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Purpose: To investigate the clinical effect of posterior perforator tibial artery flaps on repairing soft tissue defects of limbs. Methods: From June 2012 to June 2021, 14 cases of soft tissue defects of limbs were repaired with pedicled or free flaps of posterior perforator tibial artery. Among them, there were 9 cases of pedicled flaps and 5 cases of free flaps. The donor sites were closed directly or covered with skin grafting. The defects area varied from 3 × 5 cm to 7 × 16 cm. All cases were followed up for 1 year to 2 years. Results: All flaps survived completely except 3 cases with distal end necrosis and the 3 cases healed after dressing change. There were not any other complications at both donor and recipient sites. Appearance of the recipient sites was close to the surrounding skin. All patients were satisfied with the results. Conclusion: Posterior perforator tibial artery flaps have the advantages of relatively simple technique, few damage, few complications and satisfying appearance. It is a good choice for soft tissue defects of limbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to evaluate the clinical application of posterior tibial artery or peroneal artery perforator flap in the treatment of plate exposure after ankle fracture fixation. A posterior tibial artery or peroneal artery perforator flap was used on 16 patients with plate exposure after ankle fracture fixation in our hospital between July 2018 and July 2021. The time required to harvest the flap, the amount of intraoperative blood loss, the duration of postoperative drainage tube placement, the outcome of the flap and the healing observed at the donor site are reported. The sizes of the flaps were 2.5–7.0 cm × 5.0–18.0 cm and averaged 4.0 cm × 12.0 cm. The time required to harvest the posterior tibial artery or peroneal artery perforator flap ranged from 35 to 55 min and averaged 45 min. The amount of intraoperative blood loss ranged from 20 to 50 mL and averaged 35 mL. The duration of postoperative drainage tube placement ranged from 3 to 5 days and averaged 4 days. A total of 15 flaps survived and one flap had partial necrosis and survived after conservative treatment. All donor area defects were directly sewed and stitched without complications. There are multiple advantages of the posterior tibial artery or peroneal artery perforator flap, including simple preparation technique, reliable repair of the defects and without the need for performing microvascular anastomosis. It can be safely used in curing plate exposure after ankle fracture fixation and worth popularizing in grassroots hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the anatomical and morphometrical attributes of the popliteal artery (PA) in human fetuses. Additionally, it showcases significant interindividual variation in branching patterns, which are of great clinical importance in the context of vascular surgery and interventional radiology. Aim: The purpose of this research was to systematically examine and categorize the anatomical and morphometrical diversities observed in the PA among a 166 sample of human fetuses at various gestational stages, spanning from 16 to 30 weeks of pregnancy. Material and methods: The latex was injected into the 166 PA within the fetal specimens to visually analyze their anatomical features, and high-resolution digital images were captured at 24-bit color depth for detailed analysis. Results and discussion: The PAs were systematically classified into three distinct categories, further subcategorized into specific types. The classification system employed was based on the framework established initially by Lippert and Pabst, with modifications by Kim. The results of the analysis revealed the following distribution: Category I – it was mainly detected in the majority of specimens, comprising 144 cases (86.7%) of the sample population, and represented the most common anatomical configuration; Category II – it was found in 19 specimens (11.4%) of the total sample population (this category represented a less common anatomical variation within the PA); Category III – the rarest anatomical configuration observed in only 3 specimens (1.8%) from the sample population. Conclusions: The frequent occurrence of short tibiofibular trunks in PA may be due to incidental lesions or postnatal developmental changes, highlighting the need for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous studies related to the anatomy of the anterior tibial artery have focused mainly on morphology. The number of studies examining arterial morphometry is limited. Consequently, we aimed to examine the morphology and morphometry of this artery in detail. Material and Method: The study was performed on 30 lower extremities injected with colored silicone. Morphological features of anterior tibial and popliteal arteries were assessed. The morphometrical evaluation included the tibiofibular trunk length, diameters of popliteal, anterior tibial, posterior tibial, fibular, dorsalis pedis arteries, and the vertical distances between the origin of the anterior tibial artery and the head of the fibula and tibial tuberosity. Result: Five types of the anterior tibial artery were determined according to branching morphology, location, and course. The mean length of the tibiofibular trunk was 32.0±9.9 mm. Mean diameters of popliteal, anterior tibial, posterior tibial, fibular, and dorsalis pedis arteries were 5.8±1 mm, 4.1±0.6 mm, 3.5±0.6 mm, 3.7±0.7 mm and 2.8±0.4 mm, respectively. The mean vertical distance of the origin of the tibialis anterior artery to the head of the fibula and tibial tuberosity was 38±10.2 mm and 23.6±8.0 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding anterior tibial artery anatomy and popliteal artery branching variations are essential for endovascular interventions around the knee, infrapopliteal bypass procedures planned for peripheral arterial disease, and orthopedic operations involving the tibial plateau. We believe that our results will help orthopedic and vascular surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In idiopathic tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS), walking seems to make symptoms worse. The findings imply that an ankle movement dynamic component may have an impact on the etiology of idiopathic TTS. We describe how the ankle movement affects the nerve compression caused by the surround tissue, particularly the posterior tibial artery. We enrolled 8 cases (15 sides) that had TTS surgery after tarsal tunnel (TT) MRI preoperatively. Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were the two separate ankle positions used for the T2* fat suppression 3D and MR Angiography of TT. Based on these findings, we looked at how the two different ankle positions affected the posterior tibial artery's ability to compress the nerve. Additionally, we assessed the posterior tibial artery's distorted angle. We divided the region around the TT into four sections: proximal and distal to the TT and proximal half and distal half to the TT. Major compression cause was posterior tibial artery. Most severe compression point was proximal half in the TT in all cases without one case. In each scenario, the nerve compression worsens by the plantar flexion. The angle of the twisted angle of the posterior tibial artery was significantly worsened by the plantar flexion. In idiopathic TTS, deformation of posterior tibial artery was the primary compression component. Nerve compression was exacerbated by the plantar flexion, and it was attributable with the change of the distorted angle of the posterior tibial artery. This could be a contributing factor of the deteriorating etiology by walking in idiopathic TTS.

