Objective To explore the technical key points and effectiveness of the facial artery perforator myomucosal flap (FAPMF) in repairing oral and perioral tissue defects. Methods Between June 2023 and December 2024, 8 patients with oral and perioral tissue defects were repaired with the FAPMF. There were 4 males and 4 females, with an average age of 57.6 years (range, 45-72 years). Among them, 4 cases had floor-of-mouth defects and 3 cases had buccal mucosa defects remaining after squamous cell carcinoma resection, and 1 case had lower lip defect caused by trauma. The size of tissue defects ranged from 4.5 cm×3.0 cm to 6.0 cm×5.0 cm. The preoperative mouth opening was (39.55±1.88) mm, and the preoperative swallowing score of the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL) was 64.64±8.47. Preoperatively, CT angiography and Doppler ultrasound were used to locate the perforator vessels. A myomucosal flap pedicled with the perioral perforators of the facial artery was designed, with the harvesting size ranging from 4.0 cm×2.5 cm to 6.5 cm×4.0 cm. The length of the vascular pedicle was 4.2-6.8 cm (mean, 5.2 cm). Postoperatively, FAPMF survival, complications, and functional recovery were observed. ResultsAll 8 surgeries were successfully completed without conversion to other repair methods or complications such as facial nerve injury. The total operation time ranged from 110 to 180 minutes, with an average of 142.5 minutes; among this, the harvesting time of the FAPMF ranged from 35 to 65 minutes, with an average of 48.7 minutes. The intraoperative blood loss was 50-150 mL, with an average of 85.6 mL. All FAPMFs survived completely. One patient developed venous reflux disorder at 24 hours after operation, which relieved after conservative treatment. All patients were followed up 7-16 months (mean, 12.4 months). All FAPMFs achieved complete epithelialization at 3 months after operation, showing a similar soft texture to the surrounding mucosa. At 7 months after operation, the mouth opening was (39.11±1.79) mm, slightly lower than preoperative level, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The swallowing score of the UW-QOL was 63.78±8.31, which was significantly lower than preoperative score (P<0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score for patient satisfaction was 7-10, with an average of 8.9. ConclusionThe FAPMF has advantages such as reliable blood supply, high mucosal matching degree, and concealed donor site, making it an ideal option for repairing small and medium-sized oral and perioral tissue defects.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) printed customized hemi-pelvic prosthesis for pelvic reconstruction after resection of massive pelvic tumors. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 26 patients with massive pelvic tumors who met the selection criteria and were treated between November 2021 and May 2024. The cohort included 11 males and 15 females, with a mean age of 52.65 years (range, 17-73 years). Histopathological diagnoses were as follows: 9 cases of chondrosarcoma, 2 of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, 4 of spindle cell sarcoma, 2 of osteosarcoma, 1 of solitary fibrous tumor, 1 of myxoid chondroma, 1 of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, 1 of chondromyxoid epithelioma, and 5 of metastatic malignant tumors. According to the Enneking classification, tumor involvement was distributed as 4 cases in zones Ⅰ+Ⅱ, 9 in zones Ⅱ+Ⅲ, 3 in zones Ⅰ+Ⅳ, 8 in zones Ⅰ+Ⅱ+Ⅲ, and 2 in zones Ⅰ+Ⅱ+Ⅳ. The disease duration ranged from 3 to 40 months, with a mean of 9.85 months. All patients underwent reconstruction with customized 3D-printed hemi-pelvic prostheses. The effectiveness was evaluated by Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and Harris hip score before operation and at last follow-up, and pain levels were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up. ResultsThe operation time ranged from 186 to 528 minutes, with a mean of 334.58 minutes. The intraoperative blood loss ranged from 1 400 to 4 000 mL, with a mean of 2173.08 mL, and the transfusion volume ranged from 750 to 3 500 mL, with a mean of 1 659.62 mL. All 26 patients were followed up 10-42 months (mean, 18.5 months). Postoperative complications included prosthetic dislocation in 2 cases, which were attributed to improper positioning during home care and an accidental fall, respectively. One patient developed a vesicocutaneous fistula and poor wound healing due to pre-existing tumor invasion into the bladder. One patient experienced failure and loosening of the internal fixation at 8 months after operation caused by local tumor recurrence, and subsequently died at 14 months postoperatively due to progression of brain metastases. Postoperative complications such as poor healing of incisions, prosthetic dislocation, or failure of internal fixation was not observed in the remaining patients. At last follow-up, the walking ability of most patients recovered to varying degrees. The VAS scores at 3 months and at last follow-up significantly improved when compared with those before operation, and the scores at last follow-up further improved when compared with 3 months after operation, all showing significant differences (P<0.05). The MSTS scores and Harris scores at last follow-up were significantly higher than those before operation (P<0.05). Conclusion 3D printed customized hemi-pelvic prosthesis is effective for reconstruction of massive pelvic tumors after resection, but there are still some limitations, and soft tissue reconstruction should be paid attention to.