Objective To provide the anatomic basis for defect repair of the knee, leg, foot and ankle with great saphenous venosaphenous neurocutaneous vascular island flaps. Methods The origin, diameter, branches, distribution and anatomoses of the saphenous artery and saphenous neurocutaneous vascular were observed on 20 sides of adult leg specimens and 4 fresh cadaver voluntary legs. Another4 fresh cadaver voluntary legs were radiogeaphed with a soft X-ray system afterthe intravenous injection of Vermilion and cross-sections under profound fascial, otherhand, micro-anatomic examination was also performed in these 4 fresh cadaver legs. The soft tissue defects in lower extremity,upper extremity, heel or Hucou in handwere repaired with the proximal or distal pedicle flaps or free flaps in 18 patients(12 males and 6 females,aging from 7 to 3 years). The defect was caused by trauma, tumour, ulcer and scar.The locations were Hucou (1 case), upper leg(3 cases), lower extremity and heal (14 cases). Of then, 7 cases were complicatedby bone exposure, 3 cases by tendon exposure and 1 case by steel expouse. the defect size were 4 cm×4 cm to 7 cm×13 cm. The flap sizes were 4 cm×6 cm to 8 cm×15 cm, which pedicle length was 8-11 cm with 2.-4.0 cm fascia and 12 cm skin at width. Results Genus descending genicular artery began from 9.33±0.81 cm away from upper the condylus medialis, it branched saphenous artery accompanying saphenous nerve descendent. And saphenous artery reached the surface of the skin 7.21±0.82 cm away from lower the condylus medialis,and anastomosed with the branches of tibialis posterior artery, like “Y” or “T” pattern. The chain linking system of arteries were found accompanying along the great saphenous vein as saphenous nerve, and then a axis blood vessel was formed. The small artery of only 00-0.10 mm in diameter, distributed around the great saphenousvein within 58 mm and arranged parallelly along the vein like water wave in soft X-ray film. All proximal flaps,distal pedicle flaps and free flaps survived well. The appearance, sensation and function were satisfactory in 14 patientsafter a follow-up of 6-12 months. Conclusion The great saphenous vein as well as saphenous neurocutaneous has a chain linking system vascular net. A flap with the vascular net can be transplanted by free, by reversed pedicle, or by direct pedicle to repair the wound of upper leg and foot. A superficial vein-superficial neurocutaneous vascular flap with abundance blood supply and without sacrificing a main artery is a favouriate method in repair of soft tissue defects in foot and lower extremity.
ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of varicose great saphenous vein (GSV) treatment alone versus combined treatment with iliac vein compression (IVC) intervention in improving lower extremity symptoms and prognosis among the patients with varicose GSV complicated by IVC. MethodsBased on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the patients with varicose GSV complicated by IVC treated at the Day Service Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2022 to January 2025 were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were assigned into two groups according to the treatment strategies: the varicose GSV treatment alone group (control group) and the combined treatment group for varicose GSV and IVC (observation group). The primary endpoints included the closure rate of the GSV trunk, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), and venous insufficiency epidemiological and economic study quality of life/symptom (VEINES-QOL/Sym) questionnaire score at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The significance level was set at α=0.05. ResultsA total of 264 patients with left lower extremity varicose GSV complicated by IVC were included. The observation group comprised 32 patients, while the remaining 232 patients underwent 1∶3 propensity score-matching, resulting in 96 matched patients in the control group. The baseline characteristics, including gender, age, and comorbidities, showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). At 12 months postoperatively, the GSV trunk closure rate was 100% in both groups. Within-group comparisons revealed significant improvements in the VCSS and VEINES-QOL/Sym points at 6 and 12 months as compared with preoperative (on admission) values (P<0.05). Between-group comparisons showed that the observation group had greater improvement in the VEINES-QOL/Sym score at 6 months (P=0.028), but no significant difference in the VCSS (P=0.775); At 12 months, the observation group demonstrated significantly better the VCSS (P<0.001) and VEINES-QOL/Sym points (P<0.001) as compared with the control group. ConclusionsFor patients with left lower extremity GSV varicosities complicated by IVC, both treatment strategies significantly improve symptoms. Results of short-term follow-up (6 months) demonstrate early advantages in quality of life improvement with concurrent IVC intervention, while results of 12-month follow-up indicate superior efficacy in both symptom relief and quality of life enhancement. Therefore, concurrent IVC intervention may provide greater clinical benefits for mid- to long-term prognosis for patients with left lower extremity GSV varicosities complicated by IVC.