Objective To introduce the application of the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap transferring for coverage of the oversized skin defect of the hand. Methods The pedicled anterolateral thigh flap was transferred to cover the large skin defects of the hands or the skin defects of theabdomen after the abdominal flap transferred to the hand in 5 male patients aged 16-44 years from April 2002 to August 2005. The injured sites were as follows:4 right hands and 1 left hand, including 2 hands injured by a machine and 3 hands injured by burning.The mechanically injured patients underwent an operation within 6 hours after the injury. The burned patients were reconstructed by the flap transferring 4-7 days after the burn when the decayed tissues could be clearly indentified.The areas of the hand defects were 12.19 cm×18.22 cm.The areas of the pedicled anterolateral thigh flaps were 7.12 cm×16.24 cm. The areas of the abdominal flaps were 13.20 cm×19.23 cm.The pedicles were separated 3 weeks after the repairing operation. Results All the flaps survived well and there was no vascular crisis, with the wound healing of the first intention. The skin defects of the hand were covered completely. Five patients were followed up for 6-12 months. The texture of the flaps was soft and the flaps had a good blood circulation. Of the patients, 3 underwent the finger exclusion and degreasing operation 47 months after operation. All the flaps of the hands had protective sensation, which could meet the requirement of the daily life. Conclusion The pedicled anterolateral thigh flap can provide the large coverage for the skin defects of the hands. The risk of the operation can be greatly decreased by obviation of the vessel anastomosis. It can be an optimal choice for themanagement of the oversized skin defects of the hands.
Objective To assess the possibility of placing the posterior pedicle screw on atlas. Methods Twenty human cadaver specimens were used to insert pedicle screws in atlas, through the posterior arch or the pedicle of C1 into the lateral mass. The screw entry point was on the posterior surface of C1 posterior arch and at the intersection of the vertical line through the center of C2 inferior articular process and the horizontal line at least 3 mm below the superior rim of the C1 lamina. The screw of 3.5 mm in diameter was placed in a direction of 10° medial angle and 5° upwardangle. After placement of C1 pedicle screw, the distance from C1 screw entry point to the mediallateral midpoint of C1 pedicle, the maximum length of screw trajectory and the actual screw trajectory angles were measured. The direction of screw penetrating through the cortical of C1 pedicle or lateral mass and the injuries to the vertebral artery and spinal cord were observed.Results Forty pedicle screws were placed on atlas, the mean distance from C1 screw entry point to the medial-lateral midpoint of C1 pedicle was (2.20±0.42)mm, the maximum length of screw trajectory averaged (30.51±1.59)mm, and the actual screw trajectory angle measured (9.7±0.67)° in a medial direction and (4.6±0.59) ° in a upward direction. Only 1 screw penetrated the upper cortical bone of the atlas pedicle because the upward angle was too large, and 8 screws were inserted so deep that the inferior cortical bone of the C1 lateral mass was penetrated. But no injuries to the vertebral artery and spinal cord wereobserved. Conclusion C1 posterior pedicle screw fixation is quite accessible and safe, but the su
Objective To assess the outcomes of pedicle subtration osteotomy and short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation in kyphosisdeformity. Methods From June 2001 to November 2003, 16 cases of kyphosis deformity were treated with pedicle subtration osteotomy and short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation, including 11 males and 5 females and aging 24-51 years. The kyphosis deformity was caused by ankylosing spondylitis in 12 cases, old lumbothoracic fracturedislocation in 2 cases, and vertebral dysplasia in 2 cases. The disease course was 7-25 years with an average of 12.8years. The whole spine radiographs were taken pre-and postoperatively. The sagittal balance was assessed by measuring thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, acrohorizontal angle and distance between posterosuperior point of S1and the vertical line. The clinical outcomes were assessed by Bridwell-Dewald scale for spinal disorders. Results The mean follow-up period was25.6 months. The mean bleeding was 1 100 ml. Satisfactory bone graft healing was achieved at final follow-up. Complications were paralytic intestinal obstruction in 1 case, dura laceration in 1 case, and temporary lower limb paralysis in 2 cases. Final follow-up radiograph showed an increase in lumbar lordosis angle from 9.6±16.4° to 42.6±14.3°(P<0.05), whereas thoracic kyphosis angle remained relative stable. The distance between posterosuperior point of S1 and the vertical line was decreased from 97.5±45.6 mm to 10.7±9.6 mm(P<0.05). Satisfactory clinical outcome was achieved by evaluating the changes of pain, social and working status. Conclusion Pedicle subtraction osteotomy and short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation is effective for correction of kyphosis deformity.
