1/11. Fascial flaps based on perforators for reconstruction of defects in the distal forearm.Twenty fascial flaps were used in the reconstruction of defects in the distal forearm, wrist and hand in 18 patients over a 2-year period. In 16 patients the fascial flaps were based on a single fascial feeding vessel or 'perforator' arising from the anterior interosseous artery and/or ulnar artery when the radial artery had been used as the donor vessel in free flap reconstruction elsewhere in the body. There was no loss of any fascial flap in the study. The use of fascial flaps based on fascial feeders of the anterior interosseous and ulnar arteries extends the range of fascial flaps that can be raised in the forearm for reconstruction of defects in the distal forearm, wrist and hand.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/11. Bilateral hand transplantation: bone healing under immunosuppression with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone.PURPOSE: Little is known about bone healing after composite tissue transplantation that requires pharmacologic immunosuppression. Bone integration and callus development were assessed in bilateral hand transplantation. methods: In this study the course of callus development and callus maturation were assessed by color Doppler sonography and radiography in a double hand transplant and compared with forearm replantation. RESULTS: After hand transplantation, ingrowth of small vessels at the bone junction was observed at week 3, calcified callus became visible at month 4, and bone union was completed at month 11. A similar time course of bone integration was observed after replantation. Plating offered sufficient stability. A recipient periostal flap is thought to have improved blood supply and favored development and induction of callus. CONCLUSIONS: Bone healing after hand transplantation under immunosuppression with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone is identical to that after forearm replantation.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/11. Iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula after revascularization of the hand.This is the first report of an iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula complicating revascularization of an incomplete amputation of the hand, due to inadvertent anastomosis of the proximal radial artery to the distal cephalic vein. This resulted in a severely painful, massively swollen hand, which was initially diagnosed as an infection or poor venous outflow and eventually required a below-elbow amputation. This complication of replantation or revascularization should be preventable by carefully matching the thickness of the vessel wall and the diameter of the lumen, to avoid anastomosing a proximal artery to a distal vein.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/11. Biceps femoris perforator free flap for upper extremity reconstruction: anatomical study and clinical series.BACKGROUND: Perforator flaps are an important development in reconstructive surgery. The description of new perforator flaps is an open field in anatomical and surgical research. methods: The anatomy of the musculocutaneous perforating vessels of the short head of the biceps femoris muscle was investigated as a possible source for free tissue transfer in 10 fresh specimens. A series of 10 free biceps femoris perforator flaps for upper extremity reconstruction is described. RESULTS: There were three constant sizable perforators, located at 6 cm (range, 5 to 6.5 cm), 11.6 cm (range, 10 to 14 cm), and 15.3 cm (range, 14 to 17 cm), respectively, from the knee joint line. The distalmost perforator was a branch off the superior lateral genicular artery in all anatomical specimens. The middle perforator was a direct branch off the popliteal artery in 60 percent of the cases and off the profunda femoris in the remaining 40 percent. The uppermost perforator was usually a branch off the middle perforator. The flaps of the clinical series were based on the middle perforator (11.6 cm). All 10 free flaps were used for upper extremity trauma coverage, with a 100 percent success rate, although one flap required pedicle revision because of arterial thrombosis and developed partial necrosis. Donor-site delayed wound healing occurred in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: The vascular anatomy is relatively constant. Flap dissection is straightforward under tourniquet control, donor morbidity is low provided a primary closure is possible, and pedicle size is appropriate for repair. When a moderate-size free flap with moderate thickness and a medium-sized pedicle is needed, the biceps femoris perforator flap should be considered in the first-choice group of donor areas.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/11. Microvascular reconstruction for close-range gunshot injuries to the distal forearm.Three patients with compound defects in the distal forearm resulting from close-range gunshot injuries were treated with a free microvascular composite groin flap. The composite flap, which consisted of groin skin, the iliac crest, and abdominal muscles, was used to cover the exposed nerves, tendons, and vessels in one stage. The iliac crest replaced the segmental radial and ulnar defects, and the attached muscles were placed deep to the tendons to provide a gliding surface and to prevent adhesions to the bone. "Sandwiching" the damaged nerves and tendons between highly vascular soft tissue has the potential to improve tendon excursion, nerve regeneration, and ultimately the functional result in the hand. This microvascular reconstruction is presented as an alternative to conventional staged skin flap transfer and cancellous bone grafting.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/11. Management of severe forearm injuries.A review of principles and an operative guideline for repair of severely mutilating injuries to the forearm have been set forth. These concepts and their application have been illustrated in a series of clinical cases. The following key concepts have developed from these clinical experiences: 1. The surgeon must evaluate each case based upon the potential for return of sensation and function. One cannot justify the statement that a replanted arm is always superior to a prosthesis, even if its only purpose is cosmetic. 