Sternocleidomastoid flap for pedicled reconstruction in head & neck surgery- revisiting the anatomy and technique

Background Previous studies on sternocleidomastoid flaps, have defined the importance of preserving sternocleidomastoid (SCM) branch of superior thyroid artery (STA). This theory drew criticism, as this muscle is known to be a type II muscle, i.e., the muscle has one dominant pedicle (branches from the occipital artery at the superior pole) and smaller vascular pedicles entering the belly of muscle (branches from STA and thyrocervical trunk) at the middle and lower pole respectively. It was unlikely for the SCM branch of STA to supply the upper and lower thirds of the muscle. We undertook a cadaveric angiographic study to investigate distribution of STA supply to SCM muscle. Methods It is a cross-sectional descriptive study on 10 cadaveric SCM muscles along with ipsilateral STA which were evaluated with angiography using diatrizoate (urograffin) dye. Radiographic films were interpreted looking at the opacification of the muscle. Results were analyzed using frequency distribution and percentage. Results Out of ten specimens, near complete opacification was observed in eight SCM muscle specimens. While one showed poor uptake in the lower third of the muscle, the other showed poor uptake in the upper third segment of muscle. Conclusion Based on the above findings we suggest to further investigate sternocleidomastoid muscle as a type III flap, as the STA branch also supplies the whole muscle along with previously described pedicle from occipital artery. However, this needs to be further corroborated intra-operatively using scanning laser doppler. This also explains better survival rates of superior thyroid artery based sternomastoid flaps.

Morphological Evaluation of the Quadriceps Tendon Using Preoperative Ultrasound in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: An evaluation of quadriceps tendon (QT) morphology preoperatively is an important step when selecting an individually appropriate autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, to our knowledge, there are no studies that have assessed the morphology of the entire QT in an ACL-injured knee preoperatively using ultrasound. Purpose: We aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics of the QT using preoperative ultrasound in ACL-injured knees. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 33 patients (mean age, 26.0 ± 11.5 years) with a diagnosed ACL tear undergoing primary ACL reconstruction were prospectively included. Using ultrasound, short-axis images of the QT were acquired in 10-mm increments from 30 to 100 mm proximal to the superior pole of the patella. The length of the QT was determined by 2 contiguous images that did and did not contain the rectus femoris muscle belly. The width of the superficial and narrowest parts of the QT, the thickness of the central and thickest parts of the QT, and the cross-sectional area at the central 10 mm of the superficial QT width were measured at each assessment location. The estimated intraoperative diameter of the QT autograft was calculated using a formula provided in a previous study. Results: There were no significant relationships between QT morphology and any of the demographic data collected. The length of the QT was less than 70 mm in 45.5% of patients (15/33). The width, thickness, cross-sectional area, and estimated intraoperative diameter of the QT autograft were significantly greater at 30 mm than at 70 mm proximal to the superior pole of the patella. Conclusion: Preoperative ultrasound may identify a QT that is too small for an all–soft tissue autograft in ACL reconstruction. Furthermore, harvesting a QT with a fixed width may result in autografts that are smaller proximally than they are distally. Assessing the morphology of the QT preoperatively using ultrasound may help surgeons to adequately reconstruct the native length and diameter of the ACL with a QT autograft.

Sternocleidomastoid Flap for Pedicled Reconstruction in Head & Neck Surgery- Revisiting the Anatomy and Technique

Background: Previous studies on sternocleidomastoid flaps, have defined the importance of preserving sternocleidomastoid (SCM) branch of superior thyroid artery (STA). This theory drew criticism, as this muscle is known to be a type II muscle, i.e., the muscle has one dominant pedicle (branches from the occipital artery at the superior pole) and smaller vascular pedicles entering the belly of muscle (branches from STA and thyrocervical trunk) at the middle and lower pole respectively. It was unlikely for the SCM branch of STA to supply the upper and lower thirds of the muscle. We undertook a cadaveric angiographic study to investigate distribution of STA supply to SCM muscle.Methods: It is a prospective study on 10 cadaveric SCM muscles along with ipsilateral STA which were evaluated with angiography using diatrizoate (urograffin) dye. Radiographic films were interpreted looking at the opacification of the muscle. Results were analyzed using frequency distribution and percentage. Results:Out of ten specimens, near complete opacification was observed in eight SCM muscle specimens. While one showed poor uptake in the lower third of the muscle, the other showed poor uptake in the upper third segment of muscle. Conclusion: Based on the above findings we propose to re-classify sternocleidomastoid flap as a type III flap as the STA branch also supplies the whole muscle along with previously described pedicle from occipital artery. However, this needs to be further corroborated intra-operatively using scanning laser doppler.

