1.In vitro study on cleaning effect of different rinsing agents combined with ultrasonic swaging on root canal wall and dentin mi-crostructure
Bingjie SHUAI ; Hao ZHANG ; Yongqing ZHOU
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(3):204-209
Objective To evaluate the effect of sodium hypochlorite and Ultra Clean on root canal cleaning and dentin structure.Methods A total of 129 single canal isolated teeth were collected and root canal was prepared to M # with Waveone Gold nickel titani-um file.After preparation,they were divided into 3 groups by random number table according to irrigant:group A sodium hypochlorite+normal saline,group B sodium hypochlorite+EDTA,and group C sodium hypochlorite+Ultra Clean.The dye was stained with 1%methylene blue solution,and the penetration depth and range of the dye solution were observed under a type microscope.The removal of debris and stain layer in the root canal was observed by digital camera and scanning electron microscope.The change of dentin micro-structure was analyzed by Fourier infrared spectrometer.Results In the upper middle part of the root canal,the penetration depth and range of group C were greater than those of groups A and B(P<0.05);the percentage of debris in group C was lower than that of groups A and B(P<0.05),and the stain layer score in groups B and C was lower than that of group A(P<0.05).In the lower root ca-nal segment,groups B and C were superior to group A in the evaluation of permeability,debris and stain removal(P<0.05).The demineralization ability and exposure of dentin collagen fiber in group C were higher than those in group A and blank group(P<0.05).Conclusion Sodium hypochlorite combined with Ultra Clean is considered to have good cleaning effect and strong demineralization ability,but it may slightly increase the exposure of organic matter such as collagen fiber.
2.In vitro study on cleaning effect of different rinsing agents combined with ultrasonic swaging on root canal wall and dentin mi-crostructure
Bingjie SHUAI ; Hao ZHANG ; Yongqing ZHOU
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(3):204-209
Objective To evaluate the effect of sodium hypochlorite and Ultra Clean on root canal cleaning and dentin structure.Methods A total of 129 single canal isolated teeth were collected and root canal was prepared to M # with Waveone Gold nickel titani-um file.After preparation,they were divided into 3 groups by random number table according to irrigant:group A sodium hypochlorite+normal saline,group B sodium hypochlorite+EDTA,and group C sodium hypochlorite+Ultra Clean.The dye was stained with 1%methylene blue solution,and the penetration depth and range of the dye solution were observed under a type microscope.The removal of debris and stain layer in the root canal was observed by digital camera and scanning electron microscope.The change of dentin micro-structure was analyzed by Fourier infrared spectrometer.Results In the upper middle part of the root canal,the penetration depth and range of group C were greater than those of groups A and B(P<0.05);the percentage of debris in group C was lower than that of groups A and B(P<0.05),and the stain layer score in groups B and C was lower than that of group A(P<0.05).In the lower root ca-nal segment,groups B and C were superior to group A in the evaluation of permeability,debris and stain removal(P<0.05).The demineralization ability and exposure of dentin collagen fiber in group C were higher than those in group A and blank group(P<0.05).Conclusion Sodium hypochlorite combined with Ultra Clean is considered to have good cleaning effect and strong demineralization ability,but it may slightly increase the exposure of organic matter such as collagen fiber.
3.Interaction between renal function and body mass index on all-cause mortality risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in communities in Jiangsu Province
Mengxia LI ; Jialiu HE ; Hao YU ; Xikang FAN ; Jie YANG ; Yu QIN ; Chong SHEN ; Yan LU ; Enchun? PAN ; Ran TAO ; Yongqing ZHANG ; Jian SU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):50-56
Objective:To investigate the association of the interaction and combined effect of renal function and body mass index (BMI) with the risk for all-cause death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in communities of Jiangsu Province.Methods:The study subjects were from the Comprehensive Research Project of Diabetes Prevention and Control conducted in Jiangsu from December 2013 to January 2014, and follow up was conducted for them until September 30, 2023. A total of 20 025 subjects were included in the study. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association of renal function with risk for death in T2DM patients, and the association of interaction between renal function and BMI and their combined effect with all-cause death risk in T2DM patients.Results:In the follow up for 198 370 person-years, a total of 4 459 deaths were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that renal dysfunction was associated with 71% risk of all-cause mortality in all T2DM patients [hazard ratio ( HR) =1.71, 95% CI: 1.59-1.84], as well as in all BMI subgroups. Likelihood ratio test indicated an interaction between renal function and BMI (interaction for P=0.030). Compared with patients with normal renal function and normal BMI, those with normal renal function and over weight or obesity had a lower risk of all-cause mortality, and those with renal dysfunction and low weight had the highest risk for death ( HR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.87-4.14). Conclusions:There is association of interaction between renal function and BMI with all-cause mortality in T2DM patients. T2DM patients with renal dysfunction and low body weight had significant higher risk for death.