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of the suture anchor technique without knots for reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) combined with the reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum in treating chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). Methods The clinical data of 31 patients with CLAI who were admitted between August 2017 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 13 females, with an age range from 20 to 48 years (mean, 34.6 years). All patients had a history of repeated ankle sprain, with a disease duration of 6-18 months (mean, 9.65 months). The anterior drawer test and inversion stress test were positive, and tenderness was present in the ligament area. Stress X-ray films of the ankle joint showed a talar tilt angle of (10.00±2.78)° and an anterior talar displacement of (9.48±1.96) mm on the affected side. MRI revealed discontinuity, tortuosity, or disappearance of the ATFL structure. Preoperatively, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 5.2±2.1, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 62.9±7.1. All patients underwent arthroscopic debridement of the ankle joint followed by reconstruction of the ATFL using the suture anchor technique without knots combined with reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum. Postoperatively, pain and function were assessed using the VAS and AOFAS scores. Stress X-ray films were taken to measure the talar tilt angle and anterior talar displacement to evaluate changes in ankle joint stability. Patient satisfaction was assessed according to the Insall criteria. Results All 31 surgeries were successfully completed. One case had wound exudation, while the remaining surgical incisions healed by first intention. Two cases experienced numbness on the lateral aspect of the foot, which disappeared within 1 month after operation. All patients were followed up 15-84 months (mean, 47.2 months). No complication such as anchor loosening, recurrent lateral ankle instability, superficial peroneal nerve injury, rejection reaction, or wound infection occurred postoperatively. The anterior drawer test and inversion stress test were negative at 3 months after operation. Stress X-ray films taken at 3 months after operation showed the talar tilt angle of (2.86±1.72)° and the anterior talar displacement of (2.97±1.32) mm, both of which were significantly different from the preoperative values (t=12.218, P<0.001; t=15.367, P<0.001). At last follow-up, 2 patients had ankle swelling after exercise, which resolved spontaneously with rest; all 31 patients returned to their pre-injury level of sports or had no significant discomfort in daily activities. At last follow-up, 25 patients were pain-free, 4 had mild pain after exercise, and 2 had mild pain after walking more than 2 000 meters. The VAS score was 0.8±0.9 and the AOFAS score was 91.6±4.1, both of which were significantly different from the preoperative scores (t=10.851, P<0.001; t=?19.514, P<0.001). According to the Insall criteria, 24 patients were rated as excellent, 4 as good, and 3 as fair, with a satisfaction rate of 90.3%. Conclusion The suture anchor technique without knots for reconstruction of the ATFL combined with reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum provides satisfactory short- and mid-term effectiveness in treating CLAI.
Objective To review the latest progress in the major biological properties of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and ADSCs assisted autologous lipotransfer in breast repair and reconstruction. Methods Recent literature about ADSCs assisted autologous lipotransfer in breast repair and reconstruction was reviewed. Results ADSCs have multipotential differentiation capacity, and they could promote angiogenesis and regulate immune reactions. ADSCs assisted autologous lipotransfer can obtain satisfactory effectiveness in breast repair and reconstruction with few complications, but more studies are needed to confirm the long-term safety. Conclusion ADSCs assisted autologous lipotransfer has good effectiveness in breast repaired and reconstruction. But further clinical trials are needed to confirm the long-term safety.
Objective To review the current research progress of three-dimensional (3-D) printing technique in foot and ankle surgery. Methods Recent literature associated with the clinical application of 3-D printing technique in the field of medicine, especially in foot and ankle surgery was reviewed, summarized, and analyzed. Results At present, 3-D printing technique has been applied in foot and ankle fracture, segmental bone defect, orthosis, corrective surgery, reparative and reconstructive surgery which showed satisfactory effectiveness. Currently, there are no randomized controlled trials and the medium to long term follow-up is necessary. Conclusion The printing materials, time, cost, medical ethics, and multi-disciplinary team restricted the application of 3-D printing technique, but it is still a promising technique in foot and ankle surgery.