Purpose: The tarsal tunnel (TT) is a fibro-osseous anatomical space coursing from the medial ankle to the medial midfoot. This tunnel acts as a passage for both tendinous and neurovascular structures, including the neurovascular bundle containing the posterior tibial artery (PTA), posterior tibial veins (PTVs) and tibial nerve (TN). Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is the entrapment neuropathy that describes the compression and irritation of the TN within this space. Iatrogenic injury to the PTA plays a significant role in both the onset and exacerbation of TTS symptoms. The current study aims to produce a method to allow clinicians and surgeons to easily and accurately predict the bifurcation of the PTA, to avoid iatrogenic injury during treatment of TTS. Methods: Fifteen embalmed cadaveric lower limbs were dissected at the medial ankle region to expose the TT. Various measurements regarding the location of the PTA within the TT were recorded and multiple linear regression analysis performed using RStudio. Results: Analysis provided a clear correlation (p < 0.05) between the length of the foot (MH), length of hind-foot (MC) and location of bifurcation of the PTA (MB). Using these measurements, this study developed an equation (MB = 0.3*MH + 0.37*MC – 28.24 mm) to predict the location of bifurcation of the PTA within a 23° arc inferior to the medial malleolus. Conclusions: This study successfully developed a method whereby clinicians and surgeons can easily and accurately predict the bifurcation of the PTA, to avoid iatrogenic injury that would previously lead to an exacerbation of TTS symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The dorsalis pedis artery and posterior tibial artery are recognised sites for arterial cannulation. This study aimed to compare the first-attempt success rates of cannulation along with other cannulation characteristics of these 2 arteries in adult patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia using the conventional palpatory method. Methods: Two hundred twenty adults were allocated randomly into 2 groups. The dorsalis pedis artery and posterior tibial artery were attempted for cannulation in the dorsalis pedis artery and posterior tibial artery group, respectively. First-attempt success rates, cannulation times, number of attempts, ease of cannulation, and complications were recorded. Results: Demographic characteristics, pulse characteristics, single-attempt success rates, ease of cannulation, reasons for failure, and complications were similar. Single-attempt success rates were similar (64.5% and 61.8%, P = .675) with equal median attempt. Easy cannulation (Visual Analogue Scale score =4) was the same in both groups, whereas percentages of difficult cannulation (Visual Analogue Scale scores =4) were 16.4% and 19.1% in the dorsalis pedis artery and posterior tibial artery groups, respectively. Cannulation time was lower in the dorsalis pedis artery group [median time in seconds: 37 (28, 63) seconds vs. 44 (29, 75) seconds, P = .027]. Single-attempt success rates were lower in the feeble pulse group as compared to the strong pulse group (48.61% vs. 70.27%, P = .002). Likewise, a higher Visual Analogue Scale of ease of cannulation (>4 score) was seen in the feeble pulse group compared to the strong pulse group (26.39% vs. 13.51%, P = .019). Conclusions: The single-attempt success rate was similar for both dorsalis pedis artery and posterior tibial artery. However, the time taken for cannulating the posterior tibial artery is significantly higher than that for dorsalis pedis artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posterior tibial artery pseudoaneurysms are rare and can occur in the setting of trauma. Endovascular treatment of post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms has become a viable less-invasive method particularly in young patients in whom the presence of collaterals guarantees distal vascularization. We report an unusual case of a 16-year- old patient who sustained blunt trauma to his right lower extremity due to a bicycle injury and developed a delayed symptomatic pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery in the absence of tibia fracture. Superselective endovascular treatment with Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer based liquid embolic system (Menox) was successfully performed, achieving exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm with preservation of the remaining vascularization of the lower limb.

