• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.1
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• pp.103-114
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• 2024

Objective : Decompressive craniectomy (DC) with duroplasty is one of the common surgical treatments for life-threatening increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Once ICP is controlled, cranioplasty (CP) with reinsertion of the cryopreserved autologous bone flap or a synthetic implant is considered for protection and esthetics. Although with the risk of autologous bone flap resorption (BFR), cryopreserved autologous bone flap for CP is one of the important material due to its cost effectiveness. In this article, we performed conventional statistical analysis and the machine learning technique understand the risk factors for BFR. Methods : Patients aged >18 years who underwent autologous bone CP between January 2015 and December 2021 were reviewed. Demographic data, medical records, and volumetric measurements of the autologous bone flap volume from 94 patients were collected. BFR was defined with absolute quantitative method (BFR-A) and relative quantitative method (BFR%). Conventional statistical analysis and random forest with hyper-ensemble approach (RF with HEA) was performed. And overlapped partial dependence plots (PDP) were generated. Results : Conventional statistical analysis showed that only the initial autologous bone flap volume was statistically significant on BFR-A. RF with HEA showed that the initial autologous bone flap volume, interval between DC and CP, and bone quality were the factors with most contribution to BFR-A, while, trauma, bone quality, and initial autologous bone flap volume were the factors with most contribution to BFR%. Overlapped PDPs of the initial autologous bone flap volume on the BRF-A crossed at approximately 60 mL, and a relatively clear separation was found between the non-BFR and BFR groups. Therefore, the initial autologous bone flap of over 60 mL could be a possible risk factor for BFR. Conclusion : From the present study, BFR in patients who underwent CP with autologous bone flap might be inevitable. However, the degree of BFR may differ from one to another. Therefore, considering artificial bone flaps as implants for patients with large DC could be reasonable. Still, the risk factors for BFR are not clearly understood. Therefore, chronological analysis and pathophysiologic studies are needed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.6
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• pp.749-754
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• 2017

Objective : To quantitatively measure the degree of bone flap resorption (BFR) following autologous bone cranioplasty and to investigate factors associated with BFR. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed 29 patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy and subsequent autologous bone cranioplasty between April 2005 and October 2014. BFR was defined as : 1) decrement ratio ([the ratio of initial BF size/craniectomy size]-[the ratio of last BF/craniectomy size]) >0.1; and 2) bone flap thinning or geometrical irregularity of bone flap shape on computed tomographic scan or skull plain X-ray. The minimal interval between craniectomy and cranioplasty was one month and the minimal follow-up period was one year. Clinical factors were compared between the BFR and no-BFR groups. Results : The time interval between craniectomy and cranioplasty was $175.7{\pm}258.2$ days and the mean period of follow up was $1364{\pm}886.8$ days. Among the 29 patients (mean age 48.1 years, male : female ratio 20 : 9), BFR occurred in 8 patients (27.6%). In one patient, removal of the bone flap was carried out due to severe BFR. The overall rate of BFR was $0.10{\pm}0.11$ over 3.7 years. Following univariate analysis, younger age ($30.5{\pm}23.2$ vs. $54.9{\pm}13.4$) and longer follow-up period ($2204.5{\pm}897.3$ vs. $1044.1{\pm}655.1$) were significantly associated with BFR (p=0.008 and 0.003, respectively). Conclusion : The degree of BFR following autologous bone cranioplasty was 2.7%/year and was associated with younger age and longer follow-up period.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.429-436
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• 2008

Purpose: The goal of periodontal regenerative therapy is to replace bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament on a previously diseased root surface, which has suffered the loss of these supporting structures. To accomplish the regeneration, a number of surgical procedures have been advocated throughout the years. There seems to be a potential for some spontaneous periodontal tissue regeneration in the bottom of periodontal defect following open flap debridement alone. The aim of this study was to analyse the radiographic bone changes over 2-year after flap operation. Material and Methods: Patients attending the department of periodontics of Kyungpook National University Hospital were studied. Patients had clinical and radiographic evidence of infrabony defect(s). forty two sites of 33 patients aged 26 to 65 (mean age 45.5) were treated by flap operation with or without osseous surgery. Baseline and over 2-year follow-up radiographs were collected and evaluated for this study. Radiographic assessment includes a bone fill, bone crest change, defect resolution, and % of defect resolution. Pre- and post-treatment differences between variables (maxilla and mandible, gender, defect depth, defect angle) using the paired t-test were examined. Result: We observed 0.74 mm of bone fill, 0.66 mm of crestal resorption, 1.40 mm of defect resolution, and 27% of percentage of defect resolution. Mandible, women, deeper initial defect depth, narrower initial defect angle showed greater bone fill, defect resolution, and % of defect resolution. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the use of flap operation did enhance the outcome in terms of radiographically detectable bone fill. Both treatment resulted in some loss of crestal bone height.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.44-48
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• 2011