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of free profounda artery perforator flap (PAPF) in the posteromedial femoral region for the treatment of traumatic skin defects of limbs.MethodsBetween March 2015 and April 2017, 11 cases of traumatic limb skin defect with deep tissue exposure were treated with free PAPF in posteromedial femoral region. There were 7 males and 4 females, with an average age of 39 years (range, 26-54 years). There were 4 cases of upper limb skin defect and 7 cases of lower limb skin defect. The causes of injury included 6 cases of traffic accident injury, 3 cases of machine crush injury, and 2 cases of crush injury. The size of wounds ranged from 11 cm×7 cm to 18 cm×11 cm. The time from post-traumatic admission to flap repair were 4-9 days (mean, 7.3 days). The size of free PAPF ranged from 15 cm×9 cm to 22 cm×13 cm. The donor site of 8 cases were closed directly; 3 cases could not be closed directly, and skin grafting was used to cover the wound.ResultsThe time of skin flap harvest was 40-90 minutes (mean, 47 minutes). All flaps and skin grafts survived and the wounds healed by first intention. All the 11 patients were followed up 6-19 months (mean, 12 months). The skin flaps were soft in texture, similar in color to the skin around the injured limbs, without obvious pigmentation and hair overgrowth. Three of them underwent second-stage skin flap thinning. At last follow-up, the limb function of all patients recovered well. Longitudinal scar could be seen in the donor site of the flap, and the location was concealed. All patients did not complain that scar of the donor site affected their sexual life during the follow-up.ConclusionFree PAPF can achieve satisfactory results in repairing skin defects of extremities. The flaps have the advantages including constant perforator branches, simple operation, and concealed donor site.
Objective To evaluate improved effect for deep venous valve function after superficial vein surgery of lower extremity in the intermediate stage. Methods Totally 43 patients (55 limbs) with varicose veins of lower extremity were enrolled to accept surgical management of vein systems in our department from March 2006 to October 2006. All patients were respectively followed up after 6 months and 4 years about the changes of deep venous valve function with color Doppler ultrasonography. Results Thirty-nine patients’ deep venous valve function kept well up to now, and there was no significant difference between the two results. Four patients without proximal saphenous vein ligation recurred, and there was reflux in deep venous. Conclusion Endovenous laser treatment and ablation of varicose veins of lower extremity with deep venous insufficiency could improve deep venous valve function effectively. Proximal great saphenous vein ligation is important for successful operation.
Objective To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of flaps in therepairment of soft tissue defects in upper extremity. Methods Based on the 2 609 cases of flaps in 2 512 patients from 1995 to 2004,the advantages and disadvantages of different sort of flaps, outcomes of treatment and indications of different soft of flaps were analyzed retrospectively. In the series, 2 089 pieces of the traditional flaps of different sorts were applied in 1 992 patients, 474 piecesof the axial flaps of different sorts were applied in 474 patients, different sorts of free flaps were used in 46 patients. Results Follow-ups were done for 1 month to 9 years (2.7 months in average). 2 531 flaps survived (97.01%); complete necrosis occurred in 10 flaps(0.38%); partial necrosis occurred in 68 flaps(2.61%). Of the 2 089 traditional flaps, 46 had partial necrosis(2.2%); 687 needed flap revisions(32.9%). Of the 474 axial flaps, 28 had complete or partial necrosis(5.9%); 82 needed revisions(17.3%). Of the 46 free flaps, 4 had complete or partial necrosis(8.7%) and nearly all the anterolateral flpas of thighs needed revisions.Conclusion Traditional flaps had the advantages of easy manipulation and the highest survival rate, however, also had the disadvantages of poor texture and many timesof operations. The flap with a pedicle had the advantage of good texture, consistent artery, free-range arc, however, the venous congestion was its disadvantage, which impaired the survival of the reverse flap. Free flap had the advantage ofgood texture and abandant donor site, but complicate manipulation was its shortage. Axial Flap with a pedicle is the optional choicefor repairing soft tissue defects in upper extremity.