Background: No research has been conducted to compare long-axis in-plane and short-axis out-of-plane techniques for ultrasound-guided posterior tibial artery cannulation in adults. This study compared these two procedures for cannulating the posterior tibial artery., Methods: This prospective randomized trial included 236 adult patients undergoing general anesthesia who required arterial cannulation. The posterior tibial artery was cannulated using either the long-axis in-plane technique (group LAIP) or the short-axis out-of-plane method (group SAOP) with an ultrasound machine. First-attempt cannulation success, the number of cannulation attempts required to achieve successful cannulation, ultrasound localization time, cannulation time, and perioperative complications in these two groups were analyzed., Results: The LAIP group demonstrated a significantly higher first-attempt success rate (40.7% vs 18.6%, p  < 0.001), shorter ultrasound localization time (36.5 [30, 60] s vs 50 [35, 80] s, p  < 0.001), and faster cannulation time (80 [55, 100] s vs 110 [70, 180] s, p  < 0.001). LAIP group showed a significantly higher overall success rate (92.4% vs 81.4%, p  = 0.012). The median number of cannulation attempts in the LAIP and SAOP groups were 2 [1, 2] and 2 [2, 3], respectively ( p  < 0.001). Complications were comparable between groups ( p  = 0.248)., Conclusions: The LAIP group demonstrated higher first-attempt and overall success rates compared to the SAOP group for ultrasound-guided posterior tibial artery (PTA) cannulation in adult patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Purpose and background: The posterior tibial artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (PTAPF) flap is commonly used for defects over the distal lower extremity. However, the causes of partial necrosis of the PTAPF flap are unknown. This paper aimed to explore the factors related to the partial necrosis of the PTAPF flap. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 59 patients who received the PTAPF flap for soft-tissue defects between September 2007 and September 2017. The clinical outcomes of the flap were evaluated, and the patient and surgical factors related to flap survival were analyzed. Results: Of the 59 patients, 9 (15.25%) flaps exhibited partial necrosis. No significant differences were found between the survival and partial necrosis groups regarding gender, age, soft tissue defect site, length and width of the fascia pedicle, length of the skin island, length–width ratio (LWR), and pivot point (P > 0.05). However, the survival group showed significantly less width of the skin island and total length of the flap than the partial necrosis group (P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the width of the skin island was an independent risk factor affecting partial flap necrosis (OR = 4.028; P = 0.041). Conclusions: The PTAPF flap can be effectively used to repair small and medium wounds of the lower and middle leg, ankle and foot. As the width of the skin island exceeds 6 cm, the risk of partial flap necrosis significantly increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The flexor retinaculum of foot extends from the medial malleolus to the calcaneus to form the roof of tarsal tunnel. The structures passing through the tunnel are tendons of tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus & flexor hallucis longus, the tibial nerve & the posterior tibial artery with its venae comitantes. In order to understand the pathogenesis and improve the treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome, we investigated the tarsal region of human foetuses anatomically. Methodology: The study was done on aborted/ stillborn foetuses in the Department of Anatomy of Sapthagiri Institute of Medical, Sciences, Bangalore. The structures passing under the flexor retinaculum of foot were dissected in 68 normal limbs of 34 foetuses of gestational age ranging from 10 weeks to term. Results: It was noted that the structures were arranged in two planes. Most commonly the superficial plane contained the tendon of tibialis posterior, posterior tibial artery & tibial nerve from medial to lateral side. In the deeper plane were the tendons of flexor digitorum longus medial to that of flexor hallucis longus. The bifurcation of tibial nerve mostly occurred under cover of flexor retinaculum and that of posterior tibial artery was distal to it. Conclusion: The understanding of arrangement of structures under cover of flexor retinaculum is important for diagnosis and treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome in adults and also for the surgical correction of clubfoot, poliomyelitis & other deformities of foot in children.

Abstract Background Traumatic arteriovenous fistula (TAVF) is an uncommon vascular entity that arises in various locations, often from penetrating injuries, with a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms. This case report highlights the importance of suspecting multiple TAVFs after a single gunshot wound, especially if it involves pellets. It also sheds light on adapting treatment, whether endovascular or open repair, to the location and characteristics of each fistula. Case presentation A 35-year-old male, with history of shotgun wound 5 months earlier, presented to our clinic with right lower extremity (RLE) edema and pain. Arterial duplex scan and subsequent angiogram showed two TAVFs at the popliteal and posterior tibial (PT) arteries, both of which could not be exactly localized with a computed tomography angiography (CTA) due to artifacts. The fistula connecting the posterior tibial artery (PTA) and vein was repaired endovascularly using a covered-stent, while the fistula between the popliteal artery and vein was repaired surgically. Postoperative follow-up at 3 months showed no arteriovenous fistula (AVF), patent vessels and distal stent stenosis at the PTA. Conclusions Patients who sustain gunshot injuries with shrapnel or pellets and develop TAVF consequentially need to be followed up with the possibility of multiple AVFs in mind. Arterial duplex scan is highly sensitive to detect those AVFs, yet angiography remains gold standard, particularly with extensive metal artefacts. Endovascular repair, when feasible, should be considered first, unless the patient is unstable or has anatomical constraints that increase the risk of complications. Lastly, surgeons should be weary of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), the Branham effect and arterial aneurysmal dilation postoperatively.