Arik Zaretski

Free fibula long bone reconstruction in orthopedic oncology: a surgical algorithm for reconstructive options.

The fibula free flap became popular in orthopedic oncology for limb-sparing long bone tumor resection. It is particularly suitable for intercalary or resection arthrodesis options. In the present series, a surgical reconstruction algorithm was used, enabling each patient to receive a personalized technique. During the years 1998 to 2002, 30 patients underwent limb-sparing surgery for long bone sarcoma. There were 18 males and 12 females. Their mean age was 23 years (range, 9 to 70 years). The diagnoses were Ewings sarcoma (11 patients), osteogenic sarcoma (eight patients), chondrosarcoma (five patients), giant cell tumor of bone (three patients), high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma (two patients), and leiomyosarcoma of bone (one patient). The majority of tumors where located in the lower extremity (23 patients), mostly in the femur (15 patients with four tumors in the proximal femoral shaft, five tumors in the distal femoral shaft, five tumors in the whole femoral shaft, and one tumor in the proximal femoral head). In seven patients, the upper extremity was involved; in six patients, the radius was involved; and in one patient, the humerus was involved. The free fibula flap was used in three types of approaches: vascularized fibula as an osseous flap only (18 patients), a combination of a vascularized fibula flap in conjunction with an allo-graft (Capannas technique; 10 patients), and a free double-barreled fibula (two patients). All flaps survived. Postoperatively, all patients were monitored clinically, radiologically, and by radioisotope bone scan studies. Callus formation and union were shown 2.6 to 8 months postoperatively. Patients who underwent lower extremity reconstruction were nonweightbearing for 3 to 9 months, with a transition period in which they used a brace and gradually increased weightbearing until full weightbearing was achieved. Eight patients had 11 recipient-site complications. Two patients (6.7 percent) had hematomas, and three patients (10 percent) had infection and dehiscence of the surgical wound with bone exposure in one patient; all complications resolved with conservative treatment only. Failure of the hardware fixation system occurred in two patients, mandating surgical correction. No fibula donor-site complications were recorded. In intercalary resections, the use of the vascularized fibula flap as an isolated osseous flap might be insufficient. Different body sites have different stress loads to carry, depending on the age of the patient and on his individual physical status. To achieve initial strength in the early period, the authors combined the free fibula flap with an allograft (Capannas method) or augmented it as a double-barreled fibula. They propose a surgical algorithm to assist the surgeon with the preferred method for reconstruction of various long bone defects in different body locations at childhood or adulthood. Long bone reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap, alone or in combination with an allograft, autogenous bone graft, or double-barreled fibula for limb-sparing surgery, is a safe and reliable method with a predictable bony union, good functional outcome, and a low complication rate.

Clinical comparative study of Aquacel and paraffin gauze dressing for split-skin donor site treatment

The management of split-thickness skin graft donor sites is targeted towards promoting the healing process, while minimizing adverse effects and complications. The aim of this study was to compare donor site treatment outcome between Aquacel, a carboxymethylcellulose-based hydrofiber dressing, and the standard mesh paraffin gauze dressing. The study included 23 adult patients. Half of the skin graft donor site in the proximal thigh was dressed with paraffin gauze and the rest with Aquacel. The results indicated that patients treated with Aquacel experienced significantly less pain and a more rapid rate of epithelialization compared with patients treated with mesh paraffin gauze dressing. Final scarring (ie, after the 1-year follow-up) was significantly better with the Aquacel dressing. We conclude that Aquacel dressing is superior to the standard mesh paraffin gauze dressing for split-thickness donor site area in pain relief, ease of treatment, promotion of epithelialization, and the quality of scarring.

Treatment of earlobe keloids by extralesional excision combined with preoperative and postoperative "sandwich" radiotherapy.

Background: Earlobe keloids can form after cosmetic ear piercing, trauma, infection, or burns, or spontaneously. These keloids are highly resistant for treatment and are followed by severe cosmetic implications. There are various surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities for earlobe keloids, with no universally accepted treatment policy and a wide range of reported recurrence rates. The authors present their experience of treating earlobe keloids using the “sandwich” technique protocol; extralesional excision and external-beam radiotherapy are given a day before and a day after the operation. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients with earlobe keloids treated by the “sandwich” technique between the years 1996 and 2005. Patients were categorized into two groups: a high-risk group for previously treated patients and patients with a tendency for hypertrophic scars and keloids, and a low-risk group for the others. All patients underwent extralesional excision of the keloid and local radiotherapy before the excision and following it. Follow-up was a minimum of half a year and included a patient satisfaction questionnaire and documentation of keloid recurrence or cure. Results: A total of 23 patients were treated by this protocol; 57 percent were male. Patients had an average age of 24 years. The most common keloid etiology was earlobe piercing. Recurrence rates for the low-risk and high-risk groups were 25 and 27 percent [percent of the patients], respectively. Overall patient satisfaction was high. Conclusion: The combined excision and “sandwich” radiotherapy technique is a simple and effective method for treating earlobe keloids, with high patient satisfaction and low recurrence and complication rates.

