Objective To explore a suitable repairing method for skin defects of the foot and ankle, and to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the different repairing methods. Methods From January 2000 to October 2005, 36 patients with skin defects of the foot and ankle underwentthe repairing treatment, of whom 35 were males and 1 was female, aged 5-62 years, averaged 38 years. Of the 36 patients, 12 had an injury by a machine, 22 had a traffic accident, 1 had an infection, and 1 had a cold injury. And the injuries involved the dorsum of the foot, heel, forefoot, and medial or lateral malleolus. The injuries were respectively treated by 2 different repairing methods, the repair with the coverage by the lateral supramalleolar flaps and the repair with the coverage by the reverse sural neurocutaneous flaps. The skin defectsranged in area from 5 cm×4 cm to 20 cm×10 cm. The lateral supramalleolar flapwas used in 15 patients (15 flaps) with a flap area of 5 cm×4 cm-15 cm×8 cm,and the reverse sural neurocutaneous flap was used in 21 patients (22 flaps) with a flap area of 6 cm×4 cm20 cm×10 cm. We retrospectively observed the therapeutic results and compared the success rates of the two methods. Results Of the 36 patients, 15 underwent the repair with the coverage by 15 lateral supramalleolar flaps; 10 achieved a complete survival of the flaps, 2 developed an epidermal necrosis over the distal part, and 3 developed a complete necrosis.The other 21 patients underwent the repair with the coverage by 22 reverse sural neurocutaneous flaps. Of the 22 flaps, 21 had a complete survival, and only 1 failed to survive. The comparison revealed that there was no difference in the color, texture, and contour of the flaps between the 2 repaired groups. And the patients in the 2 groups were equally satisfied with the repairing treatments. The sensation of the flaps recovered to S0-S1. Conclusion The repairing of the foot and ankle skin defects with the coverage by the lateral supramalleolar flaps or by the reverse sural neurocutaneous flaps can achieve a similar good therapeutic result. However, the repair with the lateral supramalleolarflaps is more suitable for the skin defect of a smaller area over the medial orlateral malleolus, or the proximal dorsum of the foot; the repair with the reverse sural neurocutaneous flaps is more suitable for the skin defect of a larger area over the foot and ankle without serious destruction of the malleolar arterial rete.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of a new hook-shaped anatomical locking plate in the treatment of Danis-Weber type A lateral malleolus fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 45 patients with Danis-Weber type A lateral malleolus fractures who met the selection criteria between November 2020 and November 2022. According to the surgical methods, they were divided into the observation group (treated with the new hook-shaped anatomical locking plate, 23 cases) and the control group (treated with the conventional lateral malleolus anatomical locking plate, 22 cases). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, cause of injury, Danis-Weber type of fracture, time from injury to operation, and combined ligament injury between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, partial weight-bearing time, return to work time, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. The function and pain of ankle joint were evaluated by the range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, varus, valgus, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 1 and 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at 3 months after operation and at last follow-up. Results All patients were followed up 10-18 months (mean, 15.1 months). There was no significant difference in operation time between the two groups (P>0.05); the postoperative partial weight-bearing time and return to work time of the observation group were significantly earlier than those of the control group (P<0.05). During the follow-up, there was 1 case of joint stiffness in the observation group, and 1 case of joint surface displacement, 1 case of joint stiffness, and 1 case of traumatic arthritis in the control group. There was no significant difference in the incidences of complications between the two groups (P>0.05). With the extension of time after operation, the range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, varus, valgus, and VAS score of the two groups gradually improved, and there were significant differences between different time points (P<0.05); At 1 and 3 months after operation, the above indexes in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at last follow-up (P>0.05). The difference of AOFAS score between the last follow-up and 3 months after operation in the observation group was significantly better than that in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionCompared with the conventional lateral malleolus anatomical locking plate, the new hook-shaped anatomical locking plate has a more reliable fixation effect in the treatment of Danis-Weber type A lateral malleolus fracture, which is conducive to early functional exercise of the ankle joint, so that patients can bear weight earlier and return to work earlier, and the operation time is not significantly prolonged, and the effectiveness is satisfactory.
