Injury
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Injuries that cause soft tissue defects could threaten the function and viability of the involved digit. Reconstruction of such defects can be challenging and requires careful consideration in restoring both the aesthetic and functional deficit. The purpose of this review is to describe appropriate reconstructive technique using various free tissue transfers. ⋯ Composite tissue including bone may be required in selected cases. Additional procedures, such as secondary skin graft or division of the flap, should be done after several weeks of the first operation. Refinements and improvements in free tissue transfer allow an expanse of reconstructive options for soft tissue defect in the digit.
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Obstetrical branchial plexus paralysis is a serious and possibly disabling disorder. While thoroughly described as a clinical entity, much concerning its pathogenesis is still unknown. Basic science studies alongside with studies on functional neuroanatomy of peripheral and central nervous system and their interactions lead to deeper understanding of its pathology. ⋯ Research indicates that both this entity and organism's response are much more complicated than previously believed. Current treatment options include microsurgery and palliative surgery but their improvement is possible by focusing on central nervous system. Current report discusses these topics and tries to reach useful conclusions.
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Large bone defects in the upper limb pose many challenges in reconstructive surgery. Conventional and innovative methods have been described, employing the use of microsurgical and non-microsurgical techniques to overcome both bony and soft tissue defects. This article reviews the success and pitfalls of different techniques of reconstruction of large bone defects in the upper limb, including microsurgical transfer of the free vascularised fibula graft as a diaphyseal bone replacement and as a hemivascularised joint transplant, and non-microsurgical options using conventional bone grafting, the induced membrane technique and the role of callotatic distraction-lengthening procedures.
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While recommendations for early exploration and nerve repair in cases of open fractures of the humeral shaft associated with radial nerve palsy are clear, the therapeutic algorithm for the management of closed humeral shaft fractures complicated by radial nerve palsy is still uncertain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with complete sensory and motor radial nerve palsy following a closed fracture of the humeral shaft should be surgically explored. ⋯ We proposed immediate exploration of the radial nerve in case of open fractures of the humeral shaft, irreducible fractures or unacceptable reduction, associated vascular injuries, radial nerve palsy after manipulation or intractable neurogenic pain. Due to high rate of spontaneous recovery of the radial nerve after closed humeral shaft fractures we recommend 16-18 weeks of expectant management followed by surgical intervention.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, donor site morbidity and patients' Quality of Life in order to evaluate the usefulness of the free osteofasciocutaneous fibula flap in the reconstruction or construction of a mandibula, neophallus, lower leg or forearm. ⋯ Advantages of free osteofasciocutaneous fibula flaps were the wide cortical bone and the relative constant anatomy, the long pedicle, flat, uniform and sufficient large and pliable skin island, as well as the good blood circulation also by massive modelling of the skin and bone part. The skin island could be harvested large enough in order to reconstruct extended soft-tissue defects in the face and the extremities as well as to construct neophallus in its normal size without any restrictions. The lower leg donor-site morbidity was moderate and can be readily covered with a sock in patients' everyday life common activities. Finally, in our hands, the utilisation of the free osteofasciocutaneous fibula flap is the best possible therapy for these difficult composite reconstructions.