• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제35권6호
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• pp.716-722
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• 2008

Purpose: Split or full thickness skin graft is generally used to reconstruct the palmar skin and soft tissue defect after release of burn scar flexion contracture of hand. As a way to overcome and improve aesthetic and functional problems, the authors used the preserved superficial fat skin(PSFS) composite graft for correction of burn scar contracture of hand. Methods: From December of 2001 to July of 2007, thirty patients with burn scar contracture of hand were corrected. The palmar skin and soft tissue defect after release of burn scar contracture was reconstructed with the PSFS composite graft harvested from medial foot or below lateral and medial malleolus, with a preserved superficial fat layer. To promote take of the PSFS composite graft, a foam and polyurethane film dressing was used to maintain the moisture environment and Kirschner wire was inserted for immobilization. Before and after the surgery, a range of motion was measured by graduator. Using a chromameter, skin color difference between the PSFS composite graft and surrounding normal skin was measured and compared with full thickness skin graft from groin. Results: In all cases, the PSFS composite graft was well taken without necrosis, although the graft was as big as $330mm^2$(mean $150mm^2$). Contracture of hand was completely corrected without recurrence. The PSFS composite graft showed more correlations and harmonies with surrounding normal skin and less pigmentation than full thickness skin graft. Donor site scar was also obscure. Conclusion: The PSFS composite graft should be considered as a useful option for correction of burn scar flexion contracture of hand.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제35권5호
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• pp.521-526
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• 2008

Purpose: Most burn scar contractures are curable with skin grafts, but free flaps may be needed in some cases. Due to the adjacent tissue scarring, local flap is rarely used, and thus we may consider free flap which gives us more options than local flap. However, inappropriate performance of free flap may lead to unsatisfactory results despite technical complexity and enormous amount of effort. The author will discuss the points we should consider when using free flaps in treating burn scar contractures Methods: We surveyed patients who underwent free flaps to correct burn scar contractures from 2000 to 2007. We divided patients into two groups. The first group was those in which free flaps were inevitable due to exposure of deep structures such as bones and tendons. The second group was those in which free flap was used to minimize scar contracture and to achieve aesthetic result. Results: We performed 44 free flap on 42 patients. All of the flaps were taken well except one case of partial necrosis and wound dehiscence. Forearm free flap was the most common with 21 cases. Most of the cases(28 cases) in which free flaps were inevitable were on the wrist and lower limbs. These were cases of soft tissue defect due to wide and extensive burns. Free flaps were done in 16 cases to minimize scar contracture and to obtain aesthetic outcome, recipient sites were mostly face and upper extremities. Conclusion: When using free flaps for correction of burn scar contractures, proper release and full resurfacing of the contracture should be carried out in advance. If inadequate free flap is performed, secondary correction is more challenging than in skin grafts. In order to optimize the result of reconstruction, flap thickness, size and scar of the recipient site should be considered, then we can achieve natural shape, and minimize additional correction.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.57-59
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• 2012

The scars and contracture around the oral-facial region may cause difficulty in prosthodontic treatment to restore esthetics and function for the patients, who suffered severe burns. This article presents a technique that uses a fixed partial denture prepared with a conventional milling technique and an attachment to support anterior cantilever removable partial denture, thereby providing a more esthetically acceptable and functional result.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.80-87
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• 2000

Acute high speed accidents that results in full thickness skin defect and exposure of tendon, nerve, vessel and periosteum over denuded bone demands soft tissue coverage. Exposed bone often ensues chronic infection and requires free flap transplantation which surely covers defects in one stage operation and enhances transport of oxygen-rich blood and converts a non-osteogenic or partially osteogenic site into a highly osteogenic site, but exposed bone which had performed free flap transplantation sometimes necroses and needs secondary bone procedure. Scar contracture limits joint motion should be excised and covered with normal soft tissue to restore normal range of motion. Authors have performed the large latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap in 8 cases of extensive soft tissue defect and exposed bone lesion in the leg and 1 case of the flap was failed. The secondary ilizarov bone procedure was performed in 3 of 8 cases. 2 cases of large burn scar contracture and 1 case of posttraumatic scar contracture in lower extremity were restored with the large latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap. Authors concluded that large latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap is the most acceptable microvascular procedure in large soft tissue defect combined with exposed periosteum and bone requiring secondary bone procedure and in large burn scar contracture limiting knee joint motion.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.83-86
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• 2010

Purpose: Authors present the case of 2 patients who underwent extended Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to reconstruct postburn breast deformity. Methods: A 39-year-old woman and 18-year-old woman with postburn breast deformity visited for reconstruction. The nipples were preserved but normal breast development did not occur due to scar contracture. Burn scar contracture was released by excision of the restricting burn scar and breast mound was reconstructed with extended Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. Additional contracture release with multiple z-plasty was performed at the axillae and medial portion of breast. Results: Postburn breast reconstruction using Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap showed natural shaped breast mound and inframammary fold. There was no significant complication in both cases. Conclusion: Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap provide sufficient skin and soft tissue and it could be an effective method for reconstruction of postburn breast deformity.