Inferior Patella Dislocation due to Impaction in the Femoral Trochlea

Acute inferior dislocation of the patella is a rare presentation in trauma and orthopaedics. Type II is caused by direct upward force on the inferior pole of the patella when the knee is flexed impacting the superior pole osteophyte into the intercondylar notch. Impaction in the femoral trochlea is rarely reported. A 92-year-old lady presented with locked knee held in 85° of flexion with an abnormal knee contour. Radiographs demonstrated that the upper pole of the patella was impacted in the femoral trochlea with a fracture of a superior pole osteophyte. The extensor mechanism was intact. Closed reduction is achieved under strong opioid pain relief. The patient returned to her baseline knee function within 6 weeks. Closed reduction of an inferior patellar dislocation in elderly patients is aided by superior pole osteophyte fracture and facilitates early mobilization, and avoidance of general anaesthesia.

A RARE FORM OF PRESENTATION OF A SMALL INTESTINE GIST IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Gastro-intestinal stromal tumors are a form of mesenchymal tumors most commonly located in the gastro-intestinal tract, as the name suggests. The symptoms that might occur can be abdominal pain or discomfort, early satiety, bloating, jaundice, fatigue, hematemesis or melena. Most of GISTs (>95%) are positive for the KIT protein. Surgery remains the only curative treatment for GIST amenable for resection. High risk tumors can receive adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment with Imatinib Mesylate, a tyrosin-kinase inhibitor. We present the case of a 59-years old patient that presented with rectal bleeding and abdominal diffuse pain. Blood tests shows leukocytosis and moderate anemia. CT scan describes an expansive, polycyclic process projected at the limit between the mesogastric region and the left flank, in close contact with the small intestine without any clear demarcation line between them and at the superior pole of the tumor, located in an enteral loop, a band of hyperdensity with net contour. Intraoperative, an extraluminal jejunal tumor was found, located at 15 cm from the duodeno-jejunal flexure, with intraluminal active bleeding, which lead us to suspect a GIST based on the macroscopic aspect. We performed segmental enterectomy of 10 cm of the small intestine containing the tumor with entero-enteral anastomosis end to end. The histopathological and immunohistochemistry examinations correlated with the macroscopic aspect have confirmed the diagnosis of GIST.

Laparoscopic repair of massive Bochdalek hernia

Bochdalek hernias are a rare diaphragmatic hernia, usually diagnosed in childhood. We report a case of a large Bochdalek hernia containing omentum, stomach, left colon and some small bowel (jejunum) including mesentery, the superior pole of the left kidney, spleen and tail of pancreas diagnosed in adulthood. Our patient underwent a laparoscopic repair of this massive hernia with a composite mesh with an excellent post-operative outcome.

Intrarenal Reflux in the Light of Contrast-Enhanced Voiding Urosonography

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of intrarenal reflux (IRR) among vesicoureteral refluxes (VURs), diagnosed by contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS), to define VURs which are positive to IRR and their locations in the kidney.Materials and Methods: Seventy patients with VURs, including 103 uretero-renal units (URUs) with VURs of grades II–V (37 URUs were excluded because of renal anomalies or absence of VUR) were examined with ceVUS due to recurrent febrile UTI or first febrile UTI accompanied by abnormalities on renal ultrasonography. Patients were examined on GE Logiq S8 ultrasound machine, using second generation of ultrasound contrast agent.Results: Out of 103 VURs, 51 (49.51%) had IRR regardless the grade of VUR, showing increase in IRR incidence with VUR severity (p < 0.0001). The median age at the time of IRR diagnosis was 5 months (IQR, 3–14.3), whereas in patients without IRR, it was 15.5 months (IQR, 5–41.5), (p = 0.0069). IRR was most common in superior pole (80%), followed by inferior pole (62.7%), and middle segments (37%), and to all segments (27%) (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: In the present study, patients with IRR-associated VUR showed earlier clinical presentation. The distribution of IRRs corresponded to the natural distribution of composed papillae types II and III, while the incidence of IRR increased with severity of VUR. Further clinical studies may point to the importance of considering IRR in the future classification of VUR.

Neglected Isolated Sleeve Fracture of the Superior Pole of the Patella in a Healthy Adult – A Case Report and Review of Literature

Introduction: Sleeve fracture (SF) represents an unusual type of patellar fracture and has been reported mainly in children or adolescents. Superior pole fracture in adults is a very rare occurrence because the enthesis of the adult patella is more resilient to avulsion injury as compared to an immature pediatric skeleton. Due to the rarity of these fractures in adults and vague radiographic findings, the chances of missing the fracture are very high. Case Report: An 18-year-old boy presented to our outpatient department with a history of fall while trying to jump across a wall 6 months ago. At the time of presentation, the patient mainly complained of loss of active extension of the knee in the sitting position and a palpable gap over the upper part of the patella. After radiographic evaluation, a diagnosis of SF was made. The patient was managed surgically, and thereafter, early rehabilitation was done. After 10 weeks post-surgery, the patient was free from any pain, had a full range of motion, and was able to walk without support. Conclusion: Adults presenting with acute injury to knee with limitation of extension and palpable gap over the superior pole of the patella, a differential diagnosis of SF must be suspected and should be ruled out by clinical examination and relevant investigations. Keywords: Sleeve fracture, patella, superior pole, adult.