Objective To explore the methods of early diagnosis of arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower extremity (ASOLE). Methods The related literatures on ASOLE detection means adopted clinically were reviewed, and their advantages and disadvantages were compared.Results Asymptomatic ASOLE could be discovered by determination of ankle brachial index (ABI) and toe brachial index (TBI), which was a good index for arterial function assessment of lower extremity. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was more vulnerable and less sensitive than ABI, and therefore more suitable for screening of a large sample. ASI was an index to assess arterial structure and function, and it had a good correlation with PWV. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was a measurement evaluating the function of endothelial cell; Pulse wave measurement was simple, sensitive, and its result was reliable. Color Doppler ultrasonography could localizate the lesion and determine the degree of stenosis at the same time. Multiple-slice CT angiography (MSCTA) was more accurate than color Doppler ultrasonography, but its inherent shortcomings, such as nephrotoxicity of contrast agent, was still need to be resolved. 3D-contrast enhancement magnetic resonance angiography (CEMRA) had little nephrotoxicity, but a combination of other imaging methods was necessary. Microcirculation detections required high consistency of the measurement environment, but they were simple, sensitive and noninvasive, and therefore could be used for screening of ASO. Conclusion Publicity and education of highrisk groups, and reasonable selection of all kinds of detection means, are helpful to improve the early diagnosis of ASOLE.
Objective To report the methods and clinical effect of the lateral crural flaps in repairing anterior tibal, dorsal and calcaneal softtissue defects. Methods From August 1999 to December 2004, 18cases of defects were repaired with lateral crural flap, including 15 cases of anterior tibal, dorsal and calcaneal softtissue defects with vascular pedicled island lateral crural flaps and 3 cases of dorsal pedal soft-tissue defects with free vascular lateral crural flaps.〖WTHZ〗Results All flaps survived after operation.Insufficient arterial supply of the flap occurred in 2 cases after operation, the pedicled incision sewing thread was removed and lidocain was injected around vascular pedicle, then the flap ischemia was released. Inadequate venous return and venous hyperemia occurred in 1 case because peroneal vein was injured duringoperation.The flap edge skin was cut and heparin was locally dripped for one week, the flap vascular cycle was resumed. All patients were followed up two months to one year, the flaps were not fat, and the elasticity was good. Conclusion It is safe and reliable to use lateral crural flap to repair anterior tibial, dorsal pedal and calcaneal soft-tissue defects.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of the superior lateral genicular artery perforator flap for repairing of soft tissue defects in extremities.MethodsBetween September 2010 and October 2017, 11 cases of skin and soft tissue in extremities were repaired with the superior lateral genicular artery perforator flap. There were 10 males and 1 female, with an average age of 37.6 years (range, 6-72 years). The causes of injury were traffic accident in 6 cases, machine injury in 1 case, falling down injury in 1 case, falling from height in 1 case, crushing injury in 1 case, and electric injury in 1 case. The defects located at the forearm in 1 case, knee in 5 cases, popliteal fossa in 2 cases, shank in 1 case, and foot and ankle in 2 cases. The area of the wound ranged from 8.0 cm×4.5 cm to 27.0 cm×8.0 cm. The interval from injury to admission was 6 days on average (range, 3-12 days). The area of perforator flap ranged from 9.0 cm×5.5 cm to 28.0 cm×9.0 cm. There were 8 cases of pedicle flap and 3 cases of free flap. All the donor sites were closed directly.ResultsEight flaps survived without any complications and the donor sites healed by first intention. Two flaps had arterial crisis and 1 flap had venous crisis after operation, and the wounds healed after symptomatic treatment. There was no hematoma and secondary infections in all patients after operation. Ten patients were followed up 2-48 months (mean, 13.1 months). All flaps had satisfied appearance and texture. There was no motion limitations in the hip and knee joints of the operated legs.ConclusionThe superior lateral genicular artery perforator flap not only can be used to repair the soft tissue defect around the knee joint as pedicle flap, but also can be used to repair the forearm and foot skin and soft tissue defects as free flap, which is a feasible way to repair soft tissue defects in extremities.