Objective To review the research progress on the application of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology in auricle repair and reconstruction. Methods The recent domestic and international research literature on 3D printing and auricle repair and reconstruction was extensively reviewed, and the concept of 3D bioprinting technology and research progress in auricle repair and reconstruction were summarized. Results The auricle possesses intricate anatomical structure and functionality, necessitating precise tissue reconstruction and morphological replication. Hence, 3D printing technology holds immense potential in auricle reconstruction. In contrast to conventional 3D printing technology, 3D bioprinting technology not only enables the simulation of auricular outer shape but also facilitates the precise distribution of cells within the scaffold during fabrication by incorporating cells into bioink. This approach mimics the composition and structure of natural tissues, thereby favoring the construction of biologically active auricular tissues and enhancing tissue repair outcomes. Conclusion 3D bioprinting technology enables the reconstruction of auricular tissues, avoiding potential complications associated with traditional autologous cartilage grafting. The primary challenge in current research lies in identifying bioinks that meet both the mechanical requirements of complex tissues and biological criteria.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of free medial femoral condyle (MFC) functional chimeric perforator flap (FCPF) transplantation in reconstructing joint function by repairing concomitant osteochondral defects and soft tissue defect in hand and foot joints. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 6 patients (5 males, 1 female; mean age of 33.4 years, range 21-56 years) with traumatic osteochondral joint defects and associated tendon, nerve, and soft tissue defects treated between January 2019 and November 2024. Defect locations included metacarpal heads (n=2), metacarpophalangeal joint (n=1), first metatarsal head (n=1), base of first proximal phalanx (n=1), and talar head (n=1), with soft tissue defects in all cases. Osteochondral defect sizes ranged from 1.5 cm×1.2 cm×0.7 cm to 4.0 cm×0.6 cm×0.6 cm, and skin defects ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 13 cm×4 cm. The stage Ⅰ treatment included debridement, antibiotic-loaded bone cement filling of bone-cartilage defects, fracture internal fixation, and coverage with vacuum sealing drainage. Stage Ⅱ involved harvesting a free MFC- FCPF included an osteochondral flap (range of 1.5 cm×1.2 cm×0.7 cm to 4.0 cm×0.6 cm×0.6 cm), gracilis and/or semitendinosus tendon grafts (length of 4-13 cm), saphenous nerve graft (length of 3.5-4.0 cm), and a perforator skin flap (range of 6 cm×4 cm to 14 cm×6 cm), each with independent vascular supply. The flap was transplanted to reconstruct joint function. Donor sites were closed primarily or with skin grafting. Flap survival was monitored postoperatively. Radiographic assessment was used to evaluate bone/joint healing. At last follow-up, the joint function recovery was assessed. Results All 6 MFC-FCPF survived completely, with primary healing of wounds and donor sites. All patients were followed up 6-44 months (mean, 23.5 months). The flaps at metacarpophalangeal joint in 1 case and at ankle joint in 1 case were treated with degreasing repair because of their bulky appearance, while the other flaps had good appearance and texture. At 3 months after operation, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain during joint movement of recipient site was 0-2, with an average of 0.7; at last follow-up, the VAS score of the donor site was 0-1, with an average of 0.3. According to the Paley fracture healing scoring system, the osteochondral healing of all the 6 patients was excellent. The range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint in 3 cases was 75%, 90%, and 100% of contralateral side respectively, the range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joint in 2 cases was 65% and 95% of contralateral side respectively, and the range of motion of the ankle joint in 1 case was 90% of contralateral side. The hand function was evaluated as excellent in 2 cases and good in 1 case according to the upper limb function evaluation standard of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society, and the foot function was evaluated as excellent in 2 cases and fair in 1 case according to the Maryland foot function score of 93, 91, and 69, respectively. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score of 6 knees was 91-99, with an average of 95.2. Conclusion The free MFC-FCPF enables precise anatomical joint reconstruction with three-dimensional restoration of tendon, nerve, capsule, and soft tissue defects, effectively restoring joint function and improving quality of life.
Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of the anterior and middle columns in thoracolumbar tuberculosis reconstructed with whole autogenous spinous process-laminar bone through posterior approach. Methods The retrospective study included 78 patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis who underwent posterior approach surgery and anterior and middle column bone graft reconstruction between January 2012 and May 2023. Based on the type of autogenous bone graft used, patients were divided into group A (whole autogenous spinous process-laminar bone graft, 38 cases) and group B (autogenous structural iliac bone graft, 40 cases). There was no significant difference of baseline data, such as age, gender, disease duration, involved segment of spinal tuberculosis, and preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), Oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade, segmental kyphotic angle, and intervertebral height between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, hospital stays, ESR, CRP, VAS score, ODI, bone fusion time, ASIA grade for neurological status valuation, postoperative complications, change of segmental kyphotic angle, change of intervertebral height were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results The operation time in group A was significantly shorter than that in group B (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, and hospital stays between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients in the two groups were followed up 14-110 months (mean, 64.1 months); there was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups (P>0.05). The ESR, CRP, ODI, and VAS score at each time point after operation in both groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation, and further improved with the extension of time, the differences were significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) except that the VAS score of group A was significantly better than that of group B at 3 days after operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in fusion time between the two groups (P>0.05). The neurological function of most patients improved after operation, and there was no significant difference in ASIA grade between the two groups at last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in segmental kyphosis angle and intervertebral height between the two groups at each time point (P>0.05), and no significant difference in segmental kyphosis angle, intervertebral height correction and loss were found between the two groups (P>0.05). In group A, there was 1 case of incision fat liquefaction and 1 case of incision infection; in group B, there was 1 case of deep venous thrombosis, 2 cases of pleural effusion, and 10 cases of pain in bone harvesting area; in both groups, there were 2 cases of gout caused by hyperuricemia. There was a significant difference in the incidence of pain in bone harvesting area between the two groups (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the incidence of other complications between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionWhole autogenous spinous process-laminar bone grafting is equivalent to structural iliac bone graft in reconstruction of the anterior and middle columns in thoracolumbar tuberculosis through posterior approach, effectively supporting the stability of the anterior and middle columns of the spine, while resulting in shorter operation time and less postoperative pain in bone harvesting area.
ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term effectiveness of allogeneic bone transplantation for pelvic reconstruction of large skeletal defects after tumor resection. MethodsBetween January 2008 and November 2009, 9 patients with pelvic tumor were treated, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 1 male and 8 females with an average age of 36.1 years (range, 18-44 years). There were 5 cases of giant cell tumor of bone, 2 cases of chondrosarcoma, 1 case of malignant giant cell tumor of bone, and 1 case of Ewing sarcoma. According to the Enneking system for staging musculoskeletal tumors, the lesion involved ilium (region I) in 4 cases, acetabulum (region II) in 6 cases, pubis and ischium (region III) in 3 cases, and sacrum (region IV) in 1 case. The average disease duration was 6.8 months (range, 1-36 months). After accurate resection of the tumor, allograft ilium with or without acetabulum was used in 6 cases and 2 cases respectively, and allogenous bone plate in 1 case for pelvic reconstruction; total hip arthroplasty was performed in 6 cases; sacrum screw was used in 1 case. ResultsInfection of incision and abdominal distention occurred in 1 case, and was cured after debridement; primary healing of incision was obtained in the other cases, without infection, lower limb deep venous thrombosis, or dislocation. The average follow-up was 11.8 months (range, 8-15 months). The X-ray films showed breakage of plate in 1 case at 8 months after operation and partial bone resorption in 2 cases; good position of the prosthesis, plate, and transplanted bone was observed in the other cases. No local recurrence was found. At last follow-up, the average musculoskeletal tumor score (MSTS) was 23 (range, 18-29). ConclusionAllogeneic bone transplantation for pelvic reconstruction of large skeletal defects after tumor resection can achieve satisfactory short-term surgical and functional effectiveness.
Objective To construct a new composite artificial trachea and to investigate the feasibility of trachea repair and reconstruction with the new composite artificial trachea transplantation in dogs. Methods The basic skeleton of the new composite artificial trachea was polytetrafluoroethylene vascular prosthesis linked with titanium rings at both ends. Dualmesh was sutured on titanium rings. Sixteen dogs, weighing (14.9 ± 2.0) kg, female or male, were selected. The 5 cm cervical trachea was resected to prepare the cervical trachea defect model. The trachea repair and reconstruction was performed with the new composite artificial trachea. Then fiberoptic bronchoscope examination, CT scan and three-dimensinal reconstruction were conducted at immediate, 1 month, and 6 months after operation. Gross observation and histological examination were conducted at 14 months to evaluate the repair and reconstruction efficacy. Results No dog died during operation of trachea reconstruction. One dog died of dyspnea at 37, 41, 55, 66, 140, and 274 days respectively because of anastomotic dehiscence and artificial trachea displacement; the other 10 dogs survived until 14 months. The fiberoptic bronchoscope examination, CT scan and three-dimensinal reconstruction showed that artificial tracheas were all in good location without twisting at immediate after operation; mild stenosis occurred and anastomoses had slight granulation in 6 dogs at 1 month; severe stenosis developed and anastomosis had more granulation in 1 dog and the other dogs were well alive without anastomotic stenosis at 6 months. At 14 months, gross observation revealed that outer surface of the artificial trachea were encapsulated by fibrous connective tissue in all of 10 dogs. Histological examination showed inflammatory infiltration and hyperplasia of fibrous tissue and no epithelium growth on the inner wall of the artificial trachea. Conclusion The new composite artificial trachea can be used to repair and reconstruct defect of the trachea for a short-term. Anastomotic infection and dehiscence are major complications and problems affecting long survival.