Objective To investigate the effect of transplantation of the cutaneous iliac flap on repairing bone and soft tissue defect of metatarsal. Methods From October 1999 to December 2003, the cutaneous iliac flap was designed for the repair of bone and soft tissue defect of metatarsal in 4 male patients, whose ages ranged from 26 to 47, with skin graft for the coverage of the iliac flap. The duration of injury ranged from 1 to 5 months. The length of the defect ranged from 4 to 7 cm and the defect area ranged from 5 cm×3 cm to 9 cm×5 cm. Results One week after transplantation, complete survival of iliac flap was observed in 3 cases and partial survival in 1 case (but later proved survived). Callus was seen 1 month after transplantation and Kwires were removed 4months after transplantation. Patients were followed up for 5 to 24 months. There were no ulcers. The ability of walking and bearing was satisfying as well asthe function and shape. Conclusion With satisfying restoration of function and shape, transplantation of the cutaneous iliac flap with skin graft is an alternative to treat bone and soft tissue defect of metatarsal with one stage surgery.
In order to explore a new method to treat the ischemic necrosis of the head of 2nd metatarsal bone in adult, transposition of reversed vascularized metatarsal bone graft was adopted in the treatment of 4 cases, 2 of which were followed up for one and a half years. The postoperative X-ray showed the round head of the 2nd metatarsal bone became round and even density. The clinical observation showed that there was excellent function of metatarsophalangeal joint. It was concluded that the reversed vascularized metatarsal bone graft could provide a reliable blood supply and various osteogenic factors to the avascularized head of the metatarsal bone, and the operation could also debride the joint cavity and carry out decompression.
To investigate the operative technique of treating Freiberg’s disease with dorsal wedge osteotomy and absorbable pin fixation, and to evaluate the cl inical outcome. Methods From June 2005 to June 2007, 8 patients with Freiberg’s disease were treated, including 2 males and 6 females aged 16-66 years old (average 36 years old). X-ray films revealed osteosclerosis, collapse of the metatarsal head and ischemic necrosis of the second metatarsal head. According toSmill ie classification system, there were 4 cases of stage II, 3 of stage III and 1 of stage IV. The duration of symptoms was 6-36 months (average 19 months). After dorsal wedge osteotomy, the metatarsal heads were rotated to reconstrust the joint surface, then 3-4 pieces of absorbable pin 1.5 mm in length were implanted for fixation. Results All wounds healed by first intention, and no early postoperative compl ications occurred. Five patients were followed for 11-35 months (average 14 months) and had significant pain rel ief. At 3 months after operation, the dorsal-flexion of metatarsophalangeal joint was improved by 0-50° (average 21°), and the plantar-flexion was increased by 0-10° (average 5°). X-ray films showed that solid union of the osteotomy was achieved in all patients at 8-13 weeks after operation (average 10 weeks). Average shortening of metatarsal was 1.7 mm (range 1.3-2.0 mm). All patients returned to sports and recreational activities at 4 months after operation, except one case of stage IV who had constant swelling and stiffness in the joint and was improved at 12 months after operation. Conclusion Dorsal wedge osteotomy in complex with absorbable pin fixation is an effective procedure for stage II and III Freiberg’s disease, because it is capable of reconstructing the metatarsophalangeal joint effectively, allowing early joint motion and avoiding a second operation.
Objecitve To investigate the effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) printing-assisted vascularized fibular graft for repairing metatarsal defects. Methods Between November 2021 and February 2024, 11 patients with varying degrees of metatarsal defects caused by trauma were treated. There were 10 males and 1 female, aged 22-67 years, with a mean age of 51.2 years. The defect locations were as follows: the first metatarsal in 4 cases, the fifth metatarsal in 2 cases, the first and the second metatarsals in 1 case, the first to third metatarsals in 1 case, the third and the fourth metatarsals in 1 case, the third to fifth metatarsals in 1 case, and the first to fifth metatarsals in 1 case. The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 67.0 (48.5, 72.5). Based on 3D-printed bilateral feet models and mirrored healthy-side foot arch angles for preoperative planning and design, the vascularized fibular graft was performed to repair the metatarsal defects. At last follow-up, the medial and lateral longitudinal arches of bilateral feet were measured on weight-bearing X-ray films, and functional assessment was conducted using the AOFAS score.Results All operations were successfully completed, with an operation time ranging from 180 to 465 minutes (mean, 246.8 minutes). All incisions healed by first intention, with no occurrence of osteomyelitis. All patients were followed up 6-22 months (mean, 10 months). X-ray film reviews showed bone graft healing in all cases, with a healing time of 3-6 months (mean, 5 months). All patients underwent internal fixator removal at 6-12 months after operation. At last follow-up, no significant difference was observed in the medial and lateral longitudinal arches between the healthy and affected feet (P>0.05). The AOFAS score of the affected foot was 78.0 (73.5, 84.0), showing a significant improvement compared to the preoperative score (P<0.05). The effectiveness was rated as excellent in 1 case, good in 7 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case. Linear scarring remained at the donor site, with no functional impairment in adjacent joint movement. Conclusion 3D printing-assisted vascularized fibular graft for repairing metatarsal defects can effectively restore the physiological angle of the foot arch, facilitate the recovery of weight-bearing alignment, promote good bone healing, and yield satisfactory clinical outcomes.