Objective To evaluate the accuracy of pedicle guide device for the placement of the pedicle screws. Methods Pedicle guide device was designed and made for the anatomical trait of pedicle. The 3-Danatomical data of the thoracic pedicles were measured by multislice spiral CT in two embalmed human cadaveric thoracic pedicles spine(T1 -T10). Depending on transverse section angle(TSA) and sagittal section angle(SSA) of pedicle axis, the degree of horizontal dial and sagittal dial were adjusted in the guide device. The screws wereinserted bilaterally in the thoracic pedicles by using the device. After pulling the screws out, the pathways were filled with contrast media. The TSA and SSA of developed pathways were measured. Results Analysis of the difference between pedicle axis and developed pathway was of no statistical significance(P>0.05). Conclusion The guide device could be easilyoperated and guarantee high accuracy of the pathways of screws and the incidence of pedicle penetration could be significantly reduced.
Objective To explore the feasibilities, methods, outcomes and indications of atlas pedicle screw system fixation and fusion for the treatment of upper cervical diseases. Methods From October 2004 to January 2006, 17 patients with upper cervical diseases were treated with atlas pedicle screw system fixation and fusion. There were 13 males and 4 females, ageing 19 to 52 years. Of 17 cases, there were 14 cases of atlantoaxial dislocation(including 3 cases of congenital odontoid disconnection,4 cases of old odontoid fracture,2 cases of new odontoid fracture(typeⅡC), 3 cases of rupture of the transverse ligament, and 2 cases of atlas fracture; 2 cases of tumor of C2; 1case of giant neurilemoma of C2,3 with instability after the resection oftumors. JOA score before operation was 8.3±3.0. Results The mean operative time and bleeding amount were 2.7 hours (2.1-3.4 hours) and 490 ml (300-750 ml) respectively. No injuries to the vertebral artery and spinal cord were observed. The medial-superior cortex of lateral mass was penetrated by 1 C1 screw approximately 3 mmwithout affecting occipito-atlantal motions. All patients were followed up 3-18 months. The clinical symptoms were improved in some extents and the screws were verified to be in a proper position, no breakage or loosening of screw and rob occurred. All patients achieved a solid bone fusion after 3-6 months. JOA score 3 months after operation was14.6±2.2. JOA improvement rates were 73%-91%(mean 82%). Conclusion The atlas pedicle screw system fixation and fusion is feasible for the treatment of upper cervical diseases and has betteroutcomes, wider indications if conducted properly.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of different flaps for repair of severe palm scar contracture deformity. MethodsBetween February 2013 and March 2015, thirteen cases of severe palm scar contracture deformity were included in the retrospective review. There were 10 males and 3 females, aged from 14 to 54 years (mean, 39 years). The causes included burn in 9 cases, hot-crush injury in 2 cases, chemical burn in 1 case, and electric burn in 1 case. The disease duration was 6 months to 6 years (mean, 2.3 years). After excising scar, releasing contracture and interrupting adherent muscle and tendon, the soft tissues and skin defects ranged from 6.0 cm×4.5 cm to 17.0 cm×7.5 cm. The radial artery retrograde island flap was used in 2 cases, the pedicled abdominal flaps in 4 cases, the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in 2 cases, the anterolateral thigh flap in 1 case, and the scapular free flap in 4 cases. The size of flap ranged from 6.0 cm×4.5 cm to 17.0 cm×7.5 cm. ResultsAll flaps survived well. Venous thrombosis of the pedicled abdominal flaps occurred in 1 case, which was cured after dressing change, and healing by first intention was obtained in the others. The mean follow-up time was 8 months (range, 6-14 months). Eight cases underwent operation for 1-3 times to make the flap thinner. At last follow-up, the flaps had good color, and the results of appearance and function were satisfactory. ConclusionSevere palm scar contracture deformity can be effectively repaired by proper application of different flaps.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) assisted with anterior column reconstruction in the treatment of chronic osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). MethodsBetween January 2008 and October 2014, 11 cases of chronic OVCF were treated. There were 2 males and 9 females, aged 65-76 years (mean, 72.3 years). The vertebral compression fracture segment involved T11 in 2 cases, T12 in 2 cases, L1 in 4 cases, L2 in 2 cases, and L3 in 1 case. At preoperation, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was 31.1±10.2; kyphosis Cobb angle of fractured vertebrae was (36.5±10.2)° on the lateral X-ray films of the spine; and distance between C7 plumb vertical line (C7 PL) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) of the S1 superior border was (5.2±2.5) cm. Six cases had spinal cord injury (SCI), including 4 cases of Frankel grade C and 2 cases of grade D. At last follow-up, ODI score, kyphosis Cobb angle of fractured vertebrae, and distance between C7 PL and SVA were recorded and compared with preoperative values. Postoperative Frankle scores were recorded in SCI cases. X-ray film and CT scan were taken to evaluate bone fusion at 12 months after operation. ResultsThe operation was completed successfully without serious complications. Nerve root radiation symptoms occurred in 2 cases undergoing lumbar PSO, which was relieved after conservative treatment. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 1 case and was cured after 2 weeks. All cases were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 15.6 months). No internal fixation failure or pseudarthrosis was found postoperatively.Screw loosening was found in 1 case (2 screws of the upper level) and titanium Cage cutting vertebral body was found in 1 case. Bone fusion was obtained in all cases at 12 months after operation. At last follow-up, ODI score was significantly improved to 13.7±5.7(t=4.417, P=0.018), kyphosis Cobb angle of fractured vertebrae to (7.0±15.2)° (t=5.113, P=0.009), and the distance between C7 PL and SVA to (2.8±2.2) cm (t=3.285, P=0.032). In 6 SCI cases, Frankle grade was recovered to E (1 case), to D (1 case), and no improvement (2 cases) from C, and to E from D (2 cases). ConclusionPSO assisted anterior column reconstruction was an effective method in treatment of chronic OVCF.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the repairing result for the massive bony defects of upper and middle tibia and lower femur. METHODS: Since 1974, four types of pedicled-fibula transposition were performed to repair the massive bone defect of tibia and femur in 25 cases, which included; 9 cases with benign tumor of upper part of tibia were performed muscle-pedicled fibula transposition and knee fusion after tumor resection; 9 cases with extensive benign tumor or tumoroid lesion of tibia shaft were performed muscle-pedicled fibula transposition and tibia-fibula fusion after tumor resection; 2 cases with extensive benign tumor or tumoroid lesion of middle and lower parts of tibia were performed vascular pedicled fibula transposition and tibia-fibula fusion; 5 cases with benign tumor of distal femur were performed vascular pedicled fibula reversal transposition and knee fusion. RESULTS: After 3 months to 11 years follow-up, 23 cases showed bone healing at 6 months postoperatively. The other 2 cases showed bone healing at 12 months postoperatively. All cases had satisfactory functional rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Pedicled-fibula transposition is a choice method for repairing massive defects of tibia and femur.
OBJECTIVE: To explore an effective method to repair the abdominal wall defect. METHODS: From July 1996 to December 2000, 7 cases with abdominal wall defect were repaired by pedicle graft of intestine seromuscular layer and skin graft, among them, intestinal fistula caused by previous injury during operation in 4 cases, abdominal wall defect caused by infection after primary fistulization of colon tumor in 2 cases, abdominal wall invaded by intestinal tumor in 1 case. Exploratory laparotomy was performed under general anesthesia, the infective and edematous tissue around abdominal wall defect was gotten rid off, and the pathologic intestine was removed. A segment of intestine with mesentery was intercepted, and the intestine along the longitudinal axis offside mesentery was cutted, the mucous layer of intestine was scraped. The intestine seromuscular layer was sutured to the margin of abdominal wall defect, and grafted by intermediate split thickness skin. RESULTS: The abdominal wall wound in 6 cases were healed by first intention, but part of grafted skin was necrosed, and it was healed by second skin graft. No intestinal anastomotic leakage was observed in all cases. Followed up 1 to 2 years, there were no abdominal hernia or abdominal internal hernia. All the cases could normally defecate. The nutriture of all cases were improved remarkably. CONCLUSION: Pedicle graft of intestine seromuscular layer is a reliable method to repair abdominal wall defect with low regional tension, abundant blood supply and high successful rate.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness percutaneous monoaxial screw combined with polyaxial pedical screw for treating thoracolumbar fracture by comparing with simple polyaxial pedicle screw fixation. MethodsBetween January 2012 and June 2014, 56 cases of thoracolumbar fractures were treated by percutaneous pedicle screw fixation, the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Of 56 cases, 30 were treated with percutaneous monoaxial screw combined with percutaneous polyaxial pedical screw fixation (group A), 26 patients with only percutaneous polyaxial pedicle screw fixation (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, injury causes, time from injury to admission, involved segments, fracture type, and preoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) stage, visual analogue scale (VAS), the anterior height of the injured vertebrae, Cobb angle, and sagittal index between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. The VAS score was used to evaluate the improvement of the pain. The sagittal kyphosis Cobb angle, the anterior height of the injured vertebrae, sagittal index, and the average correction (difference between 3 days after oeration and preoperation) and loss degrees (difference between last follow-up and 3 days after operation) were measured on the X-ray films at preoperation, 3 days after operation, and last follow-up. ResultsIncision healing at stage I was obtained, no related complications occurred. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss showed no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05). The patients were followed up 20-42 months (mean, 32 months) in group A and 21-44 months (mean, 30 months) in group B. VAS score of group A was significantly lower than that of group B at 3 days after operation (t=-2.277, P=0.027), but no significant difference was found at last follow-up (t=-0.289, P=0.774). X-ray examination showed good position of internal fixation, with no broken nails or exit of nail. There were significant differences in the anterior height of the injured vertebrae, Cobb angle, and sagittal index between at preoperation and at 3 days and last follow-up, and between at 3 days and last follow-up in 2 groups (P<0.05). The anterior height of the injured vertebrae, Cobb angle, and sagittal index of group A were significantly better than those of group B at 3 days and last follow-up (P<0.05), and correction degree were significantly higher than those of group B (P<0.05), but loss degree was not significant between 2 groups (P>0.05). ConclusionPercutaneous monoaxial screw combined with polyaxial pedicle screw fixation is better than simply polyaxial pedicle screw in effects of treating thoracolumbar fracture under the premise of strictly holding indications.