Nicholas T. Haddock

Breast reconstruction with the profunda artery perforator flap.

Background: The use of perforator flaps has allowed for the transfer of large amounts of soft tissue with decreased morbidity. For breast reconstruction, the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap, the superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps, and the transverse upper gracilis flap are all options. The authors present an alternative source using posterior thigh soft tissue based on profunda artery perforators, termed the profunda artery perforator flap. Methods: Preoperative imaging helps identify posterior thigh perforators from the profunda femoris artery. These are marked, and an elliptical skin paddle, approximately 27 × 7 cm, is designed 1 cm inferior to the gluteal crease. Dissection proceeds in a suprafascial plane until nearing the perforator, at which point subfascial dissection is performed. The flap has a long pedicle (approximately 7 to 13 cm), which allows more options when performing anastomosis at the recipient site. The long elliptical shape of the flap allows coning of the tissue to form a more natural breast shape. Results: All profunda artery perforator flaps have been successful. The donor site is well tolerated and scars have been hidden within the gluteal crease. Long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate for possible fat necrosis of the transferred tissue. Conclusions: The authors present a new technique for breast reconstruction with a series of 27 flaps. This is an excellent option when the abdomen is not available because of the long pedicle, muscle preservation, ability to cone the tissue, and hidden scar. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

The tear trough and lid/cheek junction: anatomy and implications for surgical correction.

Background: The tear trough and the lid/cheek junction become more visible with age. These landmarks are adjacent, forming in some patients a continuous indentation or groove below the infraorbital rim. Numerous, often conflicting procedures have been described to improve the appearance of the region. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomy underlying the tear trough and the lid/cheek junction and to evaluate the procedures designed to correct them. Methods: Twelve fresh cadaver lower lid and midface dissections were performed (six heads). The orbital regions were dissected in layers, and medical photography was performed. Results: In the subcutaneous plane, the tear trough and lid/cheek junction overlie the junction of the palpebral and orbital portions of the orbicularis oculi muscle and the cephalic border of the malar fat pad. In the submuscular plane, these landmarks differ. Along the tear trough, the orbicularis muscle is attached directly to the bone. Along the lid/cheek junction, the attachment is ligamentous by means of the orbicularis retaining ligament. Conclusions: The tear trough and lid/cheek junction are primarily explained by superficial (subcutaneous) anatomical features. Atrophy of skin and fat is the most likely explanation for age-related visibility of these landmarks. “Descent” of this region with age is unlikely (the structures are fixed to bone). Bulging orbital fat accentuates these landmarks. Interventions must extend significantly below the infraorbital rim. Fat or synthetic filler may be best placed in the intraorbicularis plane (tear trough) and in the suborbicularis plane (lid/cheek junction).

Predicting perforator location on preoperative imaging for the profunda artery perforator flap

Introduction: The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap is a new addition to our reconstructive armamentarium. In effort to better understand patient candidacy for the PAP flap we characterized the profunda artery perforators on preoperative imaging. Methods: A retrospective review was completed of 40 preoperative posterior thigh computed tomography angiographies and magnetic resonance angiographies by four plastic surgeons. The positioning of the patient, type of study, number of perforators, and size of perforators were documented. The location was documented on an x–y‐axis. Perforator course and surrounding musculature was documented. Results: In 98.8% of posterior thighs suitable profunda artery perforators were identified. The average number and size of perforators was 3.3 and 1.9 mm. The most common perforator was medial (present in 85.6% of thighs); found near the adductor magnus at 3.8 cm from midline and 5.0 cm below the gluteal fold. The second most common perforator was lateral (present in 65.4% of thighs); found near the biceps femoris and vastus lateralis at 12.0 cm from midline and 5.0 cm below the gluteal fold. Nearly 48.3% were purely septocutaneous. And 51.7% had an intramuscular course (average length 5.7 cm). Preoperative imaging corresponded to suitable perforators at the time of dissection of all PAP flaps. Thirty five PAP flaps (18 patients) were performed with 100% flap survival. Conclusion: Analysis of preoperative posterior thigh imaging confirms our intraoperative findings that a considerable number of suitable posterior thigh profunda perforators are present, emerge from the fascia in a common pattern, and are of sufficient caliber to provide adequate flap perfusion and recipient vessel size match.

Lower Extremity Arterial Injury Patterns and Reconstructive Outcomes in Patients with Severe Lower Extremity Trauma: A 26-Year Review

BACKGROUND Management of severe traumatic lower extremity injuries remains a considerable challenge. Free tissue transfer is now a standard part of reconstruction for Gustilo IIIB and IIIC injuries. There is limited information on arterial injury patterns in this population. We undertook a review of our experience to gain insight on vascular injury patterns and surgical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN A 26-year retrospective analysis was performed of all lower extremity Gustilo IIIB and IIIC injuries requiring microvascular reconstruction at New York University Medical Center. Patient demographics, Gustilo classification, angiographic findings (conventional/computed tomographic angiography/magnetic resonance angiography), recipient vessels, elapsed time from injury, flap choices, and outcomes were examined. RESULTS Two hundred twenty-two free flaps on 191 patients were performed from September 1982 until March 2008. There were 151 males and 40 females ranging in age from 4 to 83 years (median age 33 years). Patients sustained either Gustilo IIIB (170 patients) or IIIC (21 patients) open fractures. One hundred fifty-four patients had angiograms (78.2% IIIB, 100% IIIC). Sixty-six (42.9%) had normal 3-vessel runoff and 88 (57.1%) were abnormal. Sixty-one patients (31.9%) had anterior tibial injuries, 17 patients (8.9%) had posterior tibial injuries, and 30 (15.7%) had peroneal injuries. Sixty-three complications occurred (11 early thrombosis, 33 requiring secondary procedures, and 10 requiring amputation). CONCLUSIONS Angiography of severe lower extremity injuries requiring free flap reconstruction usually revealed arterial injury and is generally indicated. In our experience, the anterior tibial artery is most commonly injured and the posterior tibial artery is most likely to be spared and used as a recipient.

More Consistent Postoperative Care and Monitoring can Reduce Costs Following Microvascular Free Flap Reconstruction

Great variability exists in microsurgical postoperative care in the United States. Lack of standardized postoperative monitoring protocols and appropriate training of monitoring personnel leads to inefficiency and increased cost of providing microsurgical postoperative care. A 45-question survey was sent to all plastic surgery and plastic surgery-based microsurgery program directors in the United States. Questions focused on the number and type of flaps performed, length of stay, complications, postoperative monitoring setting, training provided to monitoring personnel, and limitations in flap monitoring. The response rate was 31% with 3407 microvascular free flaps performed annually at 26 centers. A total of 1533 flaps were monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for an average of 3.1 days. In 45% of responding centers patients were cared for in an ICU secondary to a lack of adequately trained nurses at alternative sites. Printed postoperative protocols were provided to nurses in 39% of centers. With a comparative increase cost of

Increasing bony contact and overlap with computer-designed offset cuts in free fibula mandible reconstruction.

2878 to

Applications of the Medial Femoral Condyle Free Flap for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction

3345 per day for ICU care, this translates into an annual increased cost of

Long-term effect of primary cleft rhinoplasty on secondary cleft rhinoplasty in patients with unilateral cleft lip-cleft palate

13.7 to

Vascular bone transfer options in the foot and ankle: a retrospective review and update on strategies.

15.9 million to the responding centers. Improved nursing training and the use of standardized postoperative protocols may allow patients to be monitored in non-ICU settings postoperatively, thereby reducing the costs associated with providing postoperative microsurgical care.

Breast Reconstruction with Implants, Tissue Expanders and AlloDerm: Predicting Volume and Maximizing the Skin Envelope in Skin Sparing Mastectomies

Background The free fibula flap is the standard of care in mandibular reconstruction; however, procedural nuances continue to optimize results. More accurate and efficient osteotomies for graft insetting can be envisioned, which address the difficulty in obtaining a perfect match between the cut ends of the fibula and the mandible and the subsequent giving up of maximal bone contact. We propose a method of complementary offset osteotomies. The angled cuts were virtually planned using three-dimensional computed tomographic images. Optimal offset cuts maximized surface area contact and facilitated intraoperative repositioning in the setting of additional native bone margin requirement. Methods Using previously described protocols, three-dimensional virtual reconstructions of the facial skeleton and the fibula (average, series of five) were used to simulate osteotomies at 25, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees to the long axis of the fibula. Complementary osteotomies were then simulated at the mandibular body just distal to the first molar in simulated free fibula reconstructions. Total area of apposing surfaces was calculated using computer-aided design. The results from the 25-, 30-, 45-, 60-, and 75-degree cuts were compared with the conventional 90-degree cut. Resin-based mandibular osteotomy guides and a complementary fibula jig were manufactured using computer-aided design. Two representative clinical cases were presented to illustrate proof of principle and benefits. Results The total surface area of apposing fibula and mandible surfaces in a conventional 90-degree cut was 103.8 ± 2.05 mm2. Decreasing this angle to 75, 60, 45, 30, and 25 degrees yielded increased surface areas of 0.86%, 10.3%, 35.3%, 136.7%, and 194.3%, respectively. Cuts of 25 degrees also allowed for adequate bony contact in the setting of additional margin requirements up to 2.77 cm. Complementary 45-degree cuts provided excellent bone-to-bone contact in a free fibula reconstruction using resin guides and a jig. This angle also facilitated access of the saw to the distal mandible. Conclusions Virtual surgical planning is an increasingly recognized technology for optimizing surgical outcomes and minimizing operative time. We present a technique that takes advantage of the precision complementary osteotomies that this technology affords. By creating offset cuts, we can maximize bony contact and ensure adequate contact should additional margins or intraoperative adjustments be required. This flexibility maximizes the precision of premanufactured cutting guides, mitigates the constraints of sometimes unpredictable intraoperative environments, and maximizes bony contact.