Objective To summarize the surgical technique of ankle arthrodesis using lateral malleolus osteotomy and locking proximal humeral plate internal fixation, and to evaluate the cl inical effectiveness. Methods Between March 2009 and June 2010, 18 patients with ankle joint disease were treated, including 8 cases of post-traumatic arthritis, 3 casesof rheumatoid arthritis, 5 cases of osteoarthritis, and 2 cases of post-traumatic necrosis of talus. There were 10 males and 8 females with an average age of 48 years (range, 36-67 years). The average disease duration was 3 years (range, 1-6 years). The main symptoms included swell ing, pain, and a l imited range of motion of the ankle. Four patients accompanied with ankle varus deformity and 2 patients with valgus deformity. According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score system, the preoperative score was 43.5 ± 10.2. An ankle arthrodesis using lateral malleolus osteotomy and locking proximal humeral plate internal fixation was performed in all patients. Results Superficial wound infection and partial skin necrosis occurred in 1 case respectively, and were cured after symptomatic treatment; the other incisions healed by first intention without compl ications. Sixteen patients were followed up 16 months on average (range, 1-2 years). The X-ray films showed that bone fusion was obtained at 8-16 weeks (mean, 12 weeks) after operation. The symptom was rel ieved completely in all patients at last follow-up without compl ication of implant failure, nonunion, and malunion. The postoperative AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was 83.0 ± 6.3, showing significant difference when compared with the preoperative score (t=26.20, P=0.00). Conclusion Ankle arthrodesis using lateral malleolus osteotomy and locking proximal humeral plate internal fixation has the advantages of feasible technique, the rigid fixation, and high fusion rate, soit may obtain a good cl inical effectiveness.
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 investigate the anatomy of anterior and posterior terminal perforators of the peroneal artery and its clinical applications. Methods Six lower limb specimens were obtained from 3 fresh cadavers. The anterior and posterior terminal perforators and the perforator of terminal peroneal artery were exposed under surgical microscope, and the distances from the beginning of each perforator branch to the lateral malleolus tip and the external diameter of each perforator were measured. With these anatomical knowledge and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) guidance, the pedicle flaps with above-mentioned perforators were rationally selected and precisely designed for 18 patients with skin defects in the ankle and foot region between October 2016 and December 2018. Among the patients, there were 14 males and 4 females, aged 28-62 years, with an average age of 40 years. The area of wound ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 13 cm×10 cm and the area of skin flap ranged from 5 cm×4 cm to 14 cm×10 cm. The anterior peroneal artery terminal perforator flap were applied in 13 cases and the posterior peroneal artery terminal perforator flap in 5 cases. The donor sites were closed directly in 7 cases and repaired with full thickness skin graft in 11 cases. Results The distance from the beginning of the anterior terminal perforator to the lateral malleolus tip was (5.1±0.5) cm, the external diameter of the anterior terminal perforator was (1.51±0.05) mm. The distance from the beginning of the posterior terminal perforator to the lateral malleolus tip was (4.9±0.9) cm, the external diameter was (1.78±0.17) mm; the distance from the beginning of the perforator of terminal peroneal artery to the lateral malleolus tip was (1.7±0.7) cm, the external diameter was (0.58±0.12) mm. Clinical application results: The edge of the flap was dark in 2 cases after operation and healed after surgical dressing, and 1 case of wound infection healed gradually after debridement. The other flaps survived and healed by first intention. Three patients underwent plastic surgery at 3 months after operation due to flap swelling. All patients were followed up 3-18 months. During the follow-up period, the flaps had good texture and appearance, and partial recovery of sensation. All cases were assessed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at last follow-up. The results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case, with the excellent and good rate of 83.3%. ConclusionFurther classification of peroneal artery perforators in the lateral malleolus region can improve clinical understanding and be helpful to selection and application of perforator flaps in the lateral malleolus.
ObjectiveTo review the research progress of the surgical treatment for lateral malleolus defect.MethodsThe related literature about surgical treatment and effectiveness of lateral malleolus defect at home and abroad was reviewed, summarized, and analysed.ResultsLateral malleolus defects are often caused by severe trauma or wide resection of fibular neoplasms. Although the incidence is not high, the defects are difficult to handle. These bony defects should be reconstructed to prevent an abnormal gait induced by ankle instability and avoid the occurrence of traumatic arthritis. Various repair methods have been developed, including bone transplantation, fibula lengthening, and ankle arthrodesis.ConclusionThere are various surgical methods to repair the defect of lateral malleolus, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In order to achieve the best results, the surgeon should choose the appropriate operation according to his own level, the patient’s specific injury, and age.
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.