of S 1, 17 of S 2 and 12 of S 3. Conclusion:The "two-point and two-line method" has been used in design of the perforator flap of medial sural artery. This method is simple and accurate, and is feasible and ideal in design of flaps before surgery.
8.Application of "ABC" three line perforator locating method for free anterolateral perforator flap of calf
Tao ZHANG ; Lin YANG ; Junnan CHENG ; Shengzhe LIU ; Zhijin LIU ; Yongtao HUANG ; Qinfeng GAO ; Fengwen SUN ; Chengpeng YANG ; Jihui JU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2023;46(1):70-75
Objective:To explore the feasibility of an "ABC" three line perforator locating method in design and harvest of free anterolateral perforator flap of calf.Methods:Between March 2021 and November 2021, 42 patients with 62 wounds on hand and foot were treated in the Department of Hand Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital. The "ABC" three line perforator locating method was applied to determine the location and source of perforating branch before operation and to guide the design and harvest of flap during operation in wound reconstruction. Among the 42 patients, 24 had the injury of single digit, 7 had the injuries with 2 digits, 4 with 3 digits, 1 with 4 digits, 1 of the first web, 1 in the wrist, 2 of the great toe, 1 of second toe and 1 in dorsal foot. The sizes of soft tissue defect were 1.5 cm×2.0 cm-3.0 cm×14.0 cm. The sizes of the flaps were 2.0 cm×2.5 cm-3.5 cm×15.0 cm. All donor sites were sutured directly. In the follow-up, sensations of flaps were evaluated following the sensory function evaluation standard of British Medical Research Council(BMRC), and the recovery of the donor and recipient sites was evaluated by the flap comprehensive evaluation scale. Regular follow-up were scheduled at outpatient clinic.Results:A total of 162 perforators were located before operation. There were 95 perforating branches being explored in the operation, of which 5 patients had 1 extra perforating branch than that located before surgery. Seventy-six perforating branches were found consistent with preoperative localisation, with a coincidence rate of 84.4%(76/90). Sixty-four perforating branches were found consistent with the preoperative source with an accuracy rate of 84.2%(64/76). All the 62 flaps survived without a vascular compromise. Follow-up lasted for 6-10(mean 7.1) months. The colour and texture of the flaps were excellent. The flaps were thin and wear-resistant. The sensory function of the flaps was evaluated at S 1-S 3 by BMRC. Comprehensive evaluation scale of flap was excellent in 38 patients and good in 4 patients. Conclusion:"ABC" three line perforator locating method in design of free anterolateral calf flap is a feasible and an ideal auxiliary method in surgical practice. It combines anatomical knowledge, clinical experience and Doppler ultrasound localisation as well as accurately guides the location and source prediction of perforator before surgery.
9.Distribution characteristics and clinical application of perforators of anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery
Lin YANG ; Yang CAO ; Junnan CHENG ; Yongtao HUANG ; Zhijin LIU ; Qinfeng GAO ; Chengpeng YANG ; Fengwen SUN ; Yucheng LIU ; Jihui JU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2023;39(5):463-471
Objective:To explore the distribution characteristics of the perforators of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and to report the clinical effect of the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with the oblique branch in repairing the wounds of the extremities.Methods:The clinical data of the patients with anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery in Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital from December 2020 to April 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. High frequency color Doppler ultrasound was used to detect the large perforators of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery near the midpoint of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella. With reference to the location of the perforators, according to the size and shape of the defect in the recipient area, the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with oblique branch was designed and dissected to repair the wound. During the operation, the distance between the emitting point of the main oblique branch, the skin entry point of the perforators and the anterior superior iliac spine was measured with a steel ruler, the diameter of the perforators was measured with a microscale, and the number of perforators was counted. The survival and complications of the flap were observed and followed up after operation. In the last follow-up, the comprehensive evaluation scale was used to evaluate the repair effect: 90 to 100 points is excellent, 75 to 89 points is good, 60 to 74 points is average, and less than 60 points is poor.Results:A total of 84 patients were included, including 62 males and 22 females, aged from 14 to 82 years (mean 46.9 years), including 32 cases of hand wounds, 6 cases of forearm wounds, 3 cases of upper arm wounds, 10 cases of calves and 33 cases of foot and ankle wounds. The wound area was 6 cm × 4 cm-20 cm × 45 cm. A total of 88 flaps were removed in 84 patients (skin flaps on both thighs were removed in 4 patients). The size of the skin flap of 88 thighs was 7 cm × 5 cm-37 cm × 11 cm, of which 85 sides of 82 cases survived completely. One case of diabetes had complete necrosis 1 month after operation, and 1 case of 34 cm had necrosis of the distal end of 3 cm × 3 cm skin flap. Necrotic skin flaps were repaired with skin grafting. Four patients developed arterial crisis within 24 hours after operation, and those flaps survived after surgical exploration. All donor areas healed. During the follow-up of 6 to 9 months, the shape of the recipient area was normal in all patients, and there was no deep tissue infection such as osteomyelitis. The color and texture of all flaps were good. The sensation returned to S1-S2 after operation. The skin flap comprehensive evaluation scale was used to evaluate the repair effect. The patients’ score ranged from 73 to 94 points, with an average of 88.1 points. Including 33 excellent cases, 46 good cases and 5 average cases, the excellent and good rate was 94.0%(79/84). A total of 215 perforators were marked with 88 flaps before operation, and 208 perforators were found during the operation(the diameter of the perforators was 0.4-1.5 mm), of which 130 were sent out by oblique branches. There were perforators of the oblique branch in all flaps, with an average of 1.5 on each side, including 84(64.6%) septocutaneous perforators and 46(35.4%) musculocutaneous perforators. Most of the oblique branches originate from the lateral circumflex femoral artery, which runs in the intermuscular septum between the rectus femoris and the intermediate femoris muscle. It is divided into deep branches and superficial branches at the middle and upper 1/3 junction of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella. The skin perforators of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is mostly sent out from the superficial branch, and there are 118 perforators located at the midpoint and proximal end of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella, accounting for 90.8% (118/130), reaching a peak at 0.4 (there are 37 perforators).Conclusion:The oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is relatively constant, and most of the perforators are located near the midpoint of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella, and the proportion of septocutaneous perforator is high. The distribution of perforator is regular, the blood supply is reliable, the application mode is flexible, and the donor site position is more concealed while the blood supply of the flap is secured.
