Objective: The anterolateral thigh flap is a versatile flap that can be used in a free or pedicled fashion. Because of the large amount of potential soft tissue, low donor site morbidity, and long pedicle lengths, many researchers consider it to be the perfect free flap. However, dissection of this and other perforator flaps can become an arduous experience with learning curves to overcome. Near-infrared laser angiography using indocyanine green provides a useful adjunctive tool to more predictably assess direct perforator perfusion zones. Laser-assisted angiography with SPY-Q analysis gives live localization of the flap's dominant perforator perfusion zones while quantifying the relative tissue perfusion for immediate skin paddle design. Methods: Fifteen patients with head and neck cancer defects were reconstructed with a free anterolateral thigh flap using laser-assisted near-infrared indocyanine green perforator mapping. The mid-point of a line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the patella was determined and the laser was centered over this. Indocyanine green (12.5 mg) was injected intravenously and fluorescence patterns were recorded. Optimal perforators were chosen using real-time imaging and SPY-Q analysis software. The anterolateral thigh skin paddle was centered over perforators based on best relative perfusion values. The hand-held Doppler was not used to identify perforators. All flaps were elevated in standard fashion. Patient demographics, defect characteristics, reconstructive techniques, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Results: All 15 free flaps were raised with the assistance of laser-assisted angiography. Cutaneous Doppler did not aid in the design of the skin paddle. There was only 1 flap loss due to venous congestion. All donor defects were closed primarily without the need for a skin graft. Conclusions: Laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography using SPY-Q analysis software provides robust, intraoperative, objective data to optimize anterolateral thigh skin paddle design while potentially minimizing patient morbidity. Future studies will be needed to further evaluate the use of this new technology.
23 knee joints with clinical evidence of Baker's cysts have been studied in comparison by arthrography and ultrasound-scanning. In 20 knees, there was correlation between arthrographic and sonographic findings. In 3 cases, a positive sonogram was not confirmed by arthrography. Possible causes for faulty interpretation and differential diagnoses have been discussed. We prefer ultrasound scanning for the diagnosis in inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases because it is entirely harmless. In cases of traumatic Baker cysts the arthrogram may reveal an additional meniscal injury.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.