Extensor hallucis longus tendon and soft-tissue reconstruction with palmaris longus tendon included in a radial forearm free flap: A case report

Reconstruction of foot structures is challenging because of the need to restore both anatomy and function. Extensor hallucis longus (EHL) excision without reconstruction could result in a flexion deformity of the toe at the interphalangeal joint. In this report, we present a case of the use of a palmaris longus tendon included in a fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flap to reconstruct EHL tendon and soft tissues of the distal foot dorsum. A 41-year-old woman presented with a recurrence of myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma on the medial part of the left foot dorsum. The EHL tendon was sacrificed, leaving a soft-tissue defect of 14 × 5 cm and 14-cm tendon gap. A 14 × 5 cm radial forearm flap with a 16-cm section of palmaris longus tendon was harvested from the left forearm. Radial artery and its comitant vein were anastomosed with dorsalis pedis artery and vein. EHL tendon repair was performed from the composite mass to the proximal and distal stumps. No complication in the postoperative period occurred. At latest follow-up, 12 months postoperatively, the patient showed a normal joint function and was satisfied with the treatment. Palmaris longus tendon included in a radial forearm free flap could be recommended for combined soft tissue and tendon defects, particularly on the foot dorsum.     

An improved method to compute the solute and water derangements of hyperglycaemia

Evaluation and treatment of hyperglycaemic hyponatremia, being quantitatively inaccurate, is open to new advancements. We herein describe the improvement of previous calculations of glucose appearance (G(A)), solute and solvent changes. From G(A) we derive the predicted plasma sodium concentration (PNa(G)), assuming no change in total body water (TBW), but only water shift from cells to the extracellular space (ECV). This assumption is validated by the respective solute ratios (PCl/PNa) unchanged from normal values, as well as the ratios between actual and normal solute concentrations (PNa(1)/PNa(0), PCl(1)/PCl(0)), identical for all solutes. When the assumption is met, G(A) can be exactly calculated. When the ratios are different from normal, they indicate the presence of a mixed abnormality due to a loss either of sodium, or sodium and water. These are estimated by computing the difference between PNa(G) and the actual PNa measured (PNa(1)). PNa(1) approximately PNa(G) if TBW and Na are unchanged, PNa(1) < PNa(G) in the presence of prevalent Na depletion, PNa(1) > PNa(G )when volume depletion prevails. In the first circumstance the ECV expansion is exactly established by appropriate mathematical formulas, in the latter conditions either Na or volume depletion are empirically estimated with algebric expressions. These equations were validated on computer-simulated models, and applied to 49 subjects with plasma glucose concentration >15 mM/L. G(A) and PNa(G) were computed, and, with the same formulas used in computer-simulated experiments, we calculated water and Na deficits. The PNa measured after correction of hyperglycaemia was correctly predicted (R (2) = 0.63, P < 0.0001). This method provides a firm ground to select the correct equation to accurately estimate the initial conditions of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemia, significantly improving its quantitative correction.     

A new method to distinguish the hyponatremia of electrolyte loss from that due to pure solvent changes

Estimates of solute and solvent changes during electrolyte abnormalities are valid only when either total body water (TBW) or solute content do not change, while it cannot be established which one of these is altered. The present paper provides a method capable of distinguishing these two different conditions. When only solvent changes, the respective concentration ratios of plasma (P) solutes PCl/PNa, Poan/PNa, PCl/Poan (Poan = anions other than Cl) remain unchanged. Moreover, PNa₁/PNa₀ (the ratio of PNa during the derangement over the normal value, indicated by subfix ₁ and ₀, respectively) = PCl₁/PCl₀ = Poan ₁/Poan _0. When these constraints are met, the abnormality is due only to a TBW change, which is easily calculated and corrected. When they are not met, the exact change in Na content is correctly calculated assuming no variation in TBW. These calculations could still be useful even in the presence of TBW modifications, where they represent minimum estimates of electrolyte losses. The formulas were validated by computer simulations generating true electrolyte concentrations, which were then used to back calculate the changes in their contents and extra/intra-cellular volumes. Since the predicted results were significantly correlated with the true data, the method was transferred to 24 patients with electrolyte disturbances, who met the above constraints. The calculated volume changes were significantly correlated with those obtained by body weight measurements (regression coefficient = 0.94, P < 0.0001), while the quantitative estimates of Na deficit predicted the PNa values measured after corrective treatment (P < 0.0001). This new method may prove valuable in diagnosing and treating electrolyte derangements.     

Role of maxillofacial surgery in patients with neurofibromatosis type I

Neurofibromas are a clinical manifestation of neurofibromatos is type I (NF1). Management of these tumors remains a challenge for the clinician. The goal of the present study is to point out treatment guidelines for these lesions. Eighteen patients diagnosed with NF1 and presenting lesions of the craniomaxillofacial district were included in the study. On the basis of clinical evidence and patient's expectations, only six patients of this group underwent surgery. All patients that had no surgery were included in a follow-up protocol to evaluate progression of disease. Four patients who underwent surgery had good functional/aesthetic results, whereas two patients had incomplete rehabilitation.     

Linear atrophoderma of Moulin localized to the neck

Linear atrophoderma of Moulin (LAM) is a rare and distinct skin condition characterized by unilateral, hyperpigmented and atrophic band-like skin lesions following the lines of Blaschko. Usually the disease begins in childhood or adolescence on the trunk or limbs, with no preceding inflammation or subsequent sclerodermatous changes. Approximately 25 cases have been reported in the English language literature. We describe a case of LAM occurring in a 9-year-old Peruvian boy with exclusive involvement of the neck. To our knowledge, this is the first report of LAM with this unusual localization.