Background Limb salvage in the setting of extremity osteomyelitis, though previously dependent on amputation, has been markedly improved through the application of free tissue flaps. Concern exists as to the utility of the fasciocutaneous flap to combat infection verses the traditional muscle flap. Prior studies have shown success with fasciocutaneous flaps in these patients, but given the small series, the choice remains controversial. The goal of this article was to determine if there is statistical evidence for flap choice in the setting of extremity osteomyelitis. Methods A systematic review utilizing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was completed of the current literature pertaining to the treatment of extremity osteomyelitis and flap reconstruction within the MedLine and PubMed databases. Six hundred forty-six studies were reviewed and ultimately 31 were included in the final analysis. Results Eight hundred seventy-eight flap reconstructions were identified. Of the 588 muscle flaps, 7.8% (n = 46) had recurrence of osteomyelitis after an average of 36.1 (8.0–111.6) months follow-up. There were seven cases (4.3%) of osteomyelitis recurrence in the 163 fasciocutaneous flap group after an average of 29.8 (18.2–44.6) months follow-up (p = 0.165). Secondary outcomes such as flap loss, hematomas, and infection were analyzed without statistically significant differences between the muscle and fasciocutaneous flap groups. Conclusion Selection of flap type is less important than adequate debridement, appropriate antibiotic selection, and sufficient duration of treatment. This study demonstrates that within the literature, fasciocutaneous flaps have a lower recurrence rate of osteomyelitis compared with muscle flaps. As such, fasciocutaneous flaps are appropriate for reconstruction and treatment of extremity osteomyelitis.

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Objectives/Background The Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program promotes clinical standards aimed to optimize the quality of surgical care delivered to older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine if preliminary implementation of the GSV Program standards improves surgical outcomes. Design Prospective study with cohort matching. Setting Data from a single institution compared with a national data set cohort. Participants All patients aged ≥75 years undergoing inpatient operations between January 2018 and December 2019 were included. Cohort matching by age and procedure code was performed using a national data set. Measurements Baseline pre‐ and intraoperative characteristics prospectively recorded using Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) variable definitions. Postoperative outcomes were recorded including complications as defined by VASQIP, 30‐day mortality, and length of stay. Results A total of 162 patients participated in the GSV program, and 308 patients comprised the matched comparison group. There was no difference in postoperative occurrence of one or more complications (p = 0.81) or 30‐day mortality (p = 0.61). Patients cared for by the GSV Program had a reduced postoperative length of stay (median 4 days [range 1,31] vs. 5 days [range 1,86]; p < 0.01; and mean 5.4 ± 4.8 vs. 8.8 ± 11.8 days; p < 0.01) compared with the matched cohort. In a multivariable regression model, the GSV Program's reduced length of stay was independent of other associated covariates including age, operative time, and comorbidities (p < 0.01). Conclusion Preliminary implementation of the GSV Program standards reduces length of stay in older adults undergoing inpatient operations. This finding demonstrates both the clinical and financial value of the GSV Program.

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Background: The radial artery forearm free flap (RFFF) is the workhorse technique for phallus reconstruction. The RFFF provides good cosmesis and potential sensory recovery. However, the donor site is large in comparison to other applications of the RFFF which may increase the potential for donor site morbidity, such as nerve injury, delayed wound healing, and decreased hand strength. This study systematically reviewed the current literature to assess the donor site morbidity associated with RFFF phalloplasty (RFFFP). Methods: A systematic review utilizing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines was completed of the current literature pertaining to donor site morbidity after RFFFP. Two investigators independently reviewed the literature to determine eligibility for inclusion. Two hundred sixty-seven studies were reviewed and 10 were included in the final analysis after application of exclusion criteria. Results: Nine hundred forty flap reconstructions were identified. Gender affirming surgery was the indication in 77.7% (n = 730) of patients. The overall donor site complication rate was 7.9% (n = 74). Skin graft failure occurred in 41 patients (4.5%) and was the most frequent complication. Donor site infection (n = 3, 15.8%), hematoma (n = 1, 0.8%), neuroma (n = 1, 10%), compartment syndrome (n = 1, 0.8%), decreased strength or sensation (n = 15, 4.9%), lymphedema or limb swelling (n = 10, 3.9%), and contracture (n = 2, 6.5%) were also found. Conclusions: The most common donor site complication after RFFFP is skin graft failure. Decreased forearm sensation and strength affected a significant proportion of patients within each reported cohort. Prospective studies should continue to evaluate donor site morbidity with objective measures, such as grip strength evaluation, and long-term follow-up for vascular changes following radial artery harvest.

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To determine if there is a significant association between administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) in severely bleeding, injured patients, and venous thromboembolism (VTE), myocardial infarction (MI), or cerebrovascular accident (CVA). A multicenter, retrospective study was performed. Inclusion criteria were: age 18–80 years old and need for 5 units or more of blood in the first 24 h after injury. Exclusion criteria included: death within 24 h, pregnancy, administration of TXA more than 3 h following injury, and routine ultrasound surveillance for deep venous thrombosis. Incidence of VTE was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included MI, CVA, and death. A power analysis found that a total of 830 patients were needed to detect a true difference in VTE risk. 1333 patients (TXA = 887, No-TXA = 446 patients) from 17 centers were enrolled. There were no differences in age, shock index, Glasgow coma score, pelvis/extremity abbreviated injury score, or paralysis. Injury severity score was higher in the No-TXA group. Incidence of VTE, MI, or CVA was similar between the groups. The TXA group required significantly less transfusion (P < 0.001 for all products) and had a lower mortality [adjusted odds ratio 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.45–0.98)]. Despite having a higher extremity/pelvis abbreviated injury score, results did not change when evaluating only patients with blunt injury. Use of TXA in bleeding, injured patients is not associated with VTE, MI, or CVA but is associated with a lower transfusion need and mortality.

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