4.Efficacy of reduction robot system combined with minimally invasive, microenvironmental protection, micro-stress shielding fixator in the treatment of Sanders types II and III calcaneal fractures
Xiaohui HAO ; Yongqing WANG ; Zhanmin XU ; Xinan ZHANG ; Zhihui ZHAO ; Jingtao SUN ; Zhiqiang YANG ; Meiyue LIU ; Weiyong WU ; Baoxi HAO ; Juwen CHEN
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(5):463-470
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of reduction robot system combined with minimally invasive, microenvironmental protection, micro-stress shielding fixator (short for "3M fixator") for Sanders types II and III calcaneal fractures.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 26 patients (26 feet) with calcaneal fractures admitted to Fourth Affiliated Central Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from June 2022 to June 2024, including 21 males and 5 females, aged 27-69 years [(46.5±2.5)years]. Among them, 10 patients had fractures in the left foot and 16 in the right. According to the Sanders classification, the fractures were classified as type II in 16 patients and type III in 10. All the patients were treated with the close reduction with reduction robot system combined with 3M fixator in a minimally invasive procedure. The surgical waiting time, operative duration, and fracture healing time were recorded. The length, width and height of the calcaneus, B?hler′s angle and Gissane′s angle were compared before operation and at 1, 3 months after operation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score before operation and at 1, 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up were detected. The postoperative complications were recorded.Results:All the patients were followed up for 6-12 months [(9.7±1.1)months]. The surgical waiting time was 1-4 days [(2.0±0.8)days]. The operative duration was 36-66 minutes [(53.2±9.5)minutes]. All the fractures achieved primary union with a healing period of 3-4 months [(3.2±0.4)months]. At 1, 3 months after operation, the length of the calcaneus [(83.3±3.7)mm and (83.6±3.6)mm], width of the calcaneus [(44.3±5.8)mm and (44.3±5.7)mm], height of the calcaneus [(50.1±3.8)mm and (50.3±3.6)mm], B?hler′s angle [(29.8±2.9)° and (29.8±3.0)°], and Gissane angle [(121.1±6.7)° and (123.9±5.9)°] were significantly improved compared with those before operation [(79.3±4.5)mm, (53.6±4.1)mm, (46.2±3.7)mm, (18.9±3.8)°, (109.0±7.5)°, respectively] ( P<0.05), with no significant differences between those indicators at 1, 3 months after operation ( P>0.05). The VAS scores were (3.2±0.6)points, (1.9±0.5)points, and (1.6±0.3)points at 1, 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up, which were lower than (7.1±0.5)points preoperatively and decreased with the prolongation of follow-up time ( P<0.05). The AOFAS scores were (73.5±6.9)points, (90.1±4.3)points, and (92.0±3.6)points, which were higher than (32.0±4.6)points preoperatively and increased with the follow-up time ( P<0.05). One patient had lateral calcaneal pain after operation, and was alleviated after rehabilitation. No complications such as infection or nonunion were found after operation. Conclusion:The reduction robot system combined with 3M fixator for Sanders types II and III calcaneal fractures demonstrates significant clinical advantages, such as reduced surgical waiting time and operative duration, promoted fracture healing, early alleviated pain, enhanced ankle joint functional recovery, and decreased complication occurrence.
