Clinical effects of sequential treatment of extensive skin and soft tissue injuries of the lower leg accompanied by large segmental tibial defects by free transplantation of anterolateral thigh perforator flap combined with bone transport

Zhao Hailei; Sun Zhigang; Zhao Xiaohui; Yang Bin; Shi Ming; Shen Yuming

doi:10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240926-00350

Volume 41 Issue 3

Mar. 2025

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Article Navigation > CHINESE JOURNAL OF BURNS AND WOUNDS > 2025 > 41(3): 242-250

Zhou QY,Li JY,Cao YM,et al.Effects of thioredoxin reductase 1 on ferroptosis and immune function of dendritic cells in septic mice[J].Chin J Burns Wounds,2025,41(3):212-221.DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20241118-00451.

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Zhao HL,Sun ZG,Zhao XH,et al.Clinical effects of sequential treatment of extensive skin and soft tissue injuries of the lower leg accompanied by large segmental tibial defects by free transplantation of anterolateral thigh perforator flap combined with bone transport[J].Chin J Burns Wounds,2025,41(3):242-250.DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240926-00350.

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Clinical effects of sequential treatment of extensive skin and soft tissue injuries of the lower leg accompanied by large segmental tibial defects by free transplantation of anterolateral thigh perforator flap combined with bone transport

doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240926-00350

1.
Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery and Wound Repair, Beijing Dawanglu Emergency Rescue Hospital, Beijing 100122, China
2.
Department of Burns, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100035, China

Funds:

Beijing Natural Science Foundation-Changping Innovation Joint Fund Project L234067

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Corresponding author: Shen Yuming, Email: shenyuming1963@163.com
Received Date: 2024-09-26

Abstract

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical effects of sequential treatment of extensive skin and soft tissue injuries of the lower leg accompanied by large segmental tibial defects by free transplantation of anterolateral thigh perforator flap combined with bone transport. Methods This study was a retrospective observational study. From April 2020 to January 2024, 8 patients with extensive skin and soft tissue injuries of the lower leg accompanied by large segmental tibial defects who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Beijing Dawanglu Emergency Rescue Hospital. Among them, there were 6 males and 2 females, aged 17 to 58 years. After debridement, the area was 17 cm×8 cm to 30 cm×12 cm, and the length of tibial defect was 9 to 12 cm. Stage Ⅰ surgery was performed by free transplantation of anterolateral thigh perforator flap to repair the extensive skin and soft tissue injuries of the lower leg and using autologous skin graft from the thigh to repair the remaining wound. Stage Ⅱ surgery was performed after wound healing, the external fixation bracket was removed and replaced with an Orthofix unilateral external fixation lengthening frame (hereinafter referred to as external fixation lengthening frame) to transport the proximal tibial osteotomy for repairing the large segmental bone defects. The intraoperative arteriovenous anastomosis and the blood supply of the flap during stage Ⅰ surgery were documented, along with the survival status of the flap/skin graft in the donor and recipient areas postoperatively, and the wound healing time in the recipient area. The time required for bone transport completion, the duration of external fixation retention, and the occurrence of complications during this period were recorded after stage Ⅱ surgery. During follow-up, the occurrence of adverse events in the recipient area was recorded. At the final follow-up, fracture healing of the affected limb was evaluated according to the Paley score, and limb function was observed. Results In 2 patients, the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the accompanying vein were end-to-end anastomosed with the proximal anterior tibial or posterior tibial artery and vein for antegrade blood supply and antegrade reflux; in 2 patients, the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was end-to-end anastomosed with the distal anterior tibial artery for retrograde blood supply, and the accompanying vein of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was end-to-end anastomosed with the proximal anterior tibial vein for antegrade reflux; in 3 patients, the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was end-to-end anastomosed with the distal posterior tibial artery for retrograde blood supply, and the accompanying vein of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was end-to-end anastomosed with the distal posterior tibial vein for retrograde reflux; one patient underwent repair of the injury in the affected lower leg using a free cross-leg vascular pedicle flap from the healthy limb. The flaps/skin grafts in the donor and recipient areas of all 8 patients survived, and the wound healing time in recipient area was 14 to 30 days. The bone transport duration of the patients in this group was 93 to 125 days, and the external fixation lengthening frame was continuously retained for 7 to 14 months after the bone transport was stopped; during the bone transport period, 1 patient had pin tract infection, which was controlled after dressing change and enhanced nursing. During the follow-up, there was no ulceration of the wound surface in recipient area, and no osteomyelitis or fracture developed in the affected limb. At the last follow-up, the bone healing evaluation was all excellent; the walking posture and function of the affected limb were basically normal. Conclusions The application of free transplantation of anterolateral thigh perforator flap combined with bone transport in the sequential treatment of extensive skin and soft tissue injuries of the lower leg accompanied by large segmental tibial defecst can achieve wound healing and functional reconstruction of bone defects, and has great clinical application value.
- Microsurgery,
- Lower extremity,
- Perforator flap,
- Anterolateral thigh perforator flap,
- Bone transport,
- Bone defect,
- Soft tissue defect,
- Wound repair

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References(40)

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