• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.77-83
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• 1999

The skin on the dorsum of the foot is a source of the reliable thin and sensory cutaneous free tissue transplantation with or without tendon, bone and joint. A composite flap with attached vascularized tendon grafts for the combined loss of skin and tendon on the dorsum of the hand and foot offers an immediate one stage solution to this problem. The flap provides a very durable innervated tissue cover for the heel of the foot and the dorsum of the hand and an osteocutaneous transfer combined with the second metatarsal. The major dorsalis pedis artery is constant in size, but the first dorsal metatarsal artery is variable in size and location. The dorsal surface of the foot receives sensory innervation through the superficial peroneal nerve and the first web through the deep peroneal nerve. Authors had performed 5 dorsalis pedis free flap transplantation in the foot and hand at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chonbuk National University Hospital from August 1993 through August 1997 and followed up for the period of between 19 and 67 months until March 1999. The results were as follows 1. 5 cases dorsalis pedis free flap transfer to the foot(4 cases) and the hand(1 case) were performed and the recipient was foot dorsum and heel 2 cases each and hand dorsum 1 case. 2 All of 5 cases(100%) were survived from free flap transfer and recipient artery was dorsalis pedis artery(2 cases), anterior tibial artery(1 case), posterior tibial artery(1 case) and ulnar artery(1 case) and recipient veins were 2 in number except in the hand. 3. Long term follow up of the exterior and maceration was good and sensory recovery was poor 4. Donor site was covered with full thickness skin graft obtained from one or both inguinal areas at postoperative 3rd week and skin graft was taken good and no morbidity was showed.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.81-86
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• 2020

Purpose: Ankle fractures with dislocations and pilon fractures at the distal tibia are usually associated with soft tissue damage caused by high-energy damage. Recently, a two-stage operation to perform internal fixation after the application of external fixation devices for stabilizing soft tissues has been accepted as the treatment of choice. This paper reports the clinical result of these injuries treated with threaded trans-calcaneal pin external fixation devices. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients diagnosed with ankle fractures with dislocations or tibial pilon fractures without open wounds. They underwent surgical treatment with threaded trans-calcaneal pin external fixation from January 2008 to February were enrolled in this study. This study evaluated the visual analogue scale (VAS), foot function index (FFI), and Olerud & Molander score as well as whether complications occurred. Results: The average VAS showed a meaningful decrease (p<0.001) from 7.4 before surgery to 2.6 after application of the external fixation device, and 1.4 at 12 months after surgery. The FFI also decreased significantly from 84.3 preoperatively to 20.3 at 12 months postoperatively (p<0.001). The Olerud & Molander score averaged 71.4 points, showing good clinical results. Complete bone union was observed in all patients. One patient each underwent debridement due to wound necrosis and infection in the pin insertion site. At the final follow-up, seven patients had posttraumatic ankle joint arthritis, according to a radiological examination. Conclusion: Manual reduction and external fixation using a threaded trans-calcaneal pin is a suitable surgical technique that is easy to perform and shows good clinical outcomes in stabilizing soft tissue damage in fractures and dislocations of ankle fracture or tibia pilon fractures in foot and ankle injury.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.51-58
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• 1997

The purpose of this study is to evalute the efficacy af the Ilizarov external fixation for the surgical treatment. of the tibial plafond fractures. We reviewed retrospectively fourteen cases of tibial plafond fractures with moderate to severe soft. tissue damage, which were fixed with Ilizarov external fixator. Using the AO Muler classification, there were four Type C1 fractures, six Type C2 and four Type C3. In most, of the cases, the ankles were operated on with other associated fractures within a few days after injury. We reduced the fracture indirectly by soft issue taxis and fixed externally across the ankle joint. using the circular external fixator with tensioned wires and ankle hinge. In cases of inadequate closed reduction, we applied limited open reduction and internal fixation. Range of motion exercise began immediately. Postoperative follow-up averaged fourteen months (ranges, 8-30 months). Overall clinical results rated good or excellent in 7 cases, fair in 4 and poor in 3. There were three cases of pin tract infection which were resolved with short-term antibiotics and local care; one delayed wound closure in a patient. whose fracture was associated with Type III open wound; one wound slough in a patient associated with Type II open wound, which was closed later by skin graft; and one osteoarthritis. From this review, we concluded that cross-ankle circular external fixation with tensioned wires with or without. limited open reduction is a reasonable alternative for the treatment of the tibial plafond fractures with severe soft tissue damage.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.58-64
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• 2006