2. Care must be taken in the emergency room to evaluate the entire patient, and not to ignore other injuries while concentrating on a mangled extremity. 3. The crush-avulsion nature of injuries seen in a large referral center necessitates aggressive debridement of damaged soft tissue and bone. Wounds that have avulsion of skin, muscle, and nerve throughout the length of the arm do not lend themselves to repair. Destruction of an elbow joint generally precludes repair. 4. A well stabilized skeleton is essential before definitive soft tissue repairs can be performed. 5. Vascular repairs are meticulously performed using magnification. All vessels are reconstructed in an effort to recreate the original anatomy. 6. Wide destruction of muscle and tendon is frequent necessitating ingenuity in connecting proximal motor units to distal tendon. After repair, early active motion of the extremity is emphasized. 7. Perhaps the strongest contraindication to reconstruction of a severely damaged upper limb is avulsion of the nerves throughout the length of the forearm. Sharply divided nerves can be repaired by group fascicular suture. Crushed, divided nerves do well with accurate epineural approximation. Crushed nerves with epineural continuity ar best treated by observation and secondary grafting as required. 8. Primary coverage of areas denuded of skin is by split graft of local transposition flaps. More sophisticated techniques may be used at a later time (myocutaneous flaps or free flaps) if further reconstruction is contemplated. 9. Dressing must be carefully applied without constricting the extremity. A protective plaster is applied beginning from above the elbow and ending in a bonnet over the hand; this allows the recovery room nurse to monitor the vascular status of the repair. 10. The physiotherapist and occupational therapist are integrated into the perioperative care. Active range of motion exercises are begun as soon as the third day after the operation. Lightweight static and dynamic splints help to restore mobility.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |
7/11. decompression of forearm compartment syndromes.The diagnosis of forearm compartment syndrome by clinical findings alone has been difficult and inconsistent. This study was designed to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of forearm compartment syndromes. We evaluated several forearm incisions and determined their effectiveness by measuring compartment pressures using the wick catheter. The wick catheter is a simple, safe, and effective means of determining forearm compartment pressures. Preoperative and intraoperative measurements of the dorsal as well as the volar compartment pressures should be performed. Volar fasciotomy is effective in decompressing the volar compartment and may be effective in lowering the dorsal compartment pressure as well. Dorsal fasciotomy should be performed when that pressure remains elevated following volar decompression. The curvilinear volar and volar-ulnar incisions were equally effective in lowering compartment pressures experimentally, but the curved incision allowed beteer exposure to nerves and vessels and is preferred.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |
8/11. Serratus anterior intercostal nerve graft: a new vascularized nerve graft.We present our investigative and clinical experience with a new vascularized nerve graft: the serratus anterior intercostal nerve graft. The serratus branch of the thoracodorsal arterial system was injected with silicone rubber injection compound in seven fresh cadavers (N = 11 injected specimens) after the composite serratus-intercostal structures were harvested. microdissection of selected vascular territories was then performed. Our findings reconfirmed the previously described vascular connections between the thoracodorsal system and the intercostal vessels via periosteal vessels. We also newly discovered vascular anastomoses between the serratus anterior muscle and the intercostal artery running within a mesentery. This mesentery is lateral to and distinct from the serratus-periosteal-intercostal network. The nerve graft was applied clinically in the reconstruction of a complex soft-tissue, 13-cm ulnar nerve defect of the volar forearm after an electrical injury. The clinical application was successful with limb salvage and return of protective sensation at 4 months. Our clinical and investigative results support the feasibility of the serratus anterior intercostal nerve graft, a unique and versatile new vascularized nerve graft.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |
9/11. Temporary arterial shunt in the severely injured limb.Silicone rubber tubing and matching vessel tips are available in any hospital with a renal dialysis unit. These materials may be used as a temporary measure to restore distal circulation in the severely injured limb. The operative technique and postoperative management of a case in which this manoeuvre was used are presented.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |
10/11. Microvascular reconstruction of the upper extremity with the rectus abdominis muscle.Large soft-tissue defects of the upper extremity are difficult to reconstruct. Defects in 21 patients (15-75 years old) were treated by free tissue transfer of the rectus abdominis muscle. The defects were the result of trauma or resection of tumor and measured more than 15 x 15 cm. The muscle was transferred on the inferior epigastric pedicle and covered with a skin graft within 48 hours. All transfers were successful, and early soft-tissue healing occurred. This procedure offers the advantages of easy positioning, large donor vessels, and a highly vascular soft tissue reconstruction. The long-term functional and cosmetic results have been excellent.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.5keywords = vessel (Clic here for more details about this article) |
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