5.Efficacy of reduction robot system combined with minimally invasive, microenvironmental protection, micro-stress shielding fixator in the treatment of Sanders types II and III calcaneal fractures
Xiaohui HAO ; Yongqing WANG ; Zhanmin XU ; Xinan ZHANG ; Zhihui ZHAO ; Jingtao SUN ; Zhiqiang YANG ; Meiyue LIU ; Weiyong WU ; Baoxi HAO ; Juwen CHEN
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(5):463-470
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of reduction robot system combined with minimally invasive, microenvironmental protection, micro-stress shielding fixator (short for "3M fixator") for Sanders types II and III calcaneal fractures.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 26 patients (26 feet) with calcaneal fractures admitted to Fourth Affiliated Central Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from June 2022 to June 2024, including 21 males and 5 females, aged 27-69 years [(46.5±2.5)years]. Among them, 10 patients had fractures in the left foot and 16 in the right. According to the Sanders classification, the fractures were classified as type II in 16 patients and type III in 10. All the patients were treated with the close reduction with reduction robot system combined with 3M fixator in a minimally invasive procedure. The surgical waiting time, operative duration, and fracture healing time were recorded. The length, width and height of the calcaneus, B?hler′s angle and Gissane′s angle were compared before operation and at 1, 3 months after operation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score before operation and at 1, 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up were detected. The postoperative complications were recorded.Results:All the patients were followed up for 6-12 months [(9.7±1.1)months]. The surgical waiting time was 1-4 days [(2.0±0.8)days]. The operative duration was 36-66 minutes [(53.2±9.5)minutes]. All the fractures achieved primary union with a healing period of 3-4 months [(3.2±0.4)months]. At 1, 3 months after operation, the length of the calcaneus [(83.3±3.7)mm and (83.6±3.6)mm], width of the calcaneus [(44.3±5.8)mm and (44.3±5.7)mm], height of the calcaneus [(50.1±3.8)mm and (50.3±3.6)mm], B?hler′s angle [(29.8±2.9)° and (29.8±3.0)°], and Gissane angle [(121.1±6.7)° and (123.9±5.9)°] were significantly improved compared with those before operation [(79.3±4.5)mm, (53.6±4.1)mm, (46.2±3.7)mm, (18.9±3.8)°, (109.0±7.5)°, respectively] ( P<0.05), with no significant differences between those indicators at 1, 3 months after operation ( P>0.05). The VAS scores were (3.2±0.6)points, (1.9±0.5)points, and (1.6±0.3)points at 1, 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up, which were lower than (7.1±0.5)points preoperatively and decreased with the prolongation of follow-up time ( P<0.05). The AOFAS scores were (73.5±6.9)points, (90.1±4.3)points, and (92.0±3.6)points, which were higher than (32.0±4.6)points preoperatively and increased with the follow-up time ( P<0.05). One patient had lateral calcaneal pain after operation, and was alleviated after rehabilitation. No complications such as infection or nonunion were found after operation. Conclusion:The reduction robot system combined with 3M fixator for Sanders types II and III calcaneal fractures demonstrates significant clinical advantages, such as reduced surgical waiting time and operative duration, promoted fracture healing, early alleviated pain, enhanced ankle joint functional recovery, and decreased complication occurrence.
6.Interaction between renal function and body mass index on all-cause mortality risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in communities in Jiangsu Province
Mengxia LI ; Jialiu HE ; Hao YU ; Xikang FAN ; Jie YANG ; Yu QIN ; Chong SHEN ; Yan LU ; Enchun? PAN ; Ran TAO ; Yongqing ZHANG ; Jian SU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):50-56
Objective:To investigate the association of the interaction and combined effect of renal function and body mass index (BMI) with the risk for all-cause death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in communities of Jiangsu Province.Methods:The study subjects were from the Comprehensive Research Project of Diabetes Prevention and Control conducted in Jiangsu from December 2013 to January 2014, and follow up was conducted for them until September 30, 2023. A total of 20 025 subjects were included in the study. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association of renal function with risk for death in T2DM patients, and the association of interaction between renal function and BMI and their combined effect with all-cause death risk in T2DM patients.Results:In the follow up for 198 370 person-years, a total of 4 459 deaths were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that renal dysfunction was associated with 71% risk of all-cause mortality in all T2DM patients [hazard ratio ( HR) =1.71, 95% CI: 1.59-1.84], as well as in all BMI subgroups. Likelihood ratio test indicated an interaction between renal function and BMI (interaction for P=0.030). Compared with patients with normal renal function and normal BMI, those with normal renal function and over weight or obesity had a lower risk of all-cause mortality, and those with renal dysfunction and low weight had the highest risk for death ( HR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.87-4.14). Conclusions:There is association of interaction between renal function and BMI with all-cause mortality in T2DM patients. T2DM patients with renal dysfunction and low body weight had significant higher risk for death.