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the medial adipofascial flap (MAF) in infected tibia fractures reconstruction and to identify criteria for success or failure. Fifty-nine patients treated with a MAF were enrolled. Age, BMI, tobacco use and bone status were recorded. Early and late postoperative complications were assessed. Bone healing and flap success were systematically evaluated at 12 months. Tibia fractures were initially open in 48 cases (81%) and closed in 11 cases (19%). Infection was acute (< 30 days) in 9 cases (15%) and chronic in 50 (85%). Thirty-one patients (53%) experienced no early postoperative complications (< 30 days). There were 10 (17%) cases of necrosis of the skin graft, 2 (3%) cases of necrosis and 4 (7%) haematomas in the harvesting area, 7 (12%) cases of partial flap necrosis at its tip and 4 (7%) flap failures. None of the criteria was statistically correlated with the occurrence of a complication. At 12 months, 53 flaps (90%) were successful. Immediate skin graft were significantly correlated with flap success (P = 0.05). Forty-six patients (78%) had complete bone healing documented by CT scan. The MAF provides a reliable alternative for lower leg reconstruction. Its major advantages are sparing of the major leg vessels, no donor site morbidity and relatively easy and rapid dissection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the posterior tibial artery are uncommon and are very rarely seen due to firearm injuries. These pseudoaneurysms are seldomly located in the middle one-third of the posterior tibial artery. In recent years, in the management strategy of post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms, endovascular repair, as being an anatomical and less invasive modality, has increasingly gained more attention, compared to open repair. Herein, we present a 22-year-old male case of a delayed symptomatic post-firearm injury pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery treated with an endovascular stent graft in the light of literature data. [Turk J Vasc Surg 2019; 28(2.000): 123-6]

Introduction: False traumatic aneurysm (FTA) or pseudoaneurysm and traumatic arteriovenous fistulas (TAVF) are rare pathologies in civilian trauma and mainly result from stabs or gunshot wounds. The posterior tibial artery as site of trauma is very rare. Presentation of case: We report on a 39-year old female patient who was suffering from combined FTA and TAVF of the posterior tibial artery after falling into a wine glass. CT-imaging as well as duplex ultrasound and selective arteriography were performed, and two stent-grafts were inserted. Discussion: Based on the presented case, incidence of the described pathology, treatment options and outcomes are discussed. Conclusion: Adequate imaging in penetrating wounds to the extremities is crucial in order to provide diagnosis and treatment of concomitant lesions.

Purpose: To assess skin perfusion pressure (SPP) changes after endovascular treatment (EVT) of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and to explore preoperative factors that affect SPP changes.Materials and Methods: This prospective, multicenter study recruited 147 patients (mean age 74 years; 99 men) with ischemic wounds at 6 vascular centers in Japan between July 2017 and December 2018. Over half of the patients (92, 63%) were diabetic, and 76 (52%) required dialysis. Sixty-four patients (43%) had WIfI (wound, ischemia, foot infection) wound grades of 2 or 3; 59 (40%) had foot infections. SPP was measured before and 1, 2, 7, and 30 days after EVT to establish inline flow to the ischemic foot based on the angiosome concept when feasible. The anterior and posterior tibial arteries and the peroneal artery were revascularized in 66 (45%), 50 (34%), and 30 (21%) patients, respectively.Results: Both the dorsal and plantar SPPs at 1 or 2 days post-EVT were significantly higher than those at baseline (p<0.001), and both SPPs increased further at 1 month compared with those at 1 (p=0.001) or 2 days (p=0.006) post-EVT. SPP increases occurred on the dorsal and plantar surfaces of the foot regardless of the vessel revascularized. The SPP increase at 1 month after EVT was significantly lower in patients with foot infections than that in those without foot infections (p=0.003). Age, sex, diabetes, dialysis, wound severity, and direct revascularization did not affect the pattern of SPP change.Conclusion: The SPP increased continuously up to 1 month after EVT, though the increase was smaller in patients with wound infections. The SPP on the dorsal and plantar surfaces increased, regardless of the vessel revascularized, which could justify indirect revascularization when direct revascularization is technically challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This randomized clinical trial aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of combining a medial superior malleolar perforator flap from the posterior tibial artery (PTAPF) with a vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) dressing for skin and soft tissue defects in the Achilles tendon area., Methods: Twenty-eight patients were randomly divided into two equally sized groups: the control group received treatment with a medial superior malleolar perforator flap, while the experimental group was treated with a perforator flap from the posterior tibial artery in combination with a VAC dressing. Perioperative data, including average operative time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative complications, time to ambulation, and hospital stay after surgery, were recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on the time to first weight-bearing walking, time to full weight-bearing activity, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot and ankle score, and the range of motion for ankle plantar flexion., Results: The patients were monitored for 3-12 months (average, 8.5), and it was observed that the flaps remained stable without enlargement, and their texture and color were similar to the surrounding tissue. Significantly enhanced postoperative indices were noted in the experimental group compared to the control group ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: The medial superior malleolar perforator flap from the posterior tibial artery, especially when combined with a VAC dressing, proves to be an effective method for repairing medium-sized skin defects in the Achilles tendon area. This approach offers several benefits, including a reliable blood supply, simplicity of the procedure, decreased damage to the donor site, improved aesthetic outcomes, and fewer postoperative complications., Competing Interests: None., (AJTR Copyright © 2024.)