• 대한화상학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.25-29
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• 2020

This paper presents our clinical experiences for reconstruction of the linear depressed postburn scar band by rhombus subcutaneous pedicle skin flap (RSPF). We report new RSPF, it's versatility, and effectiveness for correction of the mild to moderate linear depressed postburn scar band. To correct the postburn scar band, we have newly designed the Rhombus Subcutaneous Pedicle Skin Flap (RSPF), which is made as rhombus-shaped skin flap on the inside of scar band. After excision of burn scar band, the each vertex of RSPF flap is advanced into the skin defects at apex of extended skin incision, which is starting from the upper and lower portion of the removed burn scar band at a near right angle. This flap can add more extra skin to adjacent superior and inferior area of excised scar band. We have experienced 2 cases of RSPF for reconstruction of linear depressed postburn scar band deformities in lower extremity. After 3 weeks to 3 months postoperative follow ups, relatively satisfactory results were obtained in all cases. We had successfully reconstructed the linear depressed postburn scar postburn band of lower extremity using the rhombus subcutaneous pedicle skin flap. For the correction of mild to moderate sized linear depressed postburn scar band deformities in extremity, the RSPF is simple, and very effective without donor morbidity.

• 대한화상학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.74-76
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• 2021

Postburn scar contracture of sole can cause musculoskeletal deformity, restricted range of motion, and decreased quality of life. It is very important to exhibit similar characteristics of the sole when reconstructing the sole because it has to resist shearing force and weight bearing. In this case, we performed medialis pedis free flap for the postburn scar contracture of the sole and the flap survived without complication. The patient satisfied with functional and aesthetic outcomes. Medialis pedis free flap, which is harvested adjacent to the sole, can show similar characteristic of the sole and maintain adequate contour. Moreover, this flap can be harvested without sacrifice of major vessel or nerve. Due to these advantages, medialis pedis free flap can be an ideal option for the reconstruction of the sole.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.126-129
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• 2024

The square flap method has been successful in releasing contracture bands at various body regions. However, the original square flap method alone may not be efficient in releasing long contracture bands. We, therefore, proposed an extended design to the traditional design, which is called the "square-plus flap." A 4-year-old girl presented with a postburn web-like contracture band over the right axilla. We marked a square flap technique at the center of the contracture band and then two additional Z-plasties were placed on both edges of the flap. After the release and securing of the square flap, the adjacent distal Z-plasty was then transposed and sutured in their new locations. We do not need to incise the proximal Z-plasty as we could achieve complete relaxation of the contracture band. This novel modification can be added to the plastic surgeon's armamentarium for releasing long postburn contracture bands involving distinct body regions.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.432-436
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• 2009

Purpose: Negative pressure therapy has been used in various conditions to promote wound healing. It has also been used to secure a skin graft by improving microcirculation and improving tight adhesion between the graft and the recipient bed. To reduce post burn scar contracture and improve aesthetical result, many types of dermal substitutes have been invented and used widely. The goal of this study was evaluate usefulness of the VAC (Kinetic concepts Inc., San Antonio, TX) in improving the take rate and time to incorporation of Integra$^{(R)}$ in reconstruction of burn scar contracture. Methods: A retrospective study was performed from October, 2006 to December, 2008. The VAC was utilized for 11 patients. The average patient's age was 19.7 years (range 5 - 27) and average surface area was $785cm^2$ (range 24 - 1600). The burn scars were excised deep into normal subcutaneous tissue to achieve complete release of the scar, Integra$^{(R)}$ was sutured in place with skin staple와 Steri - strip$^{(R)}$. Then slit incisions were made on silicone sheet only with No.11 blade for effective drainage. The VAC was used as a bolster dressing over Integra$^{(R)}$. Negative - Pressure ranging from 100 to 125 mm Hg was applied to black polyurethane foam sponge trimmed to the appropriate wound size. An occlusive seal over the black polyurethane foam sponge was maintained by a combination of the occlusive dressing, OP - site$^{(R)}$. The VAC dressing changes were performed every 3 or 4 days until adequate incorporation was obtained. The neodermis appeared slightly yellow to orange color. When the Integra$^{(R)}$ deemed clinically incorporated, The VAC was removed and take was estimated with visual inspection. Very thin STSG(0.006 ~ 0.008 inches) was performed after silicone sheet removal. Result: The mean time for clinically assessed incorporation of Integra$^{(R)}$ was 10.00 days (range 9 - 12). The mean dressing change was 3.5 times until take was obtained. In All patients, Integra$^{(R)}$ had successful incorporation in tissue without serious complications. Conclusion: Integra$^{(R)}$ in combination with Vacuum - Assisted Closure(VAC) may be incorporated earlier than conventional dressing method.

• 대한화상학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.46-49
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• 2021

An anatomically normal first web space is essential for optimal prehensile movements of the thumb and hand. A 28-year-old woman presented with severe scarring and contractures of the first web space of both hands, following a flame burn injury sustained 25 years prior to presentation. First web space contracture may occur secondary to severe injuries, burns (as observed in our patient), or congenital hand anomalies. A significant amount of additional skin is required to release a severe first web space contracture. Reconstruction of wide areas of contractures using only local flaps is challenging. Among other free flaps used in clinical practice, the thinned lateral arm free flap provides flexible vascularized tissue for reconstruction of the skin after severe first web space contracture release. Reconstruction using lateral arm free flaps facilitated thumb abduction and opposition (which were initially difficult) and improved hand function in our patient.