7.Relationship between ripretinib concentration and the prognosis of advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors in China: a multicenter study
Hao XU ; Xiaofeng SUN ; Haoran QIAN ; Ming WANG ; Xin WU ; Ye ZHOU ; Feng WANG ; Luning SUN ; Yongqing WANG ; Fengyuan LI ; Qiang ZHANG ; Zekuan XU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2024;27(11):1133-1140
Objective:To investigate the prognosis and safety of ripretinib in the treatment of patients with advanced gastrointestinal mesenchymal stromal tumors (GISTs) and to analyze the relationship between blood concentrations of this drug and prognosis.Methods:In this retrospective study, we investigated the effects of ripretinib in patients with advanced GISTs. The inclusion criteria comprised: (1) daily oral administration of ripretinib scheduled; and (2) uninterrupted treatment for at least 1month, with a stable and relatively fixed daily dosage maintained for a minimum of 2 weeks. Exclusion criteria comprised concurrent use of other tyrosine kinase inhibitors and presence of significant organ dysfunction. We retrospectively identified 79 patients with advanced GISTs who had received ripretinib across seven medical centers, namely Jiangsu Provincial Hospital, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, from 1 June 2021 to 31 March 2024. The cohort included 48 men and 31 women, 19 of whom had received ripretinib as second-line, 13 as third-line, and 47 as fourth-line therapy. Two peripheral venous blood samples were obtained from each participant and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry used to determine peak (Cmax) and trough (Cmin) concentrations of ripretinib. Machine learning methodologies, specifically the K-nearest neighbor algorithm combined with the Gridsearch CV strategy, were employed to establish the threshold for Cmin. We analyzed adverse reactions, treatment efficacy, median progression-free survival (mPFS), and the relationship between drug blood concentration and selected clinical parameters.Results:In the entire cohort, the Cmin and Cmax of ripretinib were 467 ± 360 μg/L and 986 ± 493 μg/L, respectively. Notably, female patients and individuals in the high-dose group exhibited significantly higher values for both Cmin and Cmax (both P<0.05). However, variations in drug concentrations associated with the line of ripretinib therapy, treatment efficacy, disease progression, and presence of selected specific genetic mutations were not significantly associated with values of Cmin and Cmax ( P>0.05). Among the 79 patients with advanced GISTs receiving ripretinib, reported adverse reactions included alopecia (53, 67.09%), hand–foot syndrome (24, 30.38%), fatigue (22, 27.85%), and myalgia (21, 26.58%). Two patients (2.53%) had grade III complications, both classified as hand–foot syndrome. The correlation between Cmax and adverse reactions was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). By the time of the latest follow-up, five deaths (6.3%) had occurred within the cohort. The mPFS for the group was 16.3 months, with a mPFS of 14.4 months for those receiving standard dosage and 7.0 months for those receiving escalating dosage. Among the 65 patients treated with standard doses of ripretinib, those with Cmin exceeding a threshold of 450 μg/L exhibited a significantly longer mPFS (18.0 months vs.13.7 months; P < 0.05). Conclusion:In China, patients with advanced GISTs exhibit a notable tolerance to ripretinib, with no evidence for a correlation between adverse reactions and Cmax for the drug. Additionally, a Cmin exceeding 450 μg/L may be associated with an extended mPFS.