Ischaemic diabetic heel ulcers are difficult to treat and prognosis is often guarded. The aim was to document our outcome of treating heel ulcers following revascularization in a predominantly diabetic Asian cohort presenting with chronic limb threatening ischaemia from Singapore. Retrospective cohort study (n = 66, 66 limbs) over a 5‐year period. Data were collected from hospital electronic health records. Outcomes included time to healing, amputation free survival (AFS), and mortality. Minimum follow‐up period was 6 months. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to look for factors associated with poor outcome. Mean age was 67.4 ± 8.8 years. 62/66 (93.9%) were diabetics. Mean wound size at presentation was 3.6 ± 2.3 cm. Mean Wound, Ischaemia, Foot Infection (WIFI) score was 5 ± 1.6. 12/66 (18%) patients had a patent posterior tibial artery pre‐operatively. Straight line flow was restored in only 31/66 (46.9) patients but 47/66 (71.2%) had successful limb salvage. Median time to wound healing was 90.0 (IQR 60‐180) days. A median of 1 (IQR 0‐2) wound debridement was required. Patients who underwent negative pressure dressing (23/66; 34.8%) required a median of 26 (IQR 13‐33) cycles to achieve healing. Amputation free survival (AFS) was 72% and 68% at 6‐ and 12‐months, respectively. Mortality rate was 16.7% and 19.7% at 6‐ and 12‐months, respectively. Low albumin level and initial Rutherford class were independent predictors of worse 6‐month AFS. Outcomes of heel ulcers post revascularisation may not be as poor as previously described. Persistent attention to wound care with multidisciplinary effort is needed for optimal healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgery for idiopathic tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is of limited effectiveness or ineffective. Using indocyanine green video angiography (ICG-VA), we treated idiopathic TTS by posterior tibial artery (PTA) decompression from the posterior tibial nerve (PTN) and evaluated postoperative patency of the PTA. We treated 12 patients (12 feet) with idiopathic TTS by PTA decompression from the PTN and transposed its location. Age range of patients was 70–87 years (mean 77.9 years); all patients were operated on under local anesthesia. After a 2-cm skin incision, the flexor retinaculum was resected, and the PTA was decompressed from the PTN. It was then sutured to the flexor retinaculum for decompression and to prevent compression recurrence. ICG-VA was used to confirm the absence of PTA flow disturbance and to inspect the vasa nervorum of the PTN. We encountered no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Postoperatively, ICG-VA confirmed blood flow in the PTA and intactness of the vasa nervorum in all cases. One patient required adjustment of PTA position. All patients reported symptom improvement. Our surgical method of treating idiopathic TTS under ICG-VA monitoring is simple, safe, and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traumatic arteriovenous fistula (TAVF) is an uncommon vascular entity that arises in various locations, often from penetrating injuries, with a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms. This case report highlights the importance of suspecting multiple TAVFs after a single gunshot wound, especially if it involves pellets. It also sheds light on adapting treatment, whether endovascular or open repair, to the location and characteristics of each fistula.Case Presentation: A 35-year-old male, with history of shotgun wound 5 months earlier, presented to our clinic with right lower extremity (RLE) edema and pain. Arterial duplex scan and subsequent angiogram showed two TAVFs at the popliteal and posterior tibial (PT) arteries, both of which could not be exactly localized with a computed tomography angiography (CTA) due to artifacts. The fistula connecting the posterior tibial artery (PTA) and vein was repaired endovascularly using a covered-stent, while the fistula between the popliteal artery and vein was repaired surgically. Postoperative follow-up at 3 months showed no arteriovenous fistula (AVF), patent vessels and distal stent stenosis at the PTA.Conclusions: Patients who sustain gunshot injuries with shrapnel or pellets and develop TAVF consequentially need to be followed up with the possibility of multiple AVFs in mind. Arterial duplex scan is highly sensitive to detect those AVFs, yet angiography remains gold standard, particularly with extensive metal artefacts. Endovascular repair, when feasible, should be considered first, unless the patient is unstable or has anatomical constraints that increase the risk of complications. Lastly, surgeons should be weary of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), the Branham effect and arterial aneurysmal dilation postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to describe the utility of the chimeric posterior tibial artery flap (CPTAF) in the restoration of compound defects in the oral and maxillofacial region. Patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction using a CPTAF between February 2018 and February 2019 were included. Special consideration was given to the distribution of septocutaneous perforators (SPs), indications, flap survival, and complications. Nine patients were included. All flaps survived. One patient developed a surgical site infection, which was managed conservatively. The CPTAF was raised as a bipaddle skin flap without muscle (n = 1), with the gastrocnemius muscle (n = 6), or with the soleus muscle (n = 2). The number of SPs ranged from three to five (mean 4 ± 0.8). The SPs were mostly located between 4 cm and 20 cm proximal to the medial malleolus (mean 9.5 ± 3.8 cm). The skin paddle was used to reconstruct skin or mucosal defects, whereas the muscle part was used to fill the dead space (n = 7) or to support the orbital contents (n = 1). The donor site healed with no associated