Purpose: Management of soft-tissue defect after open tibial fractures includes immediate and repeated debridement, skeletal stabilization, and early soft-tissue coverage with muscle flaps. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of the free rectus abdominis muscle flap (RA flap) for treatment of open fractures of the tibia and to discuss its advantages compared with the latissimus dorsi muscle flap (LD flap) in poly trauma patients. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 5 patients who had a severe (Gustilo IIIb or IIIc) open fracture of the tibia treated with RA flap from May 2003 to March 2006. All were men, and the mean age was 46.6 years (range, $28{\sim}68$). Three patients had combined injuries such as pelvic bone fractures, multiple rib fractures with hemothorax, and contralateral tibial fracture. All patients received RA flap within 7 days after trauma except two with established chronic osteomyelitis. Results: All flaps survived, and there was no marginal flap necrosis. During the follow-up period, there was no evidence of persistent or recurrent osteomyelitis. The size of RA flap ranged from $8{\sim}20\;cm$ in length and $6{\sim}10\;cm$ in width. The average time required for RA flap elevation was 32 minutes, which is shorter than LD flap. Flap elevation could be done in supine position which is essential in poly trauma patients. Conclusion: Although a wide variety of options are available, RA flap is regarded as an optimal method for coverage of soft-tissue defect of the open tibial fracture in poly trauma patients. LD flap is reserved for large sized soft-tissue defect which cannot be covered by RA flap.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.166-170
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• 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the results of MIPPO (minimal invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis) technique for distal tibial metaphyseal fractures. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective study of 13 patients who were treated by MIPPO technique for distal tibial metaphyseal fractures from Jan. 2001 to Jan. 2003. The average age was 46.7 years and mean follow-up period was 13.3 months. According to AO classification, there were 8 cases of A1, 3 cases of A2, 1 case of B1 and 1 case of C2. One case of A1 was a Gustilo-Anderson type I open fracture and fibular fractures were combined in 12 cases. We applied anatomical reduction and internal fixation for the fibular fractures and internal fixation on the medial side of the tibia by MIPPO technique for distal tibial metaphyseal fractures. Clinical results were evaluated using radiographic results, Neer score, the starting time of postoperative exercise and clinical complications. Results: According to the Neer score, all cases showed satisfactory results. Active ankle ROM was started at average 2.4 weeks ($2{\sim}4$ weeks) and full weight bearing ambulation at average 5.2 weeks ($4{\sim}8$ weeks) postoperatively. Union of fractures was obtained by average 14.4 weeks ($8{\sim}18$ weeks) postoperatively. Two cases showed $5^{\circ}$ limitation of motion without functional deficits and other cases showed satisfactory ROM results. One case had $6^{\circ}$ valgus deformity without functional deficits. There were not any other complications like soft tissue problems and delayed-or non-union. Conclusion: MIPPO technique for the treatment of distal tibial metaphyseal fractures is a feasible technique with a good clinical outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.118-123
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• 2009

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the relating factors for deformities of the foot after tibial fracture and the outcome of respective surgical treatment. Materials and Methods: We studied thirty-two patients (thirty-five feet) who had foot deformities after tibia fracture. The age, gender, shape, location, concurrent soft tissue injury and operative treatment of tibial fracture were analysed and outcome of the surgical treatment was investigated. Results: Deformities of the foot mostly occurred in open fractures of Gustilo type 3 or closed fracture with severe soft tissue injury. Variable surgical treatments such as simple release, lengthening, Z-plasty and osteotomy were performed. The AOFAS ankle-hind foot scale was improved from average of 37.3 points preoperatively to an average of 77.2 points at the last follow up. The Maryland foot score was from 42.9 to 90.2 and AOFAS Lesser Toe Metatarso-phalangeal interphalangeal scale was from 42.9 to 90.5. Radiological correction was also improved from 21.9 degrees to 7.9 degrees (Meary angle), from 112.2 to 138.5 (Hibb's angle) and from 33.8 to 25.9 (Calcaneal pitch). Conclusion: We proposed that great care should be taken of treatment for the tibial fracture and early detection and proper management of the foot deformities are crucial.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.86-90
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• 2015