Our experience with Wisebands: a new skin and soft-tissue stretch device.

Complex wounds that involve skin and soft-tissue defects that are unsuitable for primary closure by conventional suturing are common in the field of surgery. Among the many surgical options available to overcome these problems are various mechanical devices that have recently been proposed for delayed primary closure of such wounds. The authors present their experience with a new complex wound closure device, Wisebands, a device uniquely designed for skin and soft-tissue stretching. During the last 2 years, the authors have treated 20 patients with 22 skin and soft-tissue wounds for which primary closure was not feasible. The Wisebands devices were applied to the wounds, stretching the skin and underlying soft tissue, gradually closing the defects until the edges were sufficiently approximated for primary closure. Successful wound closure was achieved in 18 patients (90 percent). The Wisebands devices were removed in two patients (10 percent) because of major wound complications. In two other patients (10 percent), minor wound complications had occurred that did not necessitate removal of the device. At a mean follow-up of 1 year (range, 10 months to 2 years), stable scarring with no functional or significant aesthetic deficit was achieved. The authors conclude that the Wisebands device facilitates closure of complex skin and soft-tissue wounds, with low morbidity and complication rates, and can provide the surgeon with another important tool for closing complex wounds. Nevertheless, appropriate patient selection, intraoperative judgment, and close postoperative care are essential to ensure closure and avoid undue complications.

Simultaneous contralateral breast adjustment in unilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND Breast symmetry is a key factor in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, which necessitates in many cases contralateral breast adjustment, traditionally done at a second stage. We present our experience with simultaneous contralateral breast adjustment in unilateral DIEP breast reconstruction. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive unilateral DIEP breast reconstructions done in our institution. The patients were divided into three groups according to contralateral breast surgery performed: simultaneous adjustment, late adjustment, and no contralateral breast adjustment surgery. The groups were compared by aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction using the BREAST-Q questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 77 unilateral breast reconstructions were performed using the DIEP flap. Fifty-one eligible patients agreed to respond to the questionnaire by telephone and were enrolled in the study; 33 underwent simultaneous contralateral breast adjustment, eight underwent late adjustment procedure, and 10 had no contralateral surgery performed. Aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction was comparable in the simultaneous and late adjustment groups, but was reduced during the latent period. CONCLUSION Simultaneous contralateral breast adjustment in unilateral DIEP breast reconstruction is a safe and a worthwhile procedure that should be offered to the patient when appropriate.

Paravertebral turnover flaps for closure of large spinal defects following tethered cord repair.

Reconstruction of large congenital spinal defects remains a challenge. We present our experience in closure of difficult spinal defects following repair of tethered cord, using paravertebral fascial or myofascial turnover flaps. Between 1996 and 2005, 23 patients were operated using paravertebral turnover flaps for closure of large spinal defects associated with tethered cord. Fifteen (65%) patients had lipomyelomeningoceles. Eleven (48%) patients had sacral defects, 10 (43%) had lumbosacral defects, and 2 (9%) had lumbar defects. Fourteen (61%) patients underwent closure using fascial turnover flaps. Myofascial turnover flaps were used in 9 (39%) patients. Following surgery, none of the patients developed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, pseudomeningoceles, or subcutaneous infection. One patient suffered superficial necrosis and infection of the skin suture line, which healed secondarily. We conclude that fascial or myofascial paravertebral turnover flaps provide reliable coverage of difficult defects of the spinal CNS.

An Oncoplastic Breast Augmentation Technique for Immediate Partial Breast Reconstruction following Breast Conservation

Background: Patients with a small breast volume and a relative large lumpectomy volume are at risk of developing severe breast deformity and asymmetry following breast conservation, presenting a unique surgical challenge. Methods: A series of patients undergoing immediate reconstruction by means of an oncoplastic breast augmentation technique following breast conservation are described. The technique includes local tissue rearrangement and bilateral subpectoral breast augmentation with implants of different sizes and shapes, immediately after lumpectomy for a malignant tumor. Results: Twenty-one consecutive patients underwent the oncoplastic breast augmentation technique (mean follow-up, 23 months; range, 12 to 48 months). Three patients (14.3 percent) had tumor-positive surgical margins. Postoperative complications included grade III/IV capsular contracture in five patients (23.8 percent) and breast infection in two patients (10 percent). All patients received postoperative radiation therapy. The cosmetic outcome was evaluated at least 6 months after radiation therapy, and it was favorable according to the reported high patient satisfaction (81 percent) and independent observers’ evaluation scores (76 percent). Conclusions: The oncoplastic breast augmentation technique described in this article is an acceptable option in small-breasted patients with a relatively large lumpectomy volume who elect to undergo breast conservation. This technique allows conservation of the affected breast and minimizes potential breast deformation and asymmetry following radiation therapy. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Upper Extremity Sarcoma Reconstruction with a Pedicle Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap.