functional complications. The CPTAF is a good option for the restoration of composite tissue defects in the head and neck region. It offers flexibility during flap inset and provides the appropriate bulk to repair defects in multiple planes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Distally based peroneal artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (DPAPF) flaps and distally based posterior tibial artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (DPTAPF) flaps are widely used to reconstruct soft-tissue defects of the distal lower leg, ankle, and foot. However, a comparative study of both flaps in a considerable sample size is lacking. This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of the flaps and provide referential evidence for selection of flaps.Methods: Between April 2001 and October 2016, 227 patients underwent reconstruction with DPAPF flaps (peroneal group; n = 150) or DPTAPF flaps (posterior tibial group; n = 82). The distal lower leg, ankle, and foot were divided into Zones I and II. Flap viability-related complications and their risk factors, reconstruction outcomes, and donor-site morbidities were compared.Results: In Zone I, the partial necrosis rate was lower in the peroneal group than in the posterior tibial group (p > 0.05). In Zone II, the partial necrosis rate was significantly lower in the peroneal group (p < 0.05). Significantly lower incidences of donor-site morbidities in terms of hypertrophic scarring, itching, and pigmentation were observed in the peroneal group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The DPAPF flap was superior to the DPTAPF flap with respect to reliability and decreased donor-site morbidities. The former is the recommended preferential choice between the two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyurea is a cytotoxic drug commonly used to treat various myeloproliferative disorders. However, prolonged oral administration of this drug may trigger skin side effects and ulcers. There are few clinical reports on treating leg ulcers caused by hydroxyurea and even fewer clinical reports on managing recurrent ulcers after treatment. An 87-year-old woman with essential thrombocythemia presented with a painful skin ulcer on her left calf. After failed outpatient treatment, she opted for hospitalisation for free skin grafting. Four months later, ulcers reappeared at the transplant site, leading to her readmission to the hospital. The diagnosis revealed that the leg ulcers were caused by hydroxyurea. Despite this, she persisted with hydroxyurea treatment and subsequently underwent posterior tibial artery perforator flap surgery. During the two-year follow-up, a new ulcer developed on the medial condyle of her other calf. However, no new ulcers or local pain were observed in the area where perforator flap grafting was performed. Leg ulcers caused by hydroxyurea are rare clinically and can easily be misdiagnosed. There is currently minimal research on ulcer recurrence after treatment. Posterior tibial perforator flaps may more effectively promote the healing of recurrent ulcers. Compared to conservative treatment and skin grafting surgery, the posterior tibial artery perforator flap offers a dependable blood supply and enhances the likelihood of wound healing. It can be considered an option, particularly for recurrent and refractory ulcers, even without discontinuing medication. • Recurrence of leg ulcers induced by hydroxyurea after treatment is rarely reported. • The cure for ulcers without interrupting hydroxyurea treatment has not been reported. • The repair of hydroxyurea-induced ulcers with PTA perforator flap is rarely reported. • In this case, the ulcer healed well despite the patient still taking hydroxyurea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aneurysms of the infrapopliteal region are uncommon. Of them, true aneurysms are very rare and that of the posterior tibial artery (PTA) are extremely rare. We present a case of a 25-year-old female presented with a pulsatile mass behind the right medial malleolus for 1-year duration. Arterial duplex and angiogram revealed a true saccular aneurysm of the PTA. The aneurysm was resected, and the PTA was reconstructed with a reverse saphenous vein graft.

Introduction: Superficial arteries, such as radial and dorsalis pedis arteries, are commonly cannulated for invasive blood pressure monitoring. Failure to cannulate these arteries necessitates alternate arteries, such as the posterior tibial artery (PTA). The deep-seated anatomy of PTA makes arterial cannulation precarious by the palpatory technique. Ultrasound guidance during PTA cannulation may overcome this problem. With this background, we evaluated the ultrasound-guided (USG) versus palpatory method for PTA cannulation with respect to the first attempt's success and number of attempts., Methods: A total of 240 American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I-IV adult patients undergoing major surgeries requiring arterial cannulation were randomly allocated (1:1) to group A (USG-guided cannulation, n = 120) and Group B (cannulation by palpatory technique, n =120). PTA was cannulated by either of the techniques according to randomization. Data were analyzed and compared in both groups for first-attempt success, number of attempts, assessment time, cannulation time, and complications., Result: The successful cannulation in the first attempt in Group A was 25.8% (n = 31), and in Group B, it was 12.5% (n = 15) (p = 0.009). In Group A, 78.3% of patients (n = 94) had successful cannulation, and in group B, 65% of patients (n =78) had successful cannulation (p = 0.022). Both groups had similar assessment time (p = 0.348) and cannulation time (p = 0.864)., Conclusion: USG-guided PTA cannulation offers a greater chance of success without any added increase in procedure time., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Eda et al.)

