Vascularised bone transfer: history, blood supply and contemporary problems

Background Since the description of the free fibula flap by Taylor in 1975, many flaps composed of bone have been described. This review documents the history of vascularised bone transfer and reflects on the current understanding of blood supply in an effort to define all clinically described osseous flaps. Methods A structured review of MEDLINE and Google Scholar was performed to identify all clinically described bone flaps in humans. Data regarding patterns of vascularity were collected where available from the anatomical literature. Results Vascularised bone transfer has evolved stepwise in concert with advances in reconstructive surgery techniques. This began with local flaps of the craniofacial skeleton in the late 19th century, followed by regional flaps such as the fibula flap for tibial reconstruction in the early 20th century. Prelaminated and pedicled myo-osseous flaps predominated until the advent of microsurgery and free tissue transfer in the 1960s and 1970s. Fifty-two different bone flaps were identified from 27 different bones. These flaps can be broadly classified into three types to reflect the pedicle: nutrient vessel (NV), penetrating periosteal vessel (PPV) and non-penetrating periosteal vessel (NPPV). NPPVs can be further classified according to the anatomical structure that serves as a conduit for the pedicle which may be direct-periosteal, musculoperiosteal or fascioperiosteal. Discussion The blood supply to bone is well described and is important to the reconstructive surgeon in the design of reliable vascularised bone suitable for transfer into defects requiring osseous replacement. Further study in this field could be directed at the implications of the pattern of bone flap vascularity on reconstructive outcomes, the changes in bone vascularity after osteotomy and the existence of “true” and “choke” anastomoses in cortical bone

Detection rates of missing microsurgical needles using intra-operative imaging

Background: Unintentional retention of foreign bodies in surgery is uncommon but potentially serious. Published data regarding the consequence of retained surgical needles is sparse. We aimed to characterize lost surgical needles at our institution. Secondarily, we aimed to determine whether or not retained microsurgical needles can be reliably detected. Methods: Reports of missing surgical needles at our institution were reviewed. Surgical needles of relevant sizes were scattered across an anthropomorphic model at representative anatomical locations. Fluoroscopic images of the field were acquired using two resolution settings. Medical staff in our department attempted to locate needles in these images. Results: A total of 46 323 procedures were performed in the main theatres in the 2.5-year period. Sixty-two needles were reported as missing. No patient harm was documented. Needles of chord length 16 mm (5–0) or greater were always detected. High-resolution fluoroscopy improves detection of needles with chord lengths of 9.3 (7–0) or 6.6 mm (9–0). Needles are consistently better detected in the lower limb for needles of chord length greater than 6.6 mm (9–0). Senior observers under ideal conditions can detect 7.1% of smaller needles. Conclusion: When a needle is lost during surgery, consider the following before ordering fluoroscopy. Needles of chord length greater than 13 mm (6–0) should be reliably detected whilst 3.8 mm (10–0) needles will not. For sizes in between, ideal conditions for detection may include an operating field in the lower limb, high-resolution fluoroscopy and a senior observer. It may not be necessary or cost effective to identify microsurgical needles with fluoroscopy

Anterolateral thigh versus pectoralis major flaps in reconstruction of the lateral temporal bone defect

Background: Free tissue reconstruction is reliable in suitable patients but patient selection remains a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap and pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) are two common reconstructive options for a lateral temporal bone resection defect. The threshold at which free tissue reconstruction should be considered over locoregional reconstruction is not defined. We sought to define reconstructive flap choice in the setting of medical comorbidities that may dissuade free tissue transfer. Methods: A retrospective analysis of lateral temporal bone defects at a single institution was undertaken. The primary outcomes were flap survival, surgical complications and durations of surgery and stay. Data regarding medical comorbidities and potential confounders were examined. Results: Sixty patients with lateral temporal bone defects were identified. Twenty-four (40%) patients underwent PMMF reconstruction and 36 (60%) were reconstructed with ALT. The former were significantly older (73 versus 62 years), though with similar Anesthesiologists Risk Classification System status. Free-flap reconstruction resulted in significantly less flap loss (two versus six) but a longer operating time (790 versus 671 min). Conclusion: Patients suffering head and neck cancer with medical comorbidities can make selection of a suitable reconstruction difficult. We found that while patients undergoing ALT reconstruction were typically younger, the comorbidity profile of those patients was similar to patients undergoing PMMF reconstruction. ALT flaps were more reliable than the PMMF, lending credence to the view that free tissue transfer should be the preferred reconstructive option in suitable candidates and defects

Clinical examination of the extensor pollicis brevis: anatomical study and description of a novel clinical sign

