Objective The fixation of the coronoid fractures in terrible triad injuries is quite challenging. In this study, we introduce a minimally invasive technique using a syringe as a guide for insertion of the cannulated screw in an anterior to posterior fashion to fix the coronoid fracture in patients with terrible triad injuries. Methods In this retrospective study, clinical data of patients suffering from terrible triad injuries between 2012 and 2019 were analyzed. Fifteen patients with an average age of 38.2 years old (21–56 years) were enrolled in this study, of which 12 were males and three were females. The Regan–Morrey type II and type III coronoid fractures in these patients were treated with cannulated screws, inserted anteriorly using a 1 mL syringe as a guide. Outcome measures included pain, range of motion, stability and daily function using Mayo Elbow Performance scores (MEPs). The anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were used for evaluating a healing fracture. Results After a mean follow up of 44.2 months (range 13–80), the mean elbow flexion was 128.2°, extension was 12.3°, forearm pronation was 74.6° and supination was 73.6°. A concentric reduction was maintained without severe pain, stiffness, and radiographic evidence of instability in all patients during the follow‐up period. The mean MEPs was 89.7 points. Conclusion The anteroposterior cannulated screw fixation via simple syringe guide is a minimally invasive and safe option for surgical treatment of coronoid fractures in terrible triad injuries.

The multiterritory perforator flaps are widely used in plastic surgery. However, partial necrosis flap in the potential territory remains a challenge to plastic surgeons. We raised a novel "hybrid nourished mode" (HNM) flap based on the multiterritory deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap to improve flap survival. Thirty-two rabbits were randomly divided into DIEP and HNM groups. Untargeted metabolic mechanisms between the DIEP and HNM groups were performed using LC-MS under the filter criteria of fold change >20.0 times or <0.05, and variable importance value (VIP) was set at ≥1, p<0.05. Between the two groups, flap survival, perfusion, microvasculature, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry of CD31 were assessed on postoperative day 7. We screened 16 different metabolites that mainly participated in Biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, Phenylalanine metabolism, Arginine and proline metabolism and so on. The results of the HNM flaps were higher than those of DIEP flaps (p<0.05) in the aspect of flap survival, flap perfusion, and microvasculature. Compared with the DIEP flaps, HNM has a stronger advantage in tissue metabolism. This study provided us with a better understanding and strong evidence in terms of metabolites on how HNM achieves the survival of large multiterritory perforator flaps.

OBJECTIVE:Neuropathic pain produced by symptomatic neuromas is an important problem after peripheral nerve injury (PNI). End-to-end anastomosis of the nerve stump for PNI is well established but cannot efficiently prevent neuroma-in-continuity formation. METHODS:Sciatic nerve injury was used in the experimental model. Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into four groups: rats with nerve anastomosis sites supported with silicone tubes represented the internal nerve splinting (INS) group (n = 18); rats with end-to-end nerve anastomosis represented control group 1 (CON1) (n = 18); rats with INS and the nerve anastomosis site represented control group 2 (CON2) (n = 18); and rats that underwent the same surgical procedures for skin and muscle operations but without sciatic nerve injury represented the normal group (n = 18). RESULTS:Gross evaluations of the nerve anastomosis sites, gastrocnemius muscle atrophy, axonal regeneration and remyelination, neuropathic pain, and scar hyperplasia of the neuromas were performed, as well as motor function evaluations. Axonal regeneration, remyelination, and gastrocnemius muscle atrophy were similar between the INS group and CON1 (p > 0.05). However, neuropathic pain and scar hyperplasia-as evaluated according to the expression of anti-sigma-1 receptor antibody and anti-α-smooth muscle actin, respectively-and the weight ratios of the neuromas were reduced in the INS group compared with those of CON1 and CON2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Application of INS in nerve repair effectively prevented traumatic neuroma-in-continuity formation and inhibited neuropathic pain without influencing nerve regeneration in rats.

