Jonas Kolbenschlag1, Marek Klinkenberg2, Susanne Hellmich2, Günter Germann3, Kai Megerle2. 1. Department of Plastic Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany. 2. Department for Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center, Ludwigshafen, Germany. 3. Ethianum Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Aesthetic and Preventive, Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite a growing body of knowledge, the timing of microsurgical reconstruction for the upper extremity remains a controversial topic. Most of the available literature deals with lower extremity reconstruction and the few reports on microsurgical reconstruction of the upper extremity are mostly concerned with infection rates and rarely consider thrombosis and changes in coagulation parameters. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all free flaps performed for upper extremity reconstruction at our institution from 2000 to 2010. Only acute, isolated traumatic defects of the upper extremity requiring a free flap for reconstruction were included in this study. A review of medical records was performed to assess, among others, comorbidities, timing of reconstruction, and platelet levels. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients were included in this study, 70% of whom were male. Mean age at the time of surgery was 40.8 ± 15.4 years. Patients who were directly referred to our hospital underwent reconstruction significantly faster than those who were transferred secondarily (p = 0.0001). The number of surgical revisions as well as the flap loss rate was higher in patients undergoing reconstruction more than 1 week after trauma (p = 0.09 and 0.033, respectively). A significantly higher platelet count was seen in the patients undergoing delayed reconstruction (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In our study, early microsurgical reconstruction of the upper extremity yielded better results in terms of lower rates of surgical revisions and flap loss. This might be partly because of a trauma-induced thrombocythemia, with a maximum level of platelets in the 2nd week post trauma. We, therefore, advocate a timely coverage of these defects along with an anticoagulatory regimen including some form of platelet inhibition. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
BACKGROUND: Despite a growing body of knowledge, the timing of microsurgical reconstruction for the upper extremity remains a controversial topic. Most of the available literature deals with lower extremity reconstruction and the few reports on microsurgical reconstruction of the upper extremity are mostly concerned with infection rates and rarely consider thrombosis and changes in coagulation parameters. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all free flaps performed for upper extremity reconstruction at our institution from 2000 to 2010. Only acute, isolated traumatic defects of the upper extremity requiring a free flap for reconstruction were included in this study. A review of medical records was performed to assess, among others, comorbidities, timing of reconstruction, and platelet levels. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients were included in this study, 70% of whom were male. Mean age at the time of surgery was 40.8 ± 15.4 years. Patients who were directly referred to our hospital underwent reconstruction significantly faster than those who were transferred secondarily (p = 0.0001). The number of surgical revisions as well as the flap loss rate was higher in patients undergoing reconstruction more than 1 week after trauma (p = 0.09 and 0.033, respectively). A significantly higher platelet count was seen in the patients undergoing delayed reconstruction (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In our study, early microsurgical reconstruction of the upper extremity yielded better results in terms of lower rates of surgical revisions and flap loss. This might be partly because of a trauma-induced thrombocythemia, with a maximum level of platelets in the 2nd week post trauma. We, therefore, advocate a timely coverage of these defects along with an anticoagulatory regimen including some form of platelet inhibition. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
Authors: Julien Shine; Johnny I Efanov; Laurence Paek; Édouard Coeugniet; Michel A Danino; Ali Izadpanah Journal: Int Wound J Date: 2019-04-04 Impact factor: 3.315
Authors: Francesco De Francesco; Andrea Marchesini; Andrea Campodonico; Alexander Dietrich Neuendorf; Pier Paolo Pangrazi; Michele Riccio Journal: Medicina (Kaunas) Date: 2020-08-07 Impact factor: 2.430