Objectives: Among symptomatic dancers, sonographic abnormalities are common. Whether asymptomatic dancers have any abnormalities remains unknown. Some dancers became cyanosis over distal feet after ballet training. The hemodynamic changes at the feet in ballet are not clearly understood.Design: Cross-sectional study.Methods: In 25 dancers and 14 non-dancers, B-mode ultrasonography was used to measure cross-sectional areas (CSA) of tendons of deep posterior compartment muscles. Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure peak velocity (Vpeak) of posterior tibial artery in three ankle postures: the neutral position, passively and forced actively plantar flexion (en pointe). The big toe oxygen saturation was recorded in neutral position and during 1-min en pointe. Single-leg standing heel rise test was performed to represent the muscle function.Results: The CSA of FHL was larger in dancers (0.26cm2 [0.20, 0.30] vs 0.21cm2 [0.17, 0.24], p<0.01), while other tendons were not different (all p>0.05). Higher Vpeak was recorded in passively plantar flexion than in neutral position (p<0.01, in both groups). The blood flow was undetectable during en pointe, more frequently in dancers (54.9% vs 14.3%, p<0.01). Oxygen saturation decreased during en pointe more prominently in dancers (85% [80, 90] vs 94% [84, 97], p<0.01). There was no significant difference in muscle function.Conclusions: US showed the FHL tendon thickening and en pointe-related vascular compromise in pre-professional dancers, even when they are asymptomatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to evaluate the clinical application of posterior tibial artery or peroneal artery perforator flap in the treatment of plate exposure after ankle fracture fixation. A posterior tibial artery or peroneal artery perforator flap was used on 16 patients with plate exposure after ankle fracture fixation in our hospital between July 2018 and July 2021. The time required to harvest the flap, the amount of intraoperative blood loss, the duration of postoperative drainage tube placement, the outcome of the flap and the healing observed at the donor site are reported. The sizes of the flaps were 2.5-7.0 cm × 5.0-18.0 cm and averaged 4.0 cm × 12.0 cm. The time required to harvest the posterior tibial artery or peroneal artery perforator flap ranged from 35 to 55 min and averaged 45 min. The amount of intraoperative blood loss ranged from 20 to 50 mL and averaged 35 mL. The duration of postoperative drainage tube placement ranged from 3 to 5 days and averaged 4 days. A total of 15 flaps survived and one flap had partial necrosis and survived after conservative treatment. All donor area defects were directly sewed and stitched without complications. There are multiple advantages of the posterior tibial artery or peroneal artery perforator flap, including simple preparation technique, reliable repair of the defects and without the need for performing microvascular anastomosis. It can be safely used in curing plate exposure after ankle fracture fixation and worth popularizing in grassroots hospitals., (© 2023 The Authors. International Wound Journal published by Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The arteries of the lower limbs are innervated by vascular branches (VBs) originating from the lumbar sympathetic trunk and branches of the spinal nerve. Although lumbar sympathectomy is used to treat nonreconstructive critical lower limb ischemia (CLLI), it has limited long-term effects. In addition, the anatomical structure of tibial nerve (TN) VBs remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to clarify their anatomy and better inform the surgical approach for nonreconstructive CLLI. Thirty-six adult cadavers were dissected under surgical microscopy to observe the patterns and origin points of VBs under direct vision. The calves were anatomically divided into five equal segments, and the number of VB origin points found in each was expressed as a proportion of the total found in the whole calf. Immunofluorescence staining was used to identify the sympathetic nerve fibers of the VBs. Our results showed that the TN gave off 3-4 VBs to innervate the posterior tibial artery (PTA), and the distances between VBs origin points and the medial tibial condyle were: 24.7 ± 16.3 mm, 91.7 ± 66.1 mm, 199.6 ± 52.0 mm, 231.7 ± 38.5 mm, respectively. They were mainly located in the first (40.46%) and fourth (31.68%) calf segments, and immunofluorescence staining showed that they contained tyrosine hydroxylase-positive sympathetic nerve fibers. These findings indicate that the TN gives off VBs to innervate the PTA and that these contain sympathetic nerve fibers. Therefore, these VBs may need to be cut to surgically treat nonreconstructable CLLI., (© 2022 American Association of Clinical Anatomists and British Association of Clinical Anatomists.)

The transmetatarsal amputation is considered a durable procedure with respect to limb salvage when managing the consequences of diabetic foot disease. The success of the procedure is, in part, determined by the preoperative appreciation of arterial and functional status. The objectives of the present investigation were to determine the length of the remaining first metatarsal required during transmetatarsal amputation to preserve the anastomotic connection of the deep plantar perforating artery and subsequent “vascular arch” of the foot and the insertion of the tibialis anterior tendon. The primary outcome measure of our investigation was a measurement of the distance between the first metatarsal–medial cuneiform articulation and the distal extent of the deep plantar perforating artery in 85 embalmed lower limbs. As a secondary outcome measure, the insertion of the tibialis anterior tendon was evaluated relative to the deep plantar perforating artery. The most distal extent of the deep plantar perforating artery was observed at a mean ± standard deviation of 15.62 ± 3.74 (range 6.0 to 28.28) mm from the first metatarsal–medial cuneiform articulation. Most (89.41%) of the arteries were found within 20 mm of the first metatarsal–medial cuneiform articulation. The insertion of the tibialis anterior tendon was found to be proximal to the deep plantar perforating artery in all specimens (100.0%). In conclusion, 2.0 cm of remnant first metatarsal might represent an anatomic definition of how “short” a transmetatarsal amputation can safely be performed in most patients when considering the vascular and biomechanical anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this anatomical study is to prove the existence of reliable