Reconstruction of large traumatic segmental defects of the femur using segmental allograft with vascularized fibula inlay.

Segmental defects of the distal femur following trauma pose a reconstructive challenge. A stable reconstruction capable of withstanding high forces while allowing early mobility is paramount. The Capanna technique of reconstruction combining allograft with vascularized bone graft provides such a construct and has been described for oncological resection.

Bisphosphonates and avascular necrosis of the mandible: case report and review of the literature.

Background: Avascular necrosis of the mandible or maxilla is being recognized with increasing frequency in patients who are being treated with bisphosphonates for metastatic cancers.

Methods And Results: A patient who was treated for avascular necrosis following treatment with bisphosphonates for multiple myeloma is presented.

Conclusion: Prophylactic and preventative measures should be instituted prior to commencing treatment with bisphosphonates to minimize the risk of developing avascular necrosis.

Complete spontaneous regression in Merkel cell carcinoma.

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive, cutaneous malignancy of the elderly with a generally poor prognosis. Like all skin cancers, its incidence is rising. A few reports of spontaneous regression have been published.

The internal mammary artery perforator flap: an anatomical study and a case report.

The anatomic basis for the internal artery mammary perforator (IMAP) flap is described in this cadaveric study, together with a clinical case report. The IMAP flap is based on a single or double perforator of the internal mammary artery that is included in the pedicle for added length. It provides a very useful source of local tissue with skin of good texture and color for head and neck reconstruction and, being muscle free, is thin.

Functional outcomes and donor site morbidity following circumferential pharyngoesophageal reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh flap and salivary bypass tube.

Background: This study reports our experience with fasciocutaneous reconstruction of circumferential pharyngoesophageal defects using an anterolateral thigh flap wrapped around a salivary bypass tube.

Methods: The charts of 14 patients were reviewed. All patients who had reconstruction of a pharyngoesophageal defect using an anterolateral thigh flap with a salivary bypass tube between 2001 and 2005 were included.