10.Distribution characteristics and clinical application of perforators of anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery
Lin YANG ; Yang CAO ; Junnan CHENG ; Yongtao HUANG ; Zhijin LIU ; Qinfeng GAO ; Chengpeng YANG ; Fengwen SUN ; Yucheng LIU ; Jihui JU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2023;39(5):463-471
Objective:To explore the distribution characteristics of the perforators of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and to report the clinical effect of the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with the oblique branch in repairing the wounds of the extremities.Methods:The clinical data of the patients with anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery in Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital from December 2020 to April 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. High frequency color Doppler ultrasound was used to detect the large perforators of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery near the midpoint of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella. With reference to the location of the perforators, according to the size and shape of the defect in the recipient area, the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with oblique branch was designed and dissected to repair the wound. During the operation, the distance between the emitting point of the main oblique branch, the skin entry point of the perforators and the anterior superior iliac spine was measured with a steel ruler, the diameter of the perforators was measured with a microscale, and the number of perforators was counted. The survival and complications of the flap were observed and followed up after operation. In the last follow-up, the comprehensive evaluation scale was used to evaluate the repair effect: 90 to 100 points is excellent, 75 to 89 points is good, 60 to 74 points is average, and less than 60 points is poor.Results:A total of 84 patients were included, including 62 males and 22 females, aged from 14 to 82 years (mean 46.9 years), including 32 cases of hand wounds, 6 cases of forearm wounds, 3 cases of upper arm wounds, 10 cases of calves and 33 cases of foot and ankle wounds. The wound area was 6 cm × 4 cm-20 cm × 45 cm. A total of 88 flaps were removed in 84 patients (skin flaps on both thighs were removed in 4 patients). The size of the skin flap of 88 thighs was 7 cm × 5 cm-37 cm × 11 cm, of which 85 sides of 82 cases survived completely. One case of diabetes had complete necrosis 1 month after operation, and 1 case of 34 cm had necrosis of the distal end of 3 cm × 3 cm skin flap. Necrotic skin flaps were repaired with skin grafting. Four patients developed arterial crisis within 24 hours after operation, and those flaps survived after surgical exploration. All donor areas healed. During the follow-up of 6 to 9 months, the shape of the recipient area was normal in all patients, and there was no deep tissue infection such as osteomyelitis. The color and texture of all flaps were good. The sensation returned to S1-S2 after operation. The skin flap comprehensive evaluation scale was used to evaluate the repair effect. The patients’ score ranged from 73 to 94 points, with an average of 88.1 points. Including 33 excellent cases, 46 good cases and 5 average cases, the excellent and good rate was 94.0%(79/84). A total of 215 perforators were marked with 88 flaps before operation, and 208 perforators were found during the operation(the diameter of the perforators was 0.4-1.5 mm), of which 130 were sent out by oblique branches. There were perforators of the oblique branch in all flaps, with an average of 1.5 on each side, including 84(64.6%) septocutaneous perforators and 46(35.4%) musculocutaneous perforators. Most of the oblique branches originate from the lateral circumflex femoral artery, which runs in the intermuscular septum between the rectus femoris and the intermediate femoris muscle. It is divided into deep branches and superficial branches at the middle and upper 1/3 junction of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella. The skin perforators of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is mostly sent out from the superficial branch, and there are 118 perforators located at the midpoint and proximal end of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella, accounting for 90.8% (118/130), reaching a peak at 0.4 (there are 37 perforators).Conclusion:The oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is relatively constant, and most of the perforators are located near the midpoint of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral margin of the patella, and the proportion of septocutaneous perforator is high. The distribution of perforator is regular, the blood supply is reliable, the application mode is flexible, and the donor site position is more concealed while the blood supply of the flap is secured.

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