• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.37-41
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of internal transport using Ilizarov apparatus with free flap surgery for infected tibial nonunion. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 8 patients of infected tibial nonunion treated with internal transport using Ilizarov apparatus and free flap surgery. Seven of eight patients were available for at least 1 year follow-up. All patients were male. The mean age at the time of the surgery was All fractures were Gustilo's type III B open fracture. The mean length of the bone defect was 8.5 cm. All used flaps for covering the soft tissue defect were free rectus abdominis muscle flap. We evaluated bone and functional results with use of the Paley and Catagni's classification. And we classified the complication with use of the Paley's classification. Results: Acceptable length and solid union of bone was achieved in all cases. The mean size of the bone length was 7.2 cm. The mean healing index was 69.5 days/cm. All but one case needed bone graft at docking site. All flaps were survived. There was no recurrence of infection. According to Paley and Catagni's classification, all cases showed excellent or good results. Complications were pin tract infection in 3 cases, persistent pain in 2 cases and limitation of joint motion in 2 cases. Conclusion: Simultaneous free-tissue transfer and Ilizarov distraction osteogenesis was thought to be an attractive treatment modality for infected nonunion of the tibia.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.367-375
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• 2012

Background The anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap has become a popular option for treating soft tissue defects of lower extremity reconstruction and can be combined with a segment of the vastus lateralis muscle. We present a comparison of the use of the ALT fasciocutaneous (ALT-FC) and myocutaneous flaps. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients in whom free-tissue transfer was performed between 2005 and 2011 for the reconstruction of lower extremity soft-tissue defects. Twenty-four patients were divided into two groups: reconstruction using an ALT-FC flap (12 cases) and reconstruction using a vastus lateralis myocutaneous (VL-MC) flap (12 cases). Postoperative complications, functional results, cosmetic results, and donor-site morbidities