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

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

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

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

Objective:To investigate the effect of rectal draw-out laparoscopic anterior resection on gastrointestinal motility and prognosis in patients with low rectal cancer.Methods:A total of 140 patients with low rectal cancer who received treatment in Chongqing Ninth People′s Hospital from May 2017 to May 2018 were selected, including 82 males and 58 females, aged from 35 to 78 years with an average age of (59.33±9.12) years.According to the operation methods, all patients were divided into observation group (transanal pullout laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal cancer, n=70) and the control group (laparoscopic assisted anterior rectal resection, n=70). Independent sample t test or χ2 test were used to compare operation-related indicators, occurrence of complications, changes of fluid gastric emptying, small intestinal transport capacity, gastrin and motilin in 2 groups. Kaplan-meier survival curve was plotted to compare tumor progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in two groups. The two groups of PFS and OS were compared by log-rank test. Results:The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and postoperative recovery time of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, the ability of liquid gastric emptying 24 h after operation, small intestine transport function at 24 h and 48 h after operation, the capacity of liquid gastric emptation, intestinal transport function 24 h and 48 h postoperatively, gastrin and motilin levels at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h postoperatively were significantly higher than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). Two years PFS (85.71% vs. 81.43%) and OS (92.86% vs. 90.00%) after surgery between the observation group and the control group were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The anterior resection of rectal cancer by draw-out laparoscope is safe and radical, without increasing postoperative complications. Moreover, the recovery of gastrointestinal function is earlier than traditional laparoscopic assisted rectal cancer resection, which is conducive to improving the postoperative quality of life of patients, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective:Through differential miRNA expression profiles and bioinformatics in the peripheral blood of patients with Keshan disease (KD) and healthy control, to explore the possible pathogenesis of KD.Methods:Ten patients with chronic KD (KD group) were selected in the severe disease area of KD in Wulian County, and 10 healthy subjects (control group) were selected in non-KD area of Dongchangfu District, Shandong Province. Blood sample of elbow vein was collected and plasma was separated. RNA-seq technology was used to construct the differential expression profiles of miRNA in KD and control groups. Target mRNAs were screened using Starbase, miRTarBase, miRDB and TargetScan. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were conducted to investigate the possible pathogenesis of KD.Results:Compared the control group and KD group, 132 differentially expressed miRNAs were screened out, including 90 upregulated and 42 downregulated miRNAs. Through Starbase, miRTarBase, miRDB and TargetScan, 53 miRNAs were obtained, 737 targeted mRNAs were obtained. GO analysis showed that the differential genes were mainly involved in the biological processes of Ras protein signal transduction, transmembrane transport, cell cycle regulation, cell adhesion, etc. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the differential genes were mainly involved in viral infection, endocytosis, adhesion spot and actin regulation.Conclusion:In this study, RNA-seq technology is used to obtain differential miRNA expression profiles of KD patients and healthy control, and target pathogenic genes and signaling pathways that may be related to KD are screened out.

Objective By constructing the differential expression profile of lncRNA/mRNA in peripheral blood plasma of patients with Keshan disease (KSD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM),to explore the commonality and characteristics of the two diseases in molecular mechanism.Methods Ten patients with chronic KSD were selected in the severe disease area of KSD in Shandong Province,and 10 cases of DCM and 10 healthy subjects (control group) were selected in non-KSD area.Blood of elbow vein was collected and plasma was separated.RNA-seq technology was used to construct the differential lncRNA/mRNA expression profile between KSD and control group,DCM and control group,and co-expression and specific expression of partial genes in KSD and DCM were analyzed through Wien analysis.The lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network maps of specific part of KSD,specific part of DCM and common part of the two diseases were constructed,and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were applied to distinguish the biological function of the two diseases.Results Compared with control group,102 dysregulated mRNAs and 22 dysregulated lncRNAs showed the same trend in KSD and DCM.And 3 606 mRNAs and 451 lncRNAs were only differentially expressed in KSD group,217 mRNAs and 137 lncRNAs were only differentially expressed in DCM group.The differentially expressed lncRNA/mRNA shared between the KSD and DCM groups were mainly about viral transcription,immuno-inflammatory response,oxidative stress signaling pathways.The KSD specific lncRNA/mRNA mainly participated in cell membrane damage and viral myocarditis.The DCM specific lncRNA/mRNA mainly regulated mitochondrial structure and oxidative phosphorylation related enzymes.Conclusion The differentially expressed lncRNA/mRNA shared in KSD and DCM groups are mainly involved in viral transcription,oxidative stress signaling pathways;KSD specific lncRNA/mRNA are mainly related to cell membrane damage and viral myocarditis;DCM specific lncRNA/mRNA mainly regulate mitochondrial structure.