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare, heterogeneous group of tumors (1% of all the malignancies). Approximately 50% of STS occur in the extremities and 30% of these are located in the upper limbs.1 Limb preservation surgery is now the accepted standard treatment for patients with STSwith less than 5% necessitating amputation. Local control of sarcoma is best achieved by adequate resection at the primary tumor stage. However, as the upper limb presents specific and unique anatomical architecture with little soft tissue, narrow compartment, and important structure in close proximity, the large defects involving this area soft tissue represent a challenging problem in reconstructive surgery.2,3 Although many surgical techniques are available for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the upper arm, challenges remain in achieving a satisfactory reconstruction. Over the past few years the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap have been used as free flap in such area as the skull base, upper and lower extremity, or pedicle flap for reconstruction of regional defects in the trunk, head and neck, axilla, and breast.4–8 Despite the increasing advances in perforator flap design and perforator imaging, there is a relative paucity of data evaluating the use of pedicle thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps in upper limb reconstruction. Here, we present (1) a brief literature review evaluating the applicability and reliability of pedicle TDAP flaps performed and (2) a case illustrating the concept of a pedicle perforator flap based on perforators arising from the thoracodorsal artery used to resurface a large wound of the antecubital fossa due to sarcoma surgery. Case Report and Surgical Technique

The role of the fibula head flap for joint reconstruction after osteoarticular resections

INTRODUCTION AND AIM Endoprosthetic reconstruction is considered the mainstay of limb salvage in periarticular bone tumours. However, this procedure has limited durability especially when performed in young patients. The free fibula head flap including the proximal articular surface represents one option for hemiarthroplasty reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the fibula head flap for joint reconstruction after osteoarticular resections. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty procedures between 2000 and 2006 using the free fibula head flap were included in the study. Functional assessments were performed using the American Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (AMTS) classification. RESULTS There were five males and two females (mean age: 22.6 ± 15.9 years). Five patients underwent reconstruction following resection of malignant bone tumours and two for chronic osteomyelitis of the distal humerus. In three patients, the fibula was used for distal radius and wrist joint reconstruction, and the remaining four patients for reconstruction of the distal humerus and elbow joint. A vascularised growth plate transfer based on the lateral geniculate vessels was performed in two patients. Atechnetium-bone scan confirmed viability of all flaps 10 days after surgery, and radiographic bony union was confirmed on average 5 months following surgery. There were no complications with the recipient or donor site after a median follow-up of 71 months (range: 12 months to 10 years). All patients achieved reasonable return of function and were able to perform all activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that the hemiarthroplasty procedure using the free fibula flap with its proximal head is a safe procedure with good functional results. Performing autologous arthroplasty using a free fibula head flap may be a promising alternative to an endoprosthesis or alloplastic reconstruction with a low risk of complications and morbidity.

Walk-through injuries: glass door facial injuries.

During 1998, 13 patients were treated in the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center for complex facial soft-tissue injuries caused by passing through large, clear glass doors. All epidemiological details were gathered and analyzed. Of 1,100 soft-tissue facial injury admissions in 1 year, 13 patients had a substantial soft-tissue facial injury after passing through a glass barrier. Nine were injured during leisure time activity, five in a shopping mall, and four in their residence. Interestingly, the authors found a common pattern of facial injuries in all patients. It consisted of large, irregular, composite skin and soft-tissue flaps as well as large, torn, irregular skin lacerations. The nose was injured predominantly, and the injury was particularly complex. Their recommended management of these injuries is a thorough and careful evaluation of flap viability. Surgical management of avulsed, viable flaps includes margin debridement and repositioning. If the flap is narrow enough, it can be debrided and the margins adapted primarily. If viability of part of the flap is in doubt, that part should be debrided and used as a composite graft. When this graft dies, a full-thickness graft is taken from another facial site. The cosmesis of such a graft is better than using the debrided, thin segment as a skin graft that is too thin. The authors emphasize that there is a need to encourage authorities to reinforce regulations relating to injury prevention from architectural glass. The first is to use special glazing, either tempered glass, laminated glass, or both. The other method of improving safety is by indicating glass using decorations or warning stickers, or by making it partly translucent. Unless these regulations are obeyed, fatal or complex trauma may occur.