perforator vessels arising from the three main arteries of the calf. Based on these perforators, cutaneous, fasciocutanous or complex flaps can be raised to cover different types of defects of the leg or other parts of the body. Material and method: An anatomical study was performed on 15 fresh cadavers, after injecting the contrast substance, Biodur S14 red, in the popliteal artery. The perforators of the main arteries were counted, their caliber noted, the distance from the artery origin to the skin and also the type of perforator (musculocutaneous or septocutaneous) determined. Results: Reliable perforators were found for each main arteries of the calf, both septocutaneous (in different intermuscular septa) and musculocutaneous, with a predictable location and caliber that can be used successfully in creating perforator flaps. Conclusions: Anatomical studies of the perforator vessels in the calf region represent a powerful tool for any plastic surgeon in the attempt to solve difficult cases. Knowing their exact location and caliber, we can design reliable perforator flaps that enable us to perform complex reconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tibial nerve is the larger terminal branch of the sciatic nerve and it terminates in the tarsal tunnel by giving lateral and medial plantar nerves. We present a rare case of trifurcation of the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. The variant nerve curves laterally after branching from the tibial nerve and courses deep to quadratus plantae muscle. Interestingly, posterior tibial artery was also terminating by giving three branches. These branches were accompanying the terminal branches of the tibial nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To detail a percutaneous technique for distal plantar venous arterialization in diabetic, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with no-option critical limb ischemia (CLI).Technique: After failure of standard intraluminal recanalization attempts, a subintimal approach through the posterior tibial artery (PTA) is begun using a 0.014-inch, 190- or 300-cm-long guidewire supported by a 2-×20-mm, low-profile balloon catheter positioned a short distance behind the narrow "U-shaped" loop in the guidewire. Typically, heavy calcification in the distal tortuous segment of the PTA prevents reentry to the arterial true lumen; however, an entry in the distal lateral or medial plantar vein from a subintimal channel in the plantar artery can be intentionally pursued as a bailout technique, pointing the tip of the guidewire opposite to the arterial wall calcifications. Venous access is confirmed by contrast injection through the balloon catheter. Once the guidewire is advanced in the distal lateral or medial plantar vein and a plantar arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has been created, the AV anastomosis and the occluded PTA segment are dilated with 0.014-inch balloon catheters. The technique has been attempted in 9 consecutive diabetic, ESRD patients (mean age 69 years; 5 men) with no-option CLI; an AVF was created between the PTA and plantar vein in 7 patients. The mean TcPO2 at 1 month was 30±17 mm Hg (vs 7.3±2.2 at baseline). Six ulcers healed over an average of 21±4 weeks. Three of the 9 patients had below-knee amputations.Conclusion: Although further investigations are required, distal plantar venous arterialization may represent a promising technique to improve recanalization rates and limb salvage in diabetic ESRD patients with extremely calcified PTA occlusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study has contributed to evaluate the tibial nerve and its vasculature anatomically. Ten preserved cadavers (5 male, 5 female) have been used for this study. Each cadaver was injected with red latex and through incisions the tibial nerve was exposed at the level of bifurcation of sciatic nerve. The tibial nerve in 85 % cadavers was located between middle and lower thirds at upper angle of popliteal fossa; whereas, in 15 % cadavers it was present below the piriformis muscle in gluteal region. The total length of the tibial nerve was at a mean of 65.26±14.42 cm in males and 64.79±67.61 cm in females, without significantly different. Its total diameter was at a mean of 5.51±1.55 mm, with a mean of 4.11±0.88 mm at the popliteal fossa and a mean of 3.24±0.81mm at its termination deep to the flexor retinaculum in male cadavers. In female; the means were 5.11±0.21 mm, 3.97±1.78 mm and 3.14 ± 0.03 mm respectively without significance difference. It was concluded that tibial nerve has sufficient and good blood supply. Moreover, it can be utilized as allogeneic vascularized nerve graft to repair sizable nerves after limb salvage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of antegrade vs crossover femoral artery access in the endovascular treatment of isolated below-the-knee (BTK) lesions in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI).Methods: Between January 2014 and December 2015, 224 high-risk patients (mean age 75.8±9.8 years; 151 men) with CLI underwent infragenicular interventions on 292 crural vessels in 3 European vascular centers. All patients had isolated TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C (n=26) or D (n=198) BTK lesions. Primary endpoints were freedom from access-related complications and technical success comparing the antegrade vs crossover access groups.Results: Balloon angioplasty was the most used treatment modality (169 vessels, 75.4%). The technical success rate was 88.4% in the entire cohort and 88.0% in the antegrade group vs 90.4% in the crossover group (p>0.99). In all patients, the technical success rate was higher for stenotic lesions (100%) vs occlusions (85.5%, p=0.002) and in patients with TASC C BTK lesions (100%) vs TASC D (86.9%, p=0.033). The overall freedom from access-related complications was 97.8%: 99% in the antegrade group and 90.6% in the crossover group (p=0.022). Larger sheath size (5/6-F vs 4-F) was associated with a significantly higher risk for access-related complications (7.1% vs 1.1%, respectively; p=0.047).Conclusion: The present multicenter study showed high technical success and a low incidence of access-related complications in the treatment of isolated BTK lesions using either antegrade or crossover femoral access. The antegrade approach with the use of a 4-F system seems to have a significantly lower rate of access-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 57-year-old woman who was diagnosed with neurologic cavovarus deformity resulting from a cerebrovascular stroke.