Objective Intractable pain after peripheral nerve injury has become a major concern in the field of pain. Current evidence shows that routine medications or surgical treatment is associated with inconsistent results and different curative effects. Stable and effective treatment methods in clinical practice are also lacking. To date, there is no consensus on the pathophysiological mechanisms of pain. The present study investigates the potential regulatory role of regulatory T cells in the differentiation of macrophages on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and explores the mechanism of nociceptive signals in the signal transfer station. The findings are expected to guide the prevention of various types of peripheral neuropathic pain. Methods Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and 18 male Nude rats, of equal weight (250–300g), were used in this study. The rats were divided into 3 groups: SD rat sciatic nerve transection group (SNT group, n = 18), SD rat nerve transection experimental group (SNT/RAPA group, n = 18) and Nude rat nerve transection experimental group (SNT/NUDE group, n = 18). The behavior related to neuropathic pain of animals were comprehensively evaluated in all groups. Furthermore, we analyzed the degree of neuroma development, histology, gene, and protein expression, and compared their correlation with the ultrastructural changes of M1/M2 type differentiation of macrophages in DRG. Results Sciatic nerve transection (SNT), induced the aggregation of several types of macrophages in lumbar DRG of SD rats leading to a higher ratio of M1/M2. Following the inhibition of the M1 type polarization of macrophages, axon outgrowth increased significantly. A significantly lower average autotomy score was reported in the SNT/NUDE group (* p < 0.05) and the SNT/RAPA group ( @ p < 0.05) as compared to that of the SNT group. The SNT/NUDE group showed no noticeable neuroma formation 30 days after the nerve transection. However, bulbous neuromas were observed in the nerve stumps of both the SNT control and SNT/RAPA groups. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a significant decrease in the proportion of M1/M2 macrophages in lumbar DRG of the SNT/NUDE group ( ** p < 0.001) and the SNT/RAPA group ( @ p < 0.05) compared to the SNT group. The expression of pain-related proteins was also decreased ( @ p < 0.05, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.001). Also, the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), neurofilament 200 (NF-200), and nerve growth factor low-affinity receptor p75 were significantly down-regulated in the nerve tissue ( @ p < 0.05, @@ p < 0.001, ** p < 0.001). Conclusion M1/M2 type differentiation of macrophages on DRG plays a significant role in the formation of traumatic painful neuroma after neurotomy. In combination with our previous study, the results of this study suggest that regulatory T cells reduce the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages and alleviate the pain of neuroma by regulating the polarization direction of macrophages on neuroma. These findings provide key insights into developing new strategies to manage painful neuroma.

BACKGROUND:Bone is the most common metastatic site for breast cancer, and patients' condition will deteriorate when it occurs.METHODS:We performed a retrospective analysis on 6482 breast cancer patients with bone metastases (BCBM), who were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) 18 registry database. The optimal age cut-points were generated by using the X-tile software. By using Cox regression, we selected independent prognostic factors from 21 variables, and plotted a visual nomogram to predict the probability of surviving to the median survival time. We also diagrammed a competing risk nomogram on the basis of competitive risk model.RESULTS:Compared with other three common metastatic sites, the incidence of bone metastasis was the highest for patients with breast cancer. The incidence of BCBM peaked around the age of 60, and a large majority of patients were between the ages of 50 and 70. The survival rate decreased with age, and the median survival time was about 19 months. Factors of age, race, marital status, grade, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) receptor, hormone receptor, concurrent brain metastasis, concurrent liver metastasis, concurrent lung metastasis, surgery and chemotherapy are strongly related to the prognosis of patients with BCBM. It was revealed that the C-index of the nomogram was 0.72 and the calibration curves showed good agreement between the nomogram prediction and actual observation.CONCLUSION:Our practical nomograms provide a visual and user-friendly tool in the risk evaluation and prognostic prediction for breast cancer patients with bone metastases.

Multiterritory perforator flap is an important plastic surgery technique, yet its efficacy can be limited by partial necrosis at the choke Ⅱ zone. Butylphthalide (NBP) has been used for many diseases but has not been studied in the multiterritory perforator flap. With the effect of NBP, we observed increasing in capillary density, inhibition of autophagy and oxidative stress, and a reduction in apoptosis of cells, all consistent with increased flap survival. However, the protective effect of NBP on multiterritory perforator flap was lost following administration of the autophagy agonist rapamycin (Rap). Through the above results, we assumed that NBP promotes flap survival by inhibiting autophagy. Thus, this study has found a new pharmacological effect of NBP on the multiterritory perforator by inhibiting autophagy to prevent distal postoperative necrosis and exert effects on angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis within the flap.

