G. Magalon

Comparison of five dermal substitutes in full-thickness skin wound healing in a porcine model.

The wound healing attributes of five acellular dermal skin substitutes were compared, in a two-step procedure, in a porcine model. Ten pigs were included in this experimental and randomized study. During the first step, dermal substitutes (Integra(®), ProDerm(®), Renoskin(®), Matriderm(®) 2mm and Hyalomatrix(®) PA) were implanted into full-thickness skin wounds and the epidermis was reconstructed during a second step procedure at day 21 using autologous split-thickness skin graft or cultured epithelial autograft. Seven pigs were followed-up for 2 months and 3 pigs for 6 months. Dermal substitute incorporation, epidermal graft takes, wound contraction and Vancouver scale were assessed, and histological study of the wounds was performed. Results showed significant differences between groups in dermis incorporation and in early wound contraction, but there was no difference in wound contraction and in Vancouver scale after 2 and 6 months of healing. We conclude there was no long-term difference of scar qualities in our study between the different artificial dermis. More, there was no difference between artificial dermis and the control group. This study makes us ask questions about the benefit of artificial dermis used in a two-step procedure.

Formulation and Storage of Platelet-Rich Plasma Homemade Product

Abstract The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous biotherapy based on platelet-healing properties. Here, we developed a simple and reproducible PRP purification protocol based on two successive centrifugations. We evaluated different centrifugation speeds and time-storage durations on the platelet quantity and quality. Sterility and stability of our PRP homemade product were also performed. We prepared PRP from 54 healthy volunteers. We tested activation state, reactivity, and stability of platelets by flow cytometry using basal and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced P-selectin expression markers; growth factor release after platelet activation by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); platelet aggregation capacity by aggregrometry assays; clot formation and retraction by thromboelastography; and platelet morphology by ultrastructural analysis. About 130 and 250 g successive speed centrifugations further concentrated platelets while preserving their bioactivity during 6 h (after that, platelet functions were significantly altered). In these conditions, we obtained a highly concentrated pure PRP product (with a low leukocyte count) suitable to study platelet properties. To avoid the loss of efficacy, we recommend injecting PRP under 3 h after preparation.

Management of wounds of exposed or infected knee prostheses

Skin damage after total knee arthroplasty may jeopardise the functional benefit of the prosthesis. In such cases standard treatment is aimed at avoiding arthrodesis, sometimes replacing the implant and, in exceptional cases, amputation. In most cases early and adequate coverage of the soft tissue defect may make it possible to salvage the prosthesis. Ten patients with skin damage after total knee arthroplasty were treated by debridement of the wound, which was then covered with a pedicled gastrocnemius muscle flap. This was supported by local irrigation and systemic antibiotics. Seven patients were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 28 months (range 14-59). Six patients kept their prostheses and one had a relapse caused by infection at 22 months, which required removal of the prosthesis and secondary arthrodesis. The gastrocnemius muscle flap provides good quality coverage, permits early mobilisation and fast rehabilitation, and reduces the rate of arthrodesis after failure of total knee arthroplasty.Skin damage after total knee arthroplasty may jeopardise the functional benefit of the prosthesis. In such cases standard treatment is aimed at avoiding arthrodesis, sometimes replacing the implant and, in exceptional cases, amputation. In most cases early and adequate coverage of the soft tissue defect may make it possible to salvage the prosthesis. Ten patients with skin damage after total knee arthroplasty were treated by debridement of the wound, which was then covered with a pedicled gastrocnemius muscle flap. This was supported by local irrigation and systemic antibiotics. Seven patients were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 28 months (range 14-59). Six patients kept their prostheses and one had a relapse caused by infection at 22 months, which required removal of the prosthesis and secondary arthrodesis. The gastrocnemius muscle flap provides good quality coverage, permits early mobilisation and fast rehabilitation, and reduces the rate of arthrodesis after failure of total knee arthroplasty.

Autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction in patients with systemic sclerosis: 12-month follow-up

OBJECTIVE Impaired hand function greatly contributes to disability and reduced quality of life in SSc patients. Autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (ADSVF) is recognized as an easily accessible source of regenerative cells. We reported positive 6-month safety and efficacy results from an open-label clinical trial assessing s.c. injection of autologous ADSVF into the fingers in SSc patients. The objective of this report is to describe the effects at 12 months. METHODS Twelve females, mean age 54.5 years (s.d. 10.3), were assessed 1 year after ADSVF injection. Patients were eligible if they had a Cochin Hand Function Scale score >20/90. ADSVF was obtained from lipoaspirate using an automated processing system and subsequently injected into the s.c. tissue of each finger in contact with neurovascular pedicles in a one-time procedure. Endpoints were changes in hand disability and skin fibrosis, vascular manifestations, pain and quality of life at the 12 month follow-up. During the visit, patients estimated the benefit of the procedure with a specific self-completed questionnaire. RESULTS A significant decrease from baseline of 51.3% (P < 0.001) for Cochin Hand Function Scale score, 63.2% (P < 0.001) for RP severity and 46.8% (P = 0.001) for quality of life (Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire) was observed. A significant improvement of finger oedema, skin sclerosis, motion and strength of the hands and of the vascular suppression score was also noted. The reduction in hand pain approached statistical significance (P = 0.052). The questionnaire revealed a benefit in daily activities, housework and social activities. CONCLUSION ADSVF injection is a promising therapy and appears to have benefits that extend for at least 1 year.

Congenital ptosis: Long-term outcome of frontalis suspension using autogenous temporal fascia or fascia lata in children

Children with severe congenital blepharoptosis are at risk of developing amblyopia. For this reason, ptosis repair is indicated as soon as the diagnosis is made. Frontalis suspension of the upper lid is an effective and simple method of treatment. This study reports on the long-term outcome of frontalis suspension surgery for congenital ptosis using autogenous sling material. Twelve children with severe congenital ptosis underwent frontalis suspension surgery using autologous fascia lata or temporal fascia. The results were assessed with a mean follow-up period of 8 years. Eleven children had good or excellent functional and aesthetic results. There were no cases of recurrence or overcorrection. Frontalis suspension using autologous material is a harmless procedure, which does not alter the upper eyelid structures. It is an effective procedure in the long term. In our opinion, it is the technique of choice to treat young children with severe congenital ptosis.

Advantages of early burn excision and grafting in the treatment of burn injuries of the anterior cervical region

Excision and grafting in deep partial and full skin thickness burns of the anterior cervical region in a series of 40 patients treated between 1982 and 1992 is reported. The advantages of surgical management of deep burns in this region in a single staged operation have proved its efficacy compared to the severe sequelae which appear when the standard conservation treatment is used. A comparative study of two groups of patients treated either by early excision and grafting (n = 19/40), or by delayed excision and grafting (n = 21/40) demonstrated the advantages of elective early excision and grafting with respect to: length of hospital care, complications and their severity, and surgical repair.

New fat-derived products for treating skin-induced lesions of scleroderma in nude mice

IntroductionScleroderma is characterized by cutaneous manifestations that mainly affect the hands, arms and face. As of today, there is no treatment for fibrotic skin lesions of scleroderma. Previously we generated and validated a model of scleroderma-like skin sclerosis in nude mice, appropriate to inject human derived products. We showed that the subcutaneous injection of micro-fat (MF), purified and injected using small caliber cannulas, have anti-fibrotic and pro-angiogenic effects and appears more suitable for the treatment of skin lesions of scleroderma compared to the gold standard (Coleman’s technique or macro-fat). Here we compared the long-term efficacy of micro-fat “enriched” with other therapeutic products including the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of fat and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from blood in our murine model of scleroderma.MethodsWe used 72 nude mice in this study. We formed six experimental groups: Macro-fat, MF, SVF, PRP, MF + SVF, MF + PRP. This project has three phases: i) Induction of skin sclerosis by daily subcutaneous injections of bleomycin (BLM) for 4 weeks in nude mice; ii) Purification and injection of the different cell therapy products; iii) Histological analyses done 8 weeks post-injections.ResultsMF + SVF and MF + PRP significantly reversed dermal and epidermal sclerosis (P <0.01). Macro-fat, SVF, PRP only corrected the dermal sclerosis (P <0.05). Epidermal sclerosis was reduced in treatments containing MF (P <0.01). MF was more stable. Products containing the SVF were associated with a significant increase of the local vascularization (P <0.01).ConclusionsAll tested substances were effective in treating skin-induced lesions of scleroderma with different levels of fibrosis and vascular improvement; MF derived products are more stable and SVF demonstrated better pro-angiogenic effects. The observed efficacy of this combination of products in the animal model provides a rationale for potential clinical applications to treat human disease.