Purpose: We analyzed and compared the clinical and radiologic results between minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis and internal fixation using intramedullary (IM) nail in the treatment of distal tibia fractures. Materials and Methods: From March 2005 to June 2013, 65 cases of distal tibia fractures treated with either plate fixation or IM nail fixation were analyzed retrospectively by clinical and radiologic evaluations. The clinical results were compared using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Olerud-Molander ankle score (OMAS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) score at the last follow-up. The radiologic results were compared by time to bone union, complications such as nonunion, delayed union, and malunion. Results: The clinical results (according to OMAS, AOFAS score, and VAS score) were 77.47, 84.76, and 1.75, respectively, in the plating group, and 90.21, 91.00, and 1.25, respectively, in the nailing group, and there was no statistically significant difference. Plating group showed earlier union than the nailing group and the nailing group showed higher frequency of non-union and delayed union than plating group. Conclusion: In treatment of distal tibia fractures, two methods showed appropriate results. Therefore, thorough investigation of the types of fracture, state of soft tissues, and advantages and disadvantages of the two methods should be conducted in the treatment of distal tibia fractures.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.80-85
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• 2008

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the outcome between interlocking IM nailing and LCP fixation in the treatment of distal metaphyseal tibial fracture. Materials and Methods: From January 2000 to December 2007, 17 patient were treated by interlocking IM nail and 13 patient were treated by LCP fixation for distal metaphyseal tibial fracture. Results: According to AO classification, there were 2 type A1 fracture (12%), 6 type A2 fracture (36%), 3 type A3 fracture (18%), 4 type B1 fracture (24%), 1 type B3 fracture (6%), 1 type C1 fracture (6%) in interlocking IM nailing group and 1 type A2 fracture (7.7%), 2 type A3 fracture (15.4%), 3 type B1 fracture (23%), 3 type B2 fracture (23%), 3 type C1 fracture (23%), 1 type C2 fracture (7.7%) in LCP fixation group. The clinical functional outcome (according to AOFAS score) is 75.6 point in IM nailing group and 81.5 point in LCP fixation group. In IM nailing group, 65% of patient showed satisfactory result and In LCP fixation group, 77% of patient showed satisfactory result. Conclusion: There is no difference on clinical results between IM nailing and MIPPO (minimal invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis) group in the treatment of distal tibia fracture. But MIPPO group have higher subjective satisfactory score and less complication rate. The weakness of our study is a small case number and limited follow-up and we believe a better designed prospective study will be needed.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 1998

Recently, a variety of arthroscopic techniques have been reported for the treatment of the displaced tibial eminence fracture. The purpose of this study was to describe details of arthroscopic technique using pull-out wire and to evaluate the results. Eleven patients with irreducible type II and type III tibial eminence fractures underwent the arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation using double strand pull-out wiring. The anterior cruciate ligament tibial drill guide was utilized for the reduction of fracture and passage of the guide pins. The tibial eminence fracture was firmly fixed with double strand 26-gauge pull-out wire(0.45mm diameter). Fracture union was achieved at 7.2 weeks (range, six to eight weeks) after operation. All cases were united at the last follow-up. Subjectively, nine patients had no pain and no restriction of daily activities. Two patients with combined injuries had limitation of knee motion(10 to 130 degrees, respectively) and one patient showed mild anterior laxity. Early rehabilitation was enabled without loss of reduction and breakage of pull-out wire. The arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation using pull-out wire showed good results including early rehabilitation, early fracture union, minimal morbidity, and no requirement of the second operation for hard ware removal.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.146-150
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• 2010

Purpose: Pilon fracture has several serious complications such as joint stiffness, arthrosis and delayed angular deformity. We report short-term results of new treatment modality using distracted dynamic external fixators and early controlled ankle motion. Materials and Methods: Eight cases of severe pilon fractures for which we tried small plate fixation and additional distracted dynamic external fixators from July 2007 to June 2009 were included. Half passive continuous ankle joint motion was allowed under free hinged ring fixators after the operation. The external fixators were removed after two or three months from the surgery. We investigated joint space by radiograph, joint pain, range of motion, patient's satisfaction of treatment protocol. Results: Joints were distracted when external fixators were applied and mean 28% of space loss developed after removal of external fixators. In most of cases, satisfactory alignments were maintained. Regarding range of joint motion, mean dorsiflexion angle was 15 degrees and mean plantarflexion angle was 32 degree in the condition of wearing external fixators. There was mean 8% reduction of range of motion but no further progression of ankle stiffness after removal of external fixators. Dorsiflexion was not improved after that, but plantarflexion angle was improved 10% even after removal of external fixators. Patients were generally in compliance with the treatment protocols with high level of satisfaction. Conclusion: We got good results with distracted dynamic external fixators and early continuous half-passive joint motion for pilon fractures in terms of joint pain and range of motion. Therefore we suggest this new protocol as an alternative modality for severe pilon fractures.