The random-pattern flap has a significant application in full mouth restoration (reconstructive surgery) and plastic surgery owing to an easy operation with no axial vascular restriction. However, distal necrosis after flap operation is still considered the most common complication which makes it the Achilles heel in the clinical application of random-pattern flaps. A Chinese medicinal herb named gastrodin is an effective active ingredient of Gastrodia. Herein, the existing study explored the significant potential of gastrodin on flap survival and its underlying mechanism. Our obtained results show that gastrodin will significantly improve flap survival, reduce tissue edema, and increase blood flow. Furthermore, our studies reveal that gastrodin can promote angiogenesis and reduce the apoptotic process as well as oxidative stress. The results of immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting revealed that gastrodin has a role in the elevation of autophagy flux which results in induced autophagy. The use of 3MA (3-methyladenine) for the inhibition of induced autophagy significantly weakened the underlying benefits of gastrodin treatment. Taken together, our obtained results confirmed that gastrodin is an effective drug that can considerably promote the survival rate of flaps (random pattern) via enhancing autophagy. Enhanced autophagy is correlated with the elevation of angiogenesis, reduced level of oxidative stress, and inhibition of cell apoptosis.

An arterialized venous flap (AVF) is an ideal choice of flap to repair wounds. However, the survival of these flaps remains the source of some concern. This study used metabolomic analysis to investigate the mechanisms underlying survival in AVF flaps in order to guide the clinical application of these flaps. Thirty-six male Japanese rabbits were randomly divided into a sham group and an AVF group. They were used for histology and hemodynamic investigations. Three days after surgery, tissue samples were analyzed by mass spectroscopy-based metabolomics. The results of the study revealed a reduction in blood flow, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and necrosis of flaps in the AVF group. In addition, notable changes were evident in the levels of several metabolites in the AVF group, including lactic acid, acetoacetic acid, inositol phosphate, arachidonic acid, and other metabolites. Our results indicate that the AVF group experienced changes in several biological pathways, including energy metabolism, cell membrane stability, and inflammatory response. There is a significant metabolic difference between AVFs and physiological flaps. The dysregulation in certain metabolites may be related to the specific hemodynamics and insufficient energy metabolism of the AVFs.

Background: The application of random pattern skin flaps is limited in plastic surgery reconstruction due to necrosis. Trans-cirmamaldehyde has antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of trans-cinnamaldehyde on skin flap survival and its possible mechanism regarding nitric oxide. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 20 each group). After the dorsal flap was raised, different doses of trans-cinnamaldehyde (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) were immediately given by oral gavage in the three different groups. To assess the possible involvement of the nitric oxide system, N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) was used in this study. All flap samples were incised on postoperative day 7. Results: Our results showed that flap survival was increased significantly in the 20 mg/kg (P < 0.001) trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) group compared to the control group or 30 mg/kg TC group. This protective function was restrained by coadministration of L-NAME with 20 mg/kg TC. The results of histopathology, laser Doppler, arteriography mediated with oxide-gelatine, and fluorescent staining all showed a significant increase in capillary count, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and flap perfusion. Immunohistochemistry results revealed a significant increase in the expression of CD34, eNOS, and VEGF. Conclusion: Trans-cinnamaldehyde increased flap survival through the nitric oxide synthase pathway and contributed to angiogenesis. A concentration of 20 mg/kg trans-cinnamaldehyde was recommended in this study.

Perforator flaps have been widely used in clinical Settings, however, unexpected necrosis was still commonly encountered in the distal portions of multiterritory flaps known as Choke zone III. In this study, we introduced a novel hybrid perfusion technique which is different from the established one of arterial supercharging or venous superdrainage to improve multiterritory flap survival with success. In order to ensure the entire flap survival of multiterritory flaps extending to choke zone III, a “hybrid perfusion” mode by anastomosing a distal vein of the flap with a recipient artery was carried out in two cases based on our previous basic study. In addition, a systematic literature review regarding the established microsurgical assistant techniques of arterial supercharging and venous superdrainage techniques were performed. Both flaps survived uneventfully. At a minimal follow-up of six months, both patients were satisfied with the results. This novel hybrid perfusion technique provides a simple new concept in solving partial necrosis of multiterritory flaps. Further practice is guaranteed for better understanding this unconventional attempt.