Objective To summarize the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) at lower extremity of aged patients. Method Clinical data of 98 aged patients with acute DVT at lower extremity who got treatment in our hospital from Junuary 2012 to December 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Results Of 98 aged patients with acute DVT at lower extremity, the time from disease developed to treatment was 1 day to 10 days with an average of 4 days. The main symptom was low limb swelling progressively. All the patients were treated by the comprehensive treatment based on individual anticoagulation. A total of 96 patients (98.0%) were followed up, and the follow-up period ranged from 12 months to 24 months (average of 18 months). Of 96 patients followed-up, we found a statistically significant difference between lower extremities before treatment and those at 3 months after treatment in venous clinical severity score (VCSS) and the change of lower extremity circumference (P<0.001). Of 96 patients, 9 patients were cured, 81 patients had markedly effective results, and 6 patients had effective results. None of the patients suffered from fatal pulmonary embolismin in duration of hospital day and follow-up period, and no one suffered form DVT recurrence. Conclusions The aged patients with acute DVT at lower extremity usually see a doctor lately. The comprehensive treatment based on individual anticoagulation is safe and effective in treatment of acute DVT at lower extremity of aged patients.
Objective To investigate the surgical planning and the mid-term effectiveness of four major lower extremity arthroplasties (4JA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods A clinical data of 25 patients with RA, who received 4JA and were followed up more than 3 years between June 2012 and September 2018, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 3 males and 22 females, with an average age of 48.6 years (range, 27-80 years). The body mass index ranged from 16.0 to 28.4 kg/m2, with an average of 20.48 kg/m2. The duration of RA ranged from 2 to 35 years (median, 21 years). There were 8 cases (12 sides) of knee valgus, 6 cases (12 side) of acetabular retraction, and 5 cases (10 sides) of hip stiffness. Among them, 20 patients underwent hip surgery first, and 5 patients underwent knee surgery first. Hip joint function was evaluated by Harris score, Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), hip range of motion, and Trendelenburg sign; knee joint function was evaluated by American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, knee range of motion and muscle strength, and a timed up and go (TUG) test was performed at last follow-up. X-ray films were used to observe whether the prosthesis was loose or displaced. Results All 25 patients completed 4JA. Only 1 patient (1 side) had incision infection after operation, 3 patients (3 sides) had proximal femur fractures during operation. All patients were followed up 3.0-8.8 years, with an average of 5.8 years. At last follow-up, the Harris score, HOOS score, and range of motion of flexion, extension, and abduction of the hip joint significantly improved when compared with those before operation, and the patients with positive Trendelenburg sign decreased. The HSS score and range of motion of flexion and extension of the knee joint also significantly improved when compared with those before operation. There were significant differences in all indexes between pre- and post-operation (P<0.05). The muscle strength was grade V. The TUG test ranged from 7.8 to 15.34 seconds (mean,10.79 seconds). X-ray films showed the prosthesis was not loose or displaced. Conclusion When RA patients receive 4JA, adequate preoperative evaluation, rational selection of the timing and sequence of surgery, and maximal restoration of lower limb alignment can achieve good mid-term effectiveness.