The patients were divided into two groups. RG7422 cell line In Group 1 (n = 8), the patients received an ulnar nerve fascicle transfer to the biceps motor branch. In Group 2 (n = 15), the patients received a median nerve fascicle transfer to the biceps motor branch. Two patients with follow-up less than six months were excluded. Both groups were similar regarding age (P = 0.070), interval of injury (P = 0.185), and follow-up period (P = 0.477). Elbow flexion against gravity

was achieved in 7 of 8 (87.5%) patients in Group 1, versus 14 of 15 (93.3%) patients in Group 2 (P = 1.000). The level of injury (C5-C6 or C5-C7) did not affect anti-gravity elbow flexion recovery in both the groups (P = 1.000). It was concluded that the median nerve fascicle transfer to the biceps is as good as the ulnar nerve fascicle transfer, even in C5-C7 injuries. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:511–515, 2014. “
“The gracilis muscle, based on the dominant pedicle, has been used extensively for free tissue transfer. Recent studies have described the constant anatomy, ease of dissection, and low donor-site morbidity of the distal segmental gracilis free muscle flap. We present three cases of free distal segmental gracilis muscle transfer. In one case, the gracilis muscle

was divided transversely into one proximally based and one distally based free flap and used for coverage of two separate wounds in a patient with bilateral buy Small molecule library open calcaneal fractures. In two cases, the preserved proximal gracilis was used as a reoperative free flap after failure of the initial distal segmental gracilis free muscle. With recent advances in microsurgery and ever-growing demands for low donor-site morbidity, it is important to ensure each free muscle flap harvested is used efficiently. Use of the free

distal segmental gracilis muscle flap maximally uses one muscle while Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase minimizing donor site morbidity and retaining the proximal muscle for future uses. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011. “
“Autologous skin grafting to the donor site in patients who undergo radial forearm free flap reconstruction (RFFF) is associated with cosmetic and functional morbidity. Integra artificial dermis (Integra Lifesciences, Plainsboro, NJ) is a bovine collagen based dermal substitute that can be used as an alternative to primary autologous skin transplantation of the donor site. We describe a staged reconstruction using Integra followed by ultrathin skin grafting that results in highly aesthetic and functional outcomes for these defects. A retrospective review of 29 patients undergoing extirpative head and neck oncologic resection were examined. Integra graft placement was performed at the time of RFFF harvest followed by autologous split thickness skin grafting at 1 to 5 weeks postoperatively. Healing fully occurred within 4–6 weeks with negligible donor site complications, excellent cosmesis, and minimal scar contracture.