8.Application of a self-designed robot reduction system for femoral intertrochanteric fractures
Xiaohui HAO ; Zhanmin XU ; Yongqing WANG ; Xinan ZHANG ; Jingtao SUN ; Zhihui ZHAO ; Zhiqiang YANG ; Meiyue LIU ; Weiyong WU ; Baoxi HAO ; Juwen CHEN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(2):103-110
Objective:To explore the clinical effectiveness of a self-designed robot reduction system for femoral intertrochanteric fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 57 patients with intertrochanteric fracture who had been treated at Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Affiliated Central Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from June 2022 to February 2023. The patients were divided into a robot group (using the self-designed robot reduction system to assist intramedullary nailing) and a traction bed group (using a traction bed to assist intramedullary nailing) based on their fracture reduction method. The robot group: 31 patients, 11 males and 20 females, with an age of (78.7±9.3) years; 16 left and 15 right sides; 17 cases of type 31-A1, 12 cases of type 31-A2 and 2 cases of type 31-A3 by the AO/OTA classification. The traction bed group: 26 patients, 12 males and 14 females, with an age of (78.7±7.7) years; 13 left and 13 right sides; 16 cases of type 31-A1, 9 cases of type 31-A2 and 1 cases of type 31-A3 by the AO/OTA classification. The 2 groups were compared in terms of reduction and operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, reduction quality, and VAS and Harris score at preoperation, 1 week and 6 months postoperation.Results:The 2 groups were comparable due to insignificant differences in their preoperative general data ( P>0.05). The robot group was significantly better than the traction bed group in reduction time [(4.4±2.2) min versus (9.4±3.2) min], operation time [(29.0±13.5) min versus (49.3±13.3) min], intraoperative blood loss [(76.5±30.5) mL versus (115.0±38.4) mL], fluoroscopy frequency [(10.2±2.6) times versus (14.8±3.2) times], and good/excellent rate of reduction [80.6% (25/31) versus 50.0% (13/26)] ( P<0.05). All patients were followed up for (6.8±0.3) months. Respectively, the VAS scores at preoperation and 6 months postoperation was (6.2±1.3) and (2.4±0.8) points for the robot group, and (6.3±1.3) and (2.7±0.8) points for the traction bed group, showing no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). However, the VAS score was (3.3±1.2) points for the robotic group and (4.8±1.5) points for the traction bed group at 1 week postoperation, showing a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.001). Respectively, the Harris scores at preoperation and 6 months postoperation were (35.3±3.0) and (88.7±3.4) points for the robot group, and (35.6±2.9) and (87.2±3.5) points for the traction bed group, showing no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). However, the Harris score was (57.3±3.7) points for the robotic group and (46.7±2.8) points for the traction bed group at 1 week postoperation, showing a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). The patient satisfaction rates in the robot and traction bed groups were 96.8% (30/31) and 92.3% (24/26), respectively, showing no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Our self-designed robot reduction for femoral intertrochanteric fractures can effectively shorten reduction and operation time, reduce bleeding and fluoroscopy frequency, and enhance anatomical reduction.
9.Relationship between ripretinib concentration and the prognosis of advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors in China: a multicenter study
Hao XU ; Xiaofeng SUN ; Haoran QIAN ; Ming WANG ; Xin WU ; Ye ZHOU ; Feng WANG ; Luning SUN ; Yongqing WANG ; Fengyuan LI ; Qiang ZHANG ; Zekuan XU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2024;27(11):1133-1140
Objective:To investigate the prognosis and safety of ripretinib in the treatment of patients with advanced gastrointestinal mesenchymal stromal tumors (GISTs) and to analyze the relationship between blood concentrations of this drug and prognosis.Methods:In this retrospective study, we investigated the effects of ripretinib in patients with advanced GISTs. The inclusion criteria comprised: (1) daily oral administration of ripretinib scheduled; and (2) uninterrupted treatment for at least 1month, with a stable and relatively fixed daily dosage maintained for a minimum of 2 weeks. Exclusion criteria comprised concurrent use of other tyrosine kinase inhibitors and presence of significant organ dysfunction. We retrospectively identified 79 patients with advanced GISTs who had received ripretinib across seven medical centers, namely Jiangsu Provincial Hospital, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, from 1 June 2021 to 31 March 2024. The cohort included 48 men and 31 women, 19 of whom had received ripretinib as second-line, 13 as third-line, and 47 as fourth-line therapy. Two peripheral venous blood samples were obtained from each participant and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry used to determine peak (Cmax) and trough (Cmin) concentrations of ripretinib. Machine learning methodologies, specifically the K-nearest neighbor algorithm combined with the Gridsearch CV strategy, were