INTRODUCTION:The use of sutures is a common practice in plastic surgical procedures. The potential risk of developing an allergic reaction to suture materials exists. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature of such a reaction in aesthetic breast surgery. The aim of this review is to raise the awareness of possible allergic and infective or inflammatory reactions to the suture material and to expand the knowledge of the management and interventions which are critical for patient safety and satisfaction. More research is needed to study this challenging topic.

Summary: Total patellectomy is sometimes unavoidable but usually results in severely impaired function, pain, and instability in the affected knee. Any patellar prosthetic solutions rely on a certain amount of remaining bone and therefore are not applicable after total patellectomy. Traditionally, reconstruction of a neopatella by avascular or allogeneic bone grafts is hampered by mechanical failure, resorption, or infection. We developed a new, 3-stage approach to reconstruct a hybrid patella composed of a revascularized scapula tip transplant fabricated with a prosthetic socket. The procedure is safe and provides optimal healing and prosthetic osteointegration through viable bone and dynamic stability to the considerable load a patella has to bear in unrestricted mobility. The technique also demonstrates successful integration of orthopedic prosthetic devices into current flap fabrication concepts.

IntroductionPreoperative planning of mandibular reconstruction has moved from mechanical simulation by dental model casts or stereolithographic models into an almost completely virtual environment. CAD/CAM applications allow a high level of accuracy by providing a custom template-assisted contouring approach for bone flaps. However, the clinical accuracy of CAD reconstruction is limited by the use of prebent reconstruction plates, an analogue step in an otherwise digital workstream.Technical reportIn this paper the integration of computerized, numerically-controlled (CNC) milled, patient-specific mandibular plates (PSMP) within the virtual workflow of computer-assisted mandibular free fibula flap reconstruction is illustrated in a clinical case. Intraoperatively, the bone segments as well as the plate arms showed a very good fit. Postoperative CT imaging demonstrated close approximation of the PSMP and fibular segments, and good alignment of native mandible and fibular segments and intersegmentally. Over a follow-up period of 12 months, there was an uneventful course of healing with good bony consolidation.ConclusionThe virtual design and automated fabrication of patient-specific mandibular reconstruction plates provide the missing link in the virtual workflow of computer-assisted mandibular free fibula flap reconstruction.

BACKGROUND:Vascularized composite allotransplantation has the potential for reconstruction of joint defects but requires lifelong immunosuppression, with substantial risks. This study evaluates an alternative, using surgical angiogenesis from implanted autogenous vessels to maintain viability without long-term immunotherapy.METHODS:Vascularized knee joints were transplanted from Dutch Belted donors to New Zealand White rabbit recipients. Once positioned and revascularized microsurgically, a recipient-derived superficial inferior epigastric fascial flap and a saphenous arteriovenous bundle were placed within the transplanted femur and tibia, respectively, to develop a neoangiogenic, autogenous circulation. There were 10 transplants in group 1. Group 2 (n = 9) consisted of no-angiogenesis controls with ligated flaps and arteriovenous bundles. Group 3 rabbits (n = 10) were autotransplants with patent implants. Tacrolimus was used for 3 weeks to maintain nutrient flow during angiogenesis. At 16 weeks, the authors assessed bone healing, joint function, bone and cartilage mechanical properties, and histology.RESULTS:Group 1 allotransplants had more robust angiogenesis, better healing, improved mechanical properties, and better osteocyte viability than ligated controls (group 2). All three groups developed knee joint contractures and arthritic changes. Cartilage thickness and quality were poorer in allograft groups than in autotransplant controls.CONCLUSIONS:Surgical angiogenesis from implanted autogenous tissue improves bone viability, healing, and material properties in rabbit allogenic knee transplants. However, joint contractures and degenerative changes occurred in all transplants, regardless of antigenicity or blood supply. Experimental studies in a larger animal model with improved methods to maintain joint mobility are needed before the merit of living joint allotransplantation can be judged.

Up to now, the peroneus brevis muscle was harvested as a non-functional pedicled muscle flap for defects around the ankle and the anterior lower leg. It has a reliable dual segmental vascularisation from the peroneal and the anterior tibial artery and a long, single motor nerve entering proximally. We report of a free microvascular transfer of the peroneus brevis as a neurotised functional muscle component in a composite osteo-musculo-cutaneous flow-through fibula flap. The flap components were used to reconstruct extensive radial and soft-tissue defects in a severely damaged forearm, whereas the peroneus brevis nerve was coapted to the proper flexor carpi radialis (FCR) motor nerve to counterbalance ulnar abduction, as all radial abductors were lost in the injury. Thirteen months later, the arm was fully reconstructed and an active radial abduction of 15° by the contracting peroneus muscle was achieved. Donor-site complications were absent. The peroneus brevis can expand the versatility of the peroneal-vessel-flap system as a third muscular component in four possible ways: a) addition of plain muscle bulk in the middle- and lower third of the fibula if left attached to the bone, b) as a reinnervated functional muscle as presented here, c) as a distally based muscle component if released from its origin from the middle third of the fibula and pedicled on its distal segmental branches from the peroneal vessels or d) as a distally pedicled osteomuscular flap permitting individual placement of a middle fibula segment.

Purpose: We have previously described a means to maintain bone allotransplant viability, without long‐term immune modulation, replacing allogenic bone vasculature with autogenous vessels. A rabbit model for whole knee joint transplantation was developed and tested using the same methodology, initially as an autotransplant. Materials/Methods: Knee joints of eight New Zealand White rabbits were elevated on a popliteal vessel pedicle to evaluate limb viability in a nonsurvival study. Ten additional joints were elevated and replaced orthotopically in a fashion identical to allotransplantation, obviating only microsurgical repairs and immunosuppression. A superficial inferior epigastric facial (SIEF) flap and a saphenous arteriovenous (AV) bundle were introduced into the femur and tibia respectively, generating a neoangiogenic bone circulation. In allogenic transplantation, this step maintains viability after cessation of immunosuppression. Sixteen weeks later, X‐rays, microangiography, histology, histomorphometry, and biomechanical analysis were performed. Results: Limb viability was preserved in the initial eight animals. Both soft tissue and bone healing occurred in 10 orthotopic transplants. Surgical angiogenesis from the SIEF flap and AV bundle was always present. Bone and joint viability was maintained, with demonstrable new bone formation. Bone strength was less than the opposite side. Arthrosis and joint contractures were frequent. Conclusion: We have developed a rabbit knee joint model and evaluation methods suitable for subsequent studies of whole joint allotransplantation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.

Delayed hypopharyngeal perforations in tetraplegics are a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of anterior cervical spine instrumentation. To date, no established treatment regimen exists for these situations. A patient with traumatic tetraplegia sub-C4 was admitted to the hospital 14 days after anterior spinal fusion with an infected hypopharyngeal perforation. After hardware removal, the spine was restabilized with a composite free osteomusculocutaneous fibula with the flexor hallucis longus muscle closing the mucosal defect. However, it was lost because of external venous compression. After 54 days, definitive reconstruction was achieved with a delayed supraclavicular artery flap. Follow-up endoscopy showed a closed and mucosalized defect. Composite free flaps are intriguing for complex hypopharyngeal and spine defects; however, they can undergo fatal external compression due to postoperative swelling in this area. Supraclavicular flaps might serve as a rescue alternative, offering unimpaired neck mobility that is crucial for tetraplegics, adequate tenuity for the hypopharynx, and reliable blood supply without large vessels in the field.

Devastating hand and forearm injuries almost exclusively need free flap transfer if reconstruction is attempted. Early active and passive motion is only possible with aggressive, early, and comprehensive reconstruction. Despite recent advances in compound flaps, in selected cases it might be wise to harvest several smaller flaps and microsurgically combine them to one "chain-linked" flap "system." Four microsurgically fabricated chimeric free flaps were used in four patients for complex hand and forearm injuries. The combinations were sensate anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap plus sensate extended lateral arm flap (2x), ALT plus free fibula, and ALT plus functional musculocutaneous gracilis muscle. All flaps survived completely. Functional rehabilitation was possible immediately after flap transfer. There were no donor-site complications except two widened scars. The microsurgical fabrication of chimeric free flaps, as well established in head and neck reconstruction, can be successfully adapted to massive hand injuries as well. Individual placement of selected tissue components, early comprehensive reconstruction, and reduction of the number of operations are beneficial in cases that need more than one free flap.

Sir: We had the great pleasure of reading the extremely interesting article by Schmidt and Giessler entitled "The Muscular and the New Osteomuscular Composite Peroneus Brevis Flap: Experiences from 109 Cases."1 We congratulate the authors for the exhaustive and complete description of their experience concerning the use of this flap for restoration of small to medium defects around the ankle, foot, and distal lower leg.1 We would like to take the opportunity to further discuss indications and advantages of the reverse-flow peroneus brevis flap from our experience.2 Since its first clinical application by Eren et al.,3 the distally based peroneus muscle flap has been indicated as a convincing alternative in small to moderate defect coverage of the distal third of the lower limb. Although there has been some criticism,4 its versatility and its advantages have been confirmed by numerous investigations.2,5–10 Primary tension-free closure of the donor site results in a cosmetically acceptable scar over the lateral aspect of the leg2,3; with its arc of rotation, it allows coverage of more anterior defects of the ankle, the Achilles tendon, the heel area, and the lateral and medial malleolus areas.1–3,7,10 Because of its vascular supply, the reverse-flow peroneus brevis muscle flap represents a better choice when dealing with soft-tissue and bone infections rather than other local fasciocutaneous flaps1,2,10; moreover, its reliability is not grossly influenced by associated comorbidities that are expected in both old and posttraumatic patients.2,10 The article by Schmidt and Giessler1 offers a further advantage by describing the osteomuscular variant of this flap obtained by raising the peroneus brevis flap with a semicircular lateral fibula vascularized segment firmly attached to the muscle origin. In its composite form, it allows for optimal and complete restorations of a bone-deficient recipient site either to achieve full reconstruction of a defect or to add stability and volume to a hollowed-out recipient bone.1 Moreover, because harvesting this flap is associated with very low donor-site morbidity, the German authors suggest its use as a free flap, proposing more investigations to prove the feasibility of the microsurgical peroneus brevis muscle.1 In our experience,2 we adopted the distally based peroneus brevis flap, as we believe it offers many advantages compared with other reconstructive options. Although the size of the flap makes it suitable only for small or moderate sized defects, it is a quick and safe reconstructive surgical procedure that allows reliable soft-tissue coverage of bone and tendons and preservation of major arteries of the leg. In particular, we have studied the effect of raising this flap on plantar flexion and foot eversion.2 By assigning clinical demerit points according to the Weber demerit score and giving a clinical grade according to the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score in which subjective parameters such as pain, stiffness, and swelling and the functions of stair climbing, running, jumping, squatting, and work or activities of daily life were scored, we compared preoperative and postoperative ankle function and stability.2 Neither score was observed to be worsened, because no differences have been found between presurgical and postsurgical reconstruction procedures. Thus, the successful healing of all defects obtained with the peroneus brevis flap and the absence of functional impairment of the ankle lead to a very high rate of patient satisfaction with the outcomes. The resolution of major complaints of the patients, mainly pain and stiffness, was perceived as was the negligible morbidity because of the preservation of ankle functionality (plantar flexion and foot eversion) ensured by the preservation of the peroneus longus muscle. Because of its almost constant vascularity, the distally based peroneus muscle flap is a useful option for moderate size defects in the distal third of the lower leg, and is often preferable to the use of free flaps. Coverage of defects of the ankle, the Achilles tendon, heel, and lateral and medial malleolus areas is allowed by its arc of rotation. Its versatility is attributable to its simple and quick elevation and its easy transposition within the wound without further dissection. Ankle instability is avoided by preservation of the peroneus longus. Fulvio Lorenzetti, M.D., Ph.D. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit Tommaso Agostini, M.D. Burn Center Unit Marcello Pantaloni, M.D. Davide Lazzeri, M.D. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit Hospital of Pisa Pisa, Italy DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this communication.

Noma victims suffer from a three-dimensional facial soft-tissue loss. Some may also develop complex viscerocranial defects, due to acute osteitis, chronic exposure, or arrested skeletal growth. Reconstruction has mainly focused on soft tissue so far, whereas skeletal restoration was mostly avoided. After successful microvascular soft tissue free flap reconstruction, we now included skeletal restoration and mandibular ankylosis release into the initial step of complex noma surgery. One free rib graft and parascapular flap, one microvascular osteomyocutaneous flap from the subscapular system, and two sequential chimeric free flaps including vascularized bone were used as the initial steps for facial reconstruction. Ankylosis release could spare the temporomandibular joint. Complex noma reconstruction should include skeletal restoration. Avascular bone is acceptable in cases with complete vascularized graft coverage. Microsurgical chimeric flaps are preferable as they can reduce the number and complexity of secondary operations and provide viable, infection-resistant bone supporting facial growth.

A 23-year-old man suffered a severe crush injury with fracture of his left thumb base phalanx and destruction of his extensor pollicis longus tendon. Immediate plate stabilisation and soft tissue coverage was performed; however, a recalcitrant pseudarthrosis developed in this compliant non-smoker despite three revisions with avascular iliac crest grafts for interphalangeal joint arthrodesis, corticocancellous bone application and hardware exchange. An attempt to improve thumb vascularity and soft tissue cover with a pedicled Foucher flap as well as through extracorporeal shock wave therapy failed. Bone healing and subsequent thumb salvage were finally achieved with a free vascularised medial femoral condyle (MFC) bone flap, which was covered directly with a full-thickness skin graft. Both bony and soft tissue healing went well and after 3 months the patient returned to work. This case demonstrates that skin grafting the periosteal surface of the MFC flap is safe and results in a thin skin-bone compositae transplant which also might be very useful for indications other than hand surgery.

BACKGROUND:Pedicled peroneus brevis muscles are proven flaps for defect coverage around the ankle, foot, and distal lower leg. Some of these defects--such as postosteitic hollowed out calcaneal bones--may profit from a simultaneous vascularized bone transplantation. The authors' experiences with 109 successive muscular and newly developed osteomuscular peroneus flaps are outlined for small to medium combined defects in this region.METHODS:One hundred nine patients with various soft-tissue and skeletal defects underwent reconstruction with proximally (n = 10) or distally pedicled (n = 98) or free microvascular transplanted (n = 1) peroneus brevis flaps. Eight patients received a composite flap of the peroneus brevis muscle with an attached lateral split fibula segment.RESULTS:In 72.5 percent of the cases, a stable defect closure was achieved without significant secondary procedures. In 16.5 percent, further operations such as secondary wound closure or flaps were necessary, most often because of the avascular loss of the 1 to 3 cm of the distal flap tip. Nine flaps (8.3 percent) were lost completely. Seven of eight osteomuscular flaps demonstrated stable bony healing, and full weight bearing was achieved. No relevant donor-site complications were seen.CONCLUSIONS:The peroneus brevis is a valuable flap for defect closure around the ankle and lower leg. It can be harvested together with a vascularized split fibula segment, representing a simple alternative to several free composite flaps. Its complication rate can be lowered significantly if the proximal 3 cm of the muscle origin (i.e., the flap tip in distally pedicled flaps) is discarded during dissection and delicate hemostasis is performed.

Chung Y‐G, Bishop AT, Giessler GA, Suzuki O, Platt JL, Pelzer M, Friedrich PF, Kremer T. Surgical angiogenesis: a new approach to maintain osseous viability in xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation 2010; 17: 38–47. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that living bone allotransplants can incorporate, remodel, and maintain mechanical properties without long‐term immunosuppression in a fashion comparable to living autotransplants. For this, viability is maintained by repair of nutrient vessels and neovascularization from implanted host‐derived vasculature. Microsurgically revascularized femoral diaphysis allotransplants were transferred from young male New‐Zealand‐White (NZW) into 4 groups of male Dutch‐Belted (DB) rabbits. Short‐term immunosuppression by tacrolimus (IS, groups 4 and 5) and host‐derived neovascularization (NV) from implanted fascial flaps was used to maintain viability (groups 3 and 5) as independent variables. Group 2 received neither IS nor NV. Vascularized pedicled autotransplants were orthotopically transplanted in group 1. After 16 weeks, transplants were evaluated using radiologic, histologic, biomechanical, and histomorphometric parameters. Vascularized bone allotransplants treated with both short‐term IS and host‐derived NV (group 5) healed in a fashion similar to pedicled autotransplants (group 1). Their radiographic scores were higher than other groups. Groups with patent fascial flaps (3 and 5) showed significantly greater neoangiogenesis than ligated controls (2 and 4). Tacrolimus administration did not affect neoangiogenesis. Elastic modulus and ultimate stress were significantly greater in autogenous bone than in allotransplanted femora. Biomechanical properties were not significantly different among allotransplants. Bone turnover was decreased with IS, but increased with NV by the implanted fascial flaps. Living allogeneic femoral allotransplants treated with short‐term IS and host‐derived neoangiogenesis can lead to stable transplant incorporation in this rabbit model. The combination of both factors optimizes bone healing. Transplant mineralization is improved with neoangiogenesis but diminished with IS. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 763–770, 2009

A new vascularized bone transplantation model is described, including the anatomy and surgical technique of isolating a rabbit femoral diaphyseal segment on its nutrient vascular pedicle. The histologic and biomechanical parameters of pedicled vascularized femoral autotransplants were studied following orthotopic reimplantation in the resulting mid‐diaphyseal defect. Vascularized femur segments were isolated in 10 rabbits on their nutrient pedicle, and then replaced orthotopically with appropriate internal fixation. Postoperative weightbearing and mobility were unrestricted, and the contralateral femora served as no‐treatment controls. After 16 weeks, the bone flaps were evaluated by x‐ray (bone healing), mechanical testing (material properties), microangiography (quantification of intraosseous vasculature), histology (bone viability), and histomorphometry (bone remodeling). Bone healing occurred by 2 weeks, with further callus remodeling throughout the survival period. Eight transplants healed completely, while two had a distal pseudarthrosis. Microangiography demonstrated patent pedicles in all transplants. Intraosseous vessel densities were comparable to nonoperated (control) femora. We found ultimate strength and elastic modulus to be significantly reduced when compared to normal controls. Viable bone, increased mineral apposition rate, and bone turnover were demonstrated in all transplants. The method described, and the data provided will be of value for the further study of isolated segments of living bone, and in particular, for investigations of reconstruction of segmental bone loss in weight‐bearing animal models. This study also provides important normative data on living autologous bone flap material properties, vascularity, and bone remodeling. We intend to use this method and data for comparison in subsequent studies of large bone vascularized allotransplantation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.