Maxillary defects are inherently complex because they generally involve more than one midfacial component. In addition, most maxillary defects are composite in nature, and often require bony support, as well as a mucosal lining for reconstruction. Therefore, midfacial bone and soft tissue defects present a unique challenge because they require a complex arrangement of tissues in a relatively limited space. This might be difficult to achieve only with free osteocutaneous flaps. The use of bone grafts allows greater flexibility in a reconstruction but is limited by graft resorption. We report a case of a patient reconstructed with a lateral arm free flap, iliac bone graft, sagital split ramus osteotomy for the reconstruction of a right maxillary defect zygomatico-maxillary defect caused by a zygomatico-maxillary malignant tumor resection.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.202-209
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• 2019

Purpose: Cranioplasty (CP) is often required for survival after decompressive craniectomy. Several materials, including autologous bone and various artificial materials, have been introduced for CP, but it remains unclear which material is best for CP. This study aimed to explore differences in complications between patients who underwent CP using an autologous bone flap versus a three-dimensional (3D) titanium mesh and to identify significant risk factors for post-CP complications. Methods: In total, 44 patients were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups (autologous bone vs. 3D titanium mesh). In both groups, various post-CP complications were evaluated. Through a comparative analysis, we aimed to identify differences in complications between the two groups and, using binary logistic analysis, to determine significant factors associated with complications after CP. Results: In the autologous bone flap group, there were three cases of surgical infection (3/24, 12.5%) and 11 cases of bone flap resorption (BFR) (11/24, 45.83%). In the 3D titanium mesh group, there was only one case of surgical infection (1/20, 5%) and 11 cases of various complications, including mainly cosmetic issues (11/20, 55%). A subgroup risk factor analysis of CP with an autologous bone flap showed no risk factors that predicted BFR with statistical significance, although a marginal association was found between larger bone flaps and BFR (odds ratio [OR]=1.037, p=0.090). In patients treated with a 3D titanium mesh, multivariate analysis revealed that only the existence of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt system was strongly associated with overall post-CP complications (OR=18.66, p=0.021). Conclusions: Depending on which material was used, different complications could occur, and the rate of complications was relatively high in both groups. Hence, the material selected for CP should be selected based on individual patients' conditions.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.81-89
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• 1994

Firstly the wrap-around free flap from the great toe was transferred successfully by Morrison and O'Brien in 1980 for reconstruction in chronic case of amputated thumb distal to the MP joint. Since then, significant bone peg resorption and grafted bone fracture have been reported in most of cases after operation. We have performed thumb reconstructions within 2 weeks after injury in 11 cases which included acute crushing injuries or failed replantation of thumb at Guro Hospital from September, 1983 to October, 1993. The results obtained from this study are as follows: 1. There were 8 males and 3 females and the mean age was 28.8 years old ranged from 3 years old to 50 years old. 2. The most common injury mechanism was machinary injury in 10 of 11 cases. 3. We have performed thumb reconstructions by using wrap-around free flap from the great toe without bone graft in 6 cases and with bone graft in 5 cases within 2 weeks after injury. 4. During 6 years and 1 month mean follow-up period, there were bone resorptions in 3, grafted bone fracture in 1, infections in 2 and soft tissue necrosis in 3 cases. 5. We obtained satisfactable results in respect of function and cosmesis and urged to use this flap for reconstruction in acute thumb injury.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.390-396
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• 2012

Background The radial forearm osteocutaneous free flap is considered to be the standard technique for penile construction. One year after their operation, most patients experience a softened phallus, so that they suffer from difficulties in sexual intercourse. In this report, we present our experience with phalloplasty by radial forearm osteocutaneous free flap, as well as an evaluation of the etiology and treatment of the softened phallus. Methods Between March 2005 and February 2010, 58 patients underwent phalloplasty by radial forearm osteocutaneous free flap. Most of their neophallus had been softened subjectively and among them, 12 patients who wanted correction were investigated. We performed repetitive fat injection, artificial dermis grafting, silicone rod insertion, and rib bone with cartilaginous tip graft. Physical examination, plain radiograph, computed tomography, bone scintigraphy, and satisfaction scores were investigated. Results Most of the participants' penises have been softened after phalloplasty, and the skin elasticity had been also decreased. On plain radiograph, the distal end of the bone was self-rounded; however, the bone shape of the neophallus had no significant interval changes or resorption. Computed tomography showed equivocal density of cortical bone. On bone scintigraphy, the bone metabolism was active at 3 months postoperatively, and remained active 9 years postoperatively. Conclusions The use of a rib bone with cartilaginous tip graft could be an option for improvement of the softened phallus. Silicon rod insertion is also worth considering for rigidity of the softened phallus. Decreased rigidity due to soft tissue atrophy could be alleviated with repeated fat injection and artificial dermis grafting.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.153-159
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• 2013

Purpose: The level of the implant above the marginal bone and flap design have an effect on the bone resorption during the healing period. The aim of this study is to detect the relationship between the level of the implant at the implant placement and the bone level at the healing period in the mesial and distal side of implants placed with flapless (FL) and full-thickness flap (FT) methods. Methods: Twenty-two nonsubmerged implants were placed with the FL and FT technique. Periapical radiographs were taken of the patient at implant placement, and at 6 and 12 weeks. By using computer software, bone level measurements were taken from the shoulder of the healing cap to the first bone implant contact in the mesial and distal side of the implant surface. Results: At 6 weeks, the correlation between the crestal bone level at the implant placement and crestal bone level of the FT mesially was significant (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.675, P<0.023). At 12 weeks, in the FT mesially, the correlation was nonsignificant (Spearman correlation coefficient=0.297, P<0.346). At 6 weeks in the FT distally, the correlation was nonsignificant (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.512, P<0.107). At 12 weeks in the FT distally, the correlation was significant (Spearman correlation coefficient=0.730, P<0.011). At 6 weeks in the FL mesially, the correlation was nonsignificant (Spearman correlation coefficient=0.083, P<0.809). At 12 weeks in the FL mesially, the correlation was nonsignificant (Spearman correlation coefficient= 0.062, P<0.856). At 6 weeks in the FL distally, the correlation was nonsignificant (Spearman correlation coefficient=0.197, P<0.562). At 12 weeks in the FL distally, the correlation was significant (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.692, P<0.018). Conclusions: A larger sample size is recommended to verify the conclusions in this preliminary study. The bone level during the healing period in the FT was more positively correlated with the implant level at implant placement than in the FL.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.422-441
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• 1993

The purpose of this study was to compare effects of the bioceramics on healing processes of the alveolar bone defects in dogs. Five adult dogs aged 1 to 2 years were used in this study. Experimental alveolar bone defects were created surgically with a #1/2 round bur at the furcation area of the buccal surface of the mandibular 3rd, 4th premolars and 1st molar. Fifteen experimental alveolar bone defects were devided into three groups according to the type of graft materials. The groups were as follows : 1) flap operation with dense hydroxyapatite( DHA group ) 2) flap operation with porous hydroxyapatite( PHA group ) 3) flap operation with natural coral ( NC group ) At 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks, dogs were serially sacrificed and specimens were prepared with Hematoxylin-Eosin stain and Mallory stain for light microscopic evaluation. The results of this study were as follows : 1. In every group, inflammatory cell infiltrations were seen at 1st weeks due to surgical trauma, however inflammatory response owing to graft materials were not seen. 2. In every group, the appearance of connective tissue around graft materials was loosely formed at the initial stages, however the connective tissue was densely formed at 2 weeks. 3. The presence of osteocytes were observed at 2 weeks in the natural coral group, however the osteocytes were appeared at 6weeks in the dense hydroxyapatite group. 4. A new bone was formed from the base and walls of the defect and gradually expanded toward the graft materials. 5. A resorption of the natural coral occurred irregularly at the periphery of the material, therefore the size and shape of the natural coral were reduced at 6 weeks. 6. At 12 weeks, the porous hydroxyapatite and natural coral were surrounded by newly formed bone most completely, however dense hydroxyapatite was surrounded by newly formed bone in part.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.4
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• pp.397-403
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• 2017

Objective : Cranioplasty using a cryopreserved skull flap is a wide spread practice. The most well-known complications of cranioplasty are postoperative surgical infections and bone flap resorption. In order to find biological evidence of cryopreserved cranioplasty, we investigated microorganism contamination of cryopreserved skulls and cultured osteoblasts from cryopreserved skulls. Methods : Cryopreserved skull flaps of expired patients stored in a bone bank were used. Cryopreserved skulls were packaged in a plastic bag and wrapped with cotton cloth twice. After being crushed by a hammer, cancellous bone between the inner and outer table was obtained. The cancellous bone chips were thawed in a water bath of $30^{\circ}C$ rapidly. After this, osteoblast culture and general microorganism culture were executed. Osteoblast cultures were done for 3 weeks. Microorganism cultures were done for 72 hours. Results : A total of 47 cryopreserved skull flaps obtained from craniectomy was enrolled. Of the sample, 11 people were women, and the average age of patients was 55.8 years. Twenty four people had traumatic brain injuries, and 23 people had vascular diseases. Among the patients with traumatic brain injuries, two had fracture compound comminuted depressed. The duration of cryopreservation was, on average, 83.2 months (9 to 161 months). No cultured osteoblast was observed. No microorganisms were cultured. Conclusion : In this study, neither microorganisms nor osteoblasts were cultured. The biological validity of cryopreserved skulls cranioplasty was considered low. However, the usage of cryopreserved skulls for cranioplasty is worthy of further investigation in the aspect of cost-effectiveness and risk-benefit of post-cranioplasty infection.