employed to establish the threshold for Cmin. We analyzed adverse reactions, treatment efficacy, median progression-free survival (mPFS), and the relationship between drug blood concentration and selected clinical parameters.Results:In the entire cohort, the Cmin and Cmax of ripretinib were 467 ± 360 μg/L and 986 ± 493 μg/L, respectively. Notably, female patients and individuals in the high-dose group exhibited significantly higher values for both Cmin and Cmax (both P<0.05). However, variations in drug concentrations associated with the line of ripretinib therapy, treatment efficacy, disease progression, and presence of selected specific genetic mutations were not significantly associated with values of Cmin and Cmax ( P>0.05). Among the 79 patients with advanced GISTs receiving ripretinib, reported adverse reactions included alopecia (53, 67.09%), hand–foot syndrome (24, 30.38%), fatigue (22, 27.85%), and myalgia (21, 26.58%). Two patients (2.53%) had grade III complications, both classified as hand–foot syndrome. The correlation between Cmax and adverse reactions was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). By the time of the latest follow-up, five deaths (6.3%) had occurred within the cohort. The mPFS for the group was 16.3 months, with a mPFS of 14.4 months for those receiving standard dosage and 7.0 months for those receiving escalating dosage. Among the 65 patients treated with standard doses of ripretinib, those with Cmin exceeding a threshold of 450 μg/L exhibited a significantly longer mPFS (18.0 months vs.13.7 months; P < 0.05). Conclusion:In China, patients with advanced GISTs exhibit a notable tolerance to ripretinib, with no evidence for a correlation between adverse reactions and Cmax for the drug. Additionally, a Cmin exceeding 450 μg/L may be associated with an extended mPFS.
10.Digital reconstruction technology in virtual planning of free perforator flap of anterior tibial artery for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in foot and ankle
Yan SHI ; Yongqing XU ; Teng WANG ; Xi YANG ; Yi CUI ; Hao XIA ; Te CAI ; Xingcheng DAI ; Xuebiao YANG ; Xiaoqing HE
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2024;47(6):630-634
Objective:To investigate the feasibility of digital reconstruction technology in virtual planning of the free perforator flap of anterior tibial artery (ATA) for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in foot and ankle.Methods:From May 2018 to April 2023, 10 patients, including 7 males and 3 females, with foot or ankle defects were admitted in the Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force. There were 5 defects in dorsal foot, 3 in plantar foot and 2 in medial malleolus. The sizes of defects ranged from 3.0 cm×2.5 cm to 5.5 cm×4.0 cm, all with exposed bones or tendons. Preoperative CTA scans from aorta abdominalis to feet were performed, and 3D digital models of bones, arteries and skin were reconstructed with Mimics. The most suitable perforators were selected to design the perforator flaps of ATA with the software, then the digital virtual flaps were superimposed onto the surfaces of donor sites and marked under a translucent image by Sina. During the surgery, flaps were harvested according to preoperative digital designs with the size of 3.5 cm×3.0 cm-6.0 cm×4.0 cm. The perforating branches were dissected along the way, and the origin, diameter, course, location and length of the perforators were recorded. The perforating branches of the flaps were anastomosed to the proximal vessels in the recipient sites, and the flaps were sutured to cover the wound. For the 10 donor sites, skin graft was used in 2 donor sites and direct suture were performed on 8 donor sites. After discharge of the patients, scheduled outpatient or online follow-ups were carried out to assess the progress of fracture healing as well as the appearance, texture and colour of flaps, and the recovery of donor sites. Ankle function was evaluated by Maryland foot scoring system.Results:Three-dimensional digital reconstructions of donor sites were successfully performed on all patients, enabling successful design and harvest of the free perforator flaps of ATA. The flaps were able to be used in complete reconstruction of the respective defects and made the anatomical parameters of perforators of the donor sites closely matching with those of preoperative modeling. Follow-up periods ranged from 6 to 19 months, apart from 1 flap experienced partial necrosis at distal endge, and another flap with partial exfoliation after blistering. The rest of 8 flaps were all survived smoothly, with appropriate thickness, aesthetic appearance, good texture and colour. Sensations in both donor sites and dorsal feet were all normal. Seven patients achieved excellent and 3 were good according to Maryland's ankle-foot function score. The donor sites healed well without scar hyperplasia.Conclusion:Digital reconstruction technology enables an accurate identification of perforators as well as individualised design and harvest procedures for perforator flaps of ATA, thereby it facilitates precise reconstructions of small-to-medium-sized defects in foot or ankle. It is a good method for vascular anatomy and flap harvesting.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail