Abstract Background Despite efforts of head and neck functional reconstruction, anatomic restoration has been used until now. This article describes our experience of using a chimeric free fibular osteocutaneous flap conjoined with a functional muscle free flap, defined as dynamic oromandibular reconstruction. Methods Through a retrospective chart review, four consecutive patients who underwent reconstruction with a total fibular free flap were included. The former two patients underwent reconstruction using a conventional osteocutaneous free fibular flap. The latter two patients had an oromandibular defect after cancer resection and underwent dynamic oromandibular reconstruction with a chimeric free fibular flap conjoined with a gracilis free flap or vastus lateralis muscle free flap. Results In the speech analysis, the dynamic group revealed a satisfactory tongue movement. Protrusion and lateralization were the most different movement changes. The tongue range of motion score was 62.5 in the dynamic group and 25.0 in the control group. On the dynamic magnetic resonance imaging, the contact of the soft palate with the tongue was excellent, and the epiglottis closure during deglutition was complete. In the three-dimensional volumetric analysis of mandibular aesthetic contouring, the dynamic group showed a much smaller difference in hemifacial volume, with a difference of 73.7 mL in the dynamic group and 101.76 mL in the control group. Conclusion This study is a preliminary trial of dynamic oromandibular reconstruction using chimeric free fibular flaps with functional muscle transfer. We demonstrated the possibility of dynamic oromandibular reconstruction, which enhanced more functional aspects in the patients in this study.

Abstract Background Approximately 70,000 Israelis underwent scalp irradiation for tinea capitis infection during their childhood, as did many other children worldwide. Long-term follow-up data showed that these children had an increased risk of aggressive and multiple nonmelanoma skin cancers, meningiomas, and other malignancies. Resection of these lesions creates a defect of soft tissue, bone, and dura, and requires scalp and skull reconstruction with local or free flaps in the irradiated field.Methods Sixteen patients with a history of childhood scalp irradiation underwent scalp and skull reconstruction in our department (2000–2018). Data on demographics, oncological status, operative details, and postoperative outcome were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Results The study group included 11 males and 5 females (average age at surgery, 70 years). The most common lesions were meningiomas (n = 9) and basal cell carcinomas (n = 8), and the most common indication for reconstruction was chronic exposure of deep structures (skull, dura, brain tissue, and titanium mesh; n = 9). Thirteen patients underwent primary free flap reconstruction and three underwent primary local flap reconstruction. Flap failure requiring reoperation occurred in one patient of the free flap reconstruction group (7%) and in all three patients of the local flap reconstruction group.Conclusion Long-term consequences of childhood depilatory treatments of the scalp by irradiation are now surfacing. Our experience showed that in such cases, surgeons should aim for a more aggressive approach with wide resection and primary free flap reconstruction, and that favorable long-term functional and aesthetic results can safely be achieved using this reconstruction approach.

Abstract Background A 36-year-old male was involved in a motor vehicle accident, presenting with a Guistillo's IIIB crush injury to the upper extremity. A severely comminuted ulnar fracture resulted in a 10-cm bone defect with significant overlying soft tissue injury. Methods The injury resulted in a wide zone of injury with inadequate collateral vascularity at the level of the elbow and distal viability dependent on the brachial artery. An osteocutaneous free fibular flap and fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap were used to reconstruct the defect with both flaps anastomosed in an end-to-side fashion to the brachial artery. Results The upper extremity was successfully salvaged, and the patient discharged from hospital at postoperative day 10. Both free flaps survived with no donor or recipient site complications at a follow-up period of 2 years. Conclusion The case illustrates the challenges inherent to significant Guistillo's IIIB injuries with insufficient recipient vessels over a large zone of injury. While performing anastomoses outside the zone of injury is preferred, this case demonstrates the success of performing multiple anastomoses to the brachial artery in an end-to-side fashion within the zone of injury.

Background Chemoradiotherapy is the primary treatment modality for glottic and pharyngeal subsites. Management of recurrence or second primaries in this setting is a surgical challenge requiring complex free flap reconstruction. One of the major barriers to effective reconstruction is the availability of suitable recipient vessels. We propose that the transverse cervical artery (TCA) is a viable option for complex head and neck reconstruction. Methods A retrospective chart review of 230 consecutive free tissue reconstructive cases was performed by the senior author (EG). Results Forty cases were identified that used the TCA for arterial anastomosis. Twenty-six patients had prior treatment, 13 of which had multimodality treatment. There were no microvasculature free flap failures and 5 minor flap complications. Conclusions Our experience with the TCA suggests it is a viable option for complex head and neck reconstruction, particularly in the setting of prior comprehensive neck dissection or radiation. In addition, the location of the TCA provides favorable pedicle geometry for microvascular anastomosis.

Abstract Background Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is one of the surgical options in the treatment of lymphedema, but its mechanism of action has not yet been firmly clarified. In the VLNT mouse models described so far, the lymph node flap is performed between two different sites in the same lymphedematous paw. In this study, we describe an optimized VLNT mouse model using the contralateral paw as donor site, thus removing the bias of transferring a lymph node already damaged by irradiation and/or surgery required to induce lymphedema. Methods A lymphedema was induced on the left posterior paw in four experimental groups of mice (n = 8). Two weeks later, group 1 was the sham one, group 2 underwent a VLNT from the right inguinal region to the left, in group 3 a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C sponge was placed alone in the left inguinal region, and in group 4 a VEGF-C sponge was associated to the VLNT. The 32 mice were followed during 3 months. Outcomes included paws volume, skin quality, inflammation in the lymphedematous tissue, and lymphatic network density and function. Results Group 4 displayed significantly higher (p < 0.05) lymphedema regression compared with the other three groups. Conclusions This optimized mouse model of VLNT shows to be handy and effective. It could be exploited to perform further experimental studies about the influence of VLNT on lymphedema. Moreover, the local association between VLNT and biological compounds in this model allows it to be a good preclinical model to identify new potential drugs in lymphedema.

Abstract Reconstruction of large nasal septal perforations can be a considerable challenge for surgeons. Reconstructive modalities are often determined by the size of the defect and the quality of local tissue and vasculature. Local and regional flaps may not provide enough tissue to achieve successful closure in patients with large perforations and those with baseline compromise of the nasal mucosa and blood supply from prior intervention or underlying medical condition. Microvascular free tissue transfer is a possible approach to reconstruction in these patients. We report a case of a 30-year-old man who presented with a large, symptomatic, 4 × 3.5 cm perforation as a result of prior functional septoplasty at an outside hospital. Reconstruction of the defect was accomplished in this setting with a free temporoparietal fascia (TPF) flap anastomosed to the columellar branch of the labial artery and the angular vein. Postoperative follow-up visits showed successful closure of the perforation without complications. As illustrated by this case, TPF flap is a versatile tool for complex nasal reconstructions. With minimal donor-site morbidity and rich vascularity capable of promoting remucosalization without the need for prelamination, the TPF flap may be suited for the repair of large nasoseptal perforations.

Abstract We report a case of a 20-year-old patient who sustained a mutilating crush injury to the left-hand index and ring finger volar surface measuring 5 × 6 cm from the distal end of the proximal phalanx to the fingertips. After thorough debridement and stabilization of the skeletal injury, a radial forearm fascia only free flap measuring 6 × 7 cm was used to resurface the distal soft tissue volar defect of two adjacent fingers. Digital nerve grafting was also required, and this was done using autologous nerve graft from the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve. This thin fascia only flap allows for stable soft tissue coverage and provides a gliding surface for the underlying tendons. The neosyndactylized digits were safely divided at 3-month follow-up, and excellent functional and aesthetic results were achieved. The radial forearm fascia is a thin, durable, and pliable tissue that is based on the radial artery as a vascular pedicle. We consider this free fascial flap as a valuable option for coverage of multiple complex distal digit injuries using a single flap and highly recommend its use.

Background The free fibular flap (FFF) is established for mandibular reconstruction. Some complications, such as non-union, fistulas, and complete graft loss, are sometimes unavoidable. There are no clinically relevant data regarding the optimum selection of osteosynthesis and risk analysis prior to reconstruction. Methods Eighty-three FFFs with up to four osteotomies were analyzed for possible complications during the course of a longitudinal analysis. Forty-one patients underwent simultaneous mandibular reconstruction after tumor resection, and another 42 subjects received FFFs due to infected osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Patients who experienced transplant losses due to vascular occlusion in the grafts were excluded from the study. Results The most common complications were fistulas, bony non-union, and failure of osteosynthesis material. Major contributing risk factors were radiotherapy (p = 0.004), number of osteosynthesis plates >6 (p = 0.002), length of the harvested fibula (p = 0.027), the size of the skin island (p = 0.002), and the number of osteotomies (p = 0.001). Conclusion For the success of FFF, there are many influencing factors. If the mentioned risk factors are considered, the number of osteotomies, size of the skin paddle, and fibula are as small as possible, and a suitable osteosynthesis material is chosen, the FFF is a safe solution for mandibular reconstruction.

Background Distal lower extremity reconstruction presents many challenges due to the suboptimal vascular supply, the weight-bearing necessity, movement, and multiple tissue types that can be easily damaged by trauma, from bones, tendons, ligaments, muscle, and soft tissue loss. The anterolateral thigh flap provides a reconstructive option for large defects with good coverage and minimal donor-site morbidity. Methods After a chart review of all anterolateral thigh flaps, the patients were contacted to take a survey regarding their satisfaction and functional ability and to meet for measurements of their feet after debulking procedures. Results A total of 13 patients were included in the study, with traumatic injuries comprising 84% of cases. There was a significant difference in sizes of the midfoot (mean: 10.27 vs. 9.53, p = 0.004) and the hindfoot (mean: 12.92 vs. 12.2, p = 0.023) when comparing the affected side to the unaffected side. The majority, 77%, of our patients underwent debulking procedures. Overall, 75% of traumatic injury patients had > 90% maximum functionality score. All posttraumatic reconstruction results were rated satisfied to very satisfied by the patients. All posttraumatic patients were able to walk after their procedures, although three patients did require custom-made shoes with inserts or braces. Conclusion The anterolateral thigh flap is a versatile reconstructive option that can be used in the distal lower extremity and is especially useful after a traumatic injury as it allows for functional recovery and high patient satisfaction after debulking.

Tongue amputation is a rare event. In fact, only four successful tongue replants are reported in the literature. These include one incomplete amputation 1 and three complete amputations. 2-4 To our knowledge, replantation of a self-inflicted, segmental tongue amputation has not been reported. We report the successful replantation of a selfinflicted, segmental tongue amputation in an actively psy-chotic patient. Additionally, intra-and postoperative management strategies are reviewed.