Résultats des sutures nerveuses au poignet chez l'enfant

Resume Introduction Les traumatismes des nerfs peripheriques constituent des lesions severes du membre superieur. Le pronostic de recuperation demeure incertain malgre la microchirurgie. Il est classiquement admis que les resultats sont meilleurs chez l’enfant que chez l’adulte. Nous avons voulu confirmer cette notion par des criteres objectifs de recuperation et faire la part des choses entre regeneration axonale peripherique et capacites d’adaptation propre a l’enfant. En d’autres termes, le nerf repousse-t-il mieux chez l’enfant ? Materiel et methode Les resultats cliniques de 25 sutures nerveuses au niveau du poignet, chez des enfants de moins de 15 ans, ont ete analyses avec un recul minimal de douze mois. La revision a ete clinique et electromyographique. Les chiffres recueillis ont ete compares a ceux rencontres dans la litterature pour l’adulte. Resultats Sur le plan clinique, la fonction globale de la main est toujours satisfaisante. Les resultats sensitifs sont le plus souvent excellents (S4 ou S3+ dans 23 cas / 25). La valeur moyenne du testing musculaire se situe entre M2 et M3. D’un point de vue EMG, les valeurs recueillies ne sont que rarement le reflet du resultat fonctionnel. Les traces moteurs sont le plus souvent pauvres, compenses par un important phenomene de reinnervation collaterale. Discussion Les mauvais resultats de la chirurgie nerveuse peripherique ne sont pas le seul fait d’une faible reinnervation. Dellon et Mackinnon ont montre qu’ils etaient egalement dus a l’incapacite pour les centres nerveux d’integrer des informations sensorielles dont le profil est modifie. La repousse nerveuse ne serait pas seulement imparfaite en quantite mais egalement en qualite. L’enfant, doue de capacites cerebrales d’adaptation superieures a l’adulte, beneficie probablement d’une meilleure acquisition corticale et donc d’une meilleure utilisation de ces messages alteres. L’analyse des resultats cliniques et electromyographiques oriente, chez l’enfant egalement, vers une repousse nerveuse partielle. Nous pensons que les resultats fonctionnels sont surtout le fait d’une adaptation d’origine centrale.

Intra-articular Injection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma to Treat Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis: Preliminary Results of a Long-Term Pilot Study

PURPOSE To assess the feasibility and safety of concomitant intra-articular (IA) knee injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) under fluoroscopic guidance to treat patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA). MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study included 19 consecutive patients referred for fluoroscopically guided IA MSC and PRP injection for symptomatic patellofemoral chondropathy in which conservative treatment had failed. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and magnetic resonance (MR) data, including T2 mapping sequence, were prospectively collected before and 6 months after treatment. Clinical data without MR imaging were collected until 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS WOMAC scores were significantly lower after IA injection of MSCs and PRP at 6 months and during 12-months follow-up compared with baseline (mean score decreased from 34.3 to 14.2; P < .0018). Patients reported no complications. Concerning MR imaging follow-up, there were no significant differences in grade, surface, or T2 value of the chondral lesions (P > .375). CONCLUSIONS IA injection of MSCs and PRP in early patellofemoral OA appears to allow functional improvement.

Efficacy of Autologous Microfat Graft on Facial Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis Patients

Background: Autologous adipose tissue injection is used in plastic surgery for correction of localized tissue atrophy and has also been successfully offered for treatment of localized scleroderma. We aimed to evaluate whether patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and facial handicap could also benefit from this therapy. Methods: We included 14 patients (mean age of 53.8 ± 9.6 years) suffering from SSc with facial handicap defined by Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis Scale (MHISS) score more than or equal to 20, a Rodnan skin score on the face more than or equal to 1, and maximal mouth opening of less than 55 mm. Autologous adipose tissue injection was performed under local anesthesia using the technique of subcutaneous microinjection. The main objective of this study was an improvement of the MHISS score 6 months after the surgical treatment. Results: The procedure was well tolerated. We observed a mean decrease in the MHISS score of 10.7 points (±5.1; P < 0.0001) at 6 months (35% improvement). Secondary efficacy parameters assessing perioral skin sclerosis, maximum mouth opening, sicca syndrome, and facial pain significantly improved at 3 and 6 months postsurgery. At a 6-month follow-up, 75% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied of the adipose tissue microinjection therapy. Conclusions: Our study suggests that subcutaneous perioral microfat injection in patients with SSc is beneficial in the treatment of facial handicap, skin sclerosis, mouth opening limitation, sicca syndrome, and facial pain. Thus, this minimally invasive approach offers a new hope for face therapy for patients with SSc.