Arterialized venous flap (AVF) is limited in clinical application because its survival remains inconsistent and its exact survival mechanism is still unclear. Hirudin is an effective thrombin specific inhibitor, which is isolated from the salivary gland secretions of the leech. Our study evaluated the impact of hirudin on the viability of AVFs in rabbits. Thirty-six rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: sham group (physiological perfusion), control group (AVF), and hirudin group (AVF + hirudin). In hirudin group, 20 antithrombin units (ATU) hirudin (2.5 ml) were injected into each flap. In sham group and control group, the same amount of normal saline was injected into each flap. Status of flap survival, water content, vascular perfusion, histopathology, expression of CD34, VEGF, eNOS and HIF-1α were analyzed in each group. Analysis of oxidative stress was performed by measuring the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Compared with flaps in sham group with physiological perfusion mode, results of survival rate, perfusion status, SOD activity, expression of CD34, VEGF, and eNOS of AVFs in control group were significantly lower, while water content, MDA level and expression of HIF-1α were higher. The flap condition of AVFs injected with hirudin in hirudin group was improved significantly, and the results were similar to sham group. Our findings revealed that hirudin can effectively improve survival of AVF.

Background: Neuropathic pain, produced by symptomatic neuromas, is an important problem following peripheral nerve injury. Anastomosing the stump nerves end-to-end for peripheral nerve injury is a well-established but can’t avoid neuroma in-continuity forming efficiently. Methods: Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into four groups: rats with anastomosis sites supported by silicone tubes represented the internal nerve splinting (INS, n = 18) group, rats with simple anastomosis represented the control group I (CON 1, n = 18), and rats with the same silicone tube beside the anastomosis site represented the control group II (CON 2, n = 18), and rats with the same surgical procedures for skin and muscle operations, but without sciatic nerve injury (Norm, n = 18). Gross evaluation of anastomosis sites, gastrocnemius muscle atrophy, axonal regeneration and remyelination, neuropathic pain and scar hyperplasia of neuromas, as well as motor function evaluation, were assessed and compared among all groups.Findings: The results of the INS were similar to the CON 1, and both of these groups were better than CON 2 with respect to axonal regeneration, remyelination and gastrocnemius muscle atrophy. However, in INS, neuropathic pain and scar hyperplasia, evaluated by the expression of anti-sigma-1 receptor antibodies and anti-α-smooth muscle actin, respectively, as well as the weight ratios of neuromas, were reduced compared to those in CON 1 or CON 2.Interpretation: Application of an internal nerve splint in nerve repair effectively prevented traumatic in-continuity neuromas forming and inhibited neuropathic pain while with no influence on nerve regeneration in rats.Funding Statement: This study was supported by Wenzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau (grant numbers Y2020040) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant numbers 81571185).Declaration of Interests: The authors have declared no conflict of interest.Ethics Approval Statement: All experiments involving animals were conducted according to the ethical policies and procedures approved by the animal care committee of Wenzhou Medical University, China (Approval: wydw2019-0954).

•Survival rates of hydrid nourished mode flaps were similar to the traditional flaps.•Hydrid nourished mode flaps have more sufficient perfusion and greater microvessels than traditional flaps.•The level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in hydrid nourished mode flaps was significantly high.•Favorable metabolites such as indole-3-carbinol and linoleic acid were greater in hydrid nourished mode flaps.

目的:对动脉化静脉皮瓣移植术后的不同临床表现进行分型,以便采取针对性护理干预,改善其成活状况,提高皮瓣成活率.方法:收集2010年6月至2019年3月温州医科大学附属第二医院采用动脉化静脉皮瓣游离移植修复的所有临床病例资料,根据其术后皮瓣颜色、皮瓣张力、肿胀程度、水泡形成以及淤血等情况,采用个体化护理干预措施,以皮瓣最终成活状况作为最主要的观察评价指标,进行系统总结分析.结果:共收集64例,68个动脉化静脉皮瓣,根据其术后表现情况分为正常生理皮瓣型(NPF型,25例,27个)、水泡形成型(BF型,18例,18个)和淤血肿胀型(CS型,21例,23个).其中,NPF型皮瓣全部成活,BF型皮瓣仅1个部分坏死,CS型皮瓣虽经积极保守治疗,有1个完全坏死和2个部分坏死.结论:动脉化静脉皮瓣移植术后临床表现差异较大,需根据不同的临床分型,加强护理观察,采取针对性术后护理干预措施,以提高其整体成活状况.