The Extensor Pollicis Brevis (EPB) is an extrinsic thumb muscle whose main function is extension of the first metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ). It is subject to significant anatomical variation and may be absent, vestigial or have an anomalous distal attachment. Clinical examination of EPB is notoriously difficult and no reliable test has yet been described. We propose a novel test for the accurate examination of EPB. We sought to clarify the anatomical variations of EPB and to validate our clinical test using human cadaveric anatomical tests.A structured literature review of all human cadaveric anatomical studies describing the attachments of EPB was performed using MEDLINE and Embase with the key words "Extensor Pollicis Brevis". A cadaveric anatomical study was performed using 18 unembalmed upper limbs. Positive and negative tests were simulated by manipulating the tendons of EPB, Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL) and Flexor Pollicis Longus (FPL). Changes in tendon tension and joint position were measured and recorded. The EPB anatomy was then determined by dissection.Anatomical variations were present in the majority of wrists, with only 35% of EPB tendons having a distal attachment to the proximal phalanx alone. EPB was absent in 5% of specimens. There was a significant difference between the change in MCPJ position between a positive (36 degrees; 95% CI 25 to 47 degrees) and negative (19 degrees; 95% CI 14 to 25 degrees) clinical test (p = 0.002).The functional importance of EPB depends on its congenital architecture in addition to the functional demands of the patient. We report a novel clinical test which is effective in demonstrating the integrity of the EPB. A positive test result is observed when a change in MCPJ position that occurs while the interphalangeal joint is brought into flexion from full thumb extension is 25 degrees or more

Flow-through flap for salvage of fibula osseocutaneous vascular variations: a surgical approach and proposed modification of its classification

The osseocutaneous fibula free flap is commonly used in mandibular reconstruction. Clinically important anatomic variants of the donor vessels have been reported. The authors describe a rare variant encountered while raising an osseocutaneous fibula flap. The fibula was supplied by the peroneal vessels and the overlying skin paddle was supplied by musculocutaneous perforators arising from the posterior tibial vessels. By raising 2 separate free flaps and configuring them in microvascular series with the fibula acting as a flow-through flap, the reconstruction was successful. Although the anatomic variant has been described, the authors' approach to it has not. The benefits of this method over other options include preservation of a skin paddle for monitoring and watertight oral closure and a long pedicle to the skin paddle permitting a wide arc of movement. The authors suggest a modification to the existing classification of perforators to the lateral leg skin to guide intraoperative decision making. (C) 2014 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

How is point-of-care 3D printing influencing medical device innovation? A survey on an Australian public healthcare precinct

Aim: To understand the role point-of-care 3D printing is playing in medical device innovation, to articulate tangible and intangible benefits of open social innovation models with internal and external stakeholders, and to identify key considerations to support implementation of 3D printing in public hospitals. Method: Survey on an Australian public health precinct (n = 68). Results: 3D printing influences organizational culture and how users navigate the regulatory framework. Access to on-site 3D printing technology stimulates collaboration and rapid design cycles. Open innovation approaches can help reconcile motivations, as well as social and economic benefits. Staff training, engagement with regulatory reforms and a recalibration of the scope of impact that design thinking can have on medical device innovation projects are needed

Scaffold-guide breast tissue engineering: the future of breast implants

Since the introduction of the Dow Corning silicone implant in 1963, the history of breast implants has been far from smooth sailing. Silicone leak, implant rupture, infection, malposition and capsular contracture led to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992 restricting the use of silicone implants due to a lack of safety and efficacy data.1 Since the early 2000s, implants have steadily returned to the market but are no less controversial.</p

Soft tissue reconstruction after compound tibial fracture: 235 cases over 12 years

Background: Outcomes in management of compound tibial fractures are measured by the rate of infection and non-union. These are a function of many variables that interact in complex ways. Our aims are to describe changes in these injuries over the past decade, to determine which variables predict a poor outcome and to compare reconstructive options controlling for these variables. Methods: All compound tibial fractures reconstructed at the Princess Alexandra Hospital from 1999 to early 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. The remainder of 2009 and 2010 were reviewed prospectively. Data were collected from departmental audits, medical records and imaging. Results: 251 flaps were performed in 235 patients. Reconstructions within one week declined after 2000, which correlated with increasing Negative Pressure Dressings use (R = 0.77). Free flap use increased though the incidence of distal fractures did not (R = 0.29). Muscle flaps were consistently preferred. Injuries with a poor outcome had a greater delay or failed soft tissue reconstruction. A poor outcome was more likely in patients with a contaminated distal fracture (p = 0.0038). Outcomes in muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps were not significantly different. Conclusions: Compound tibial fracture management has evolved to temporary followed by definitive fixation. Free flap use has increased, particularly in diaphyseal injuries. Delays in reconstruction should prompt aggressive surgical management. Injuries at risk of a poor outcome can be further characterised as being distal and contaminated. Reconstructive surgeons should not be discouraged from using muscle flaps. A management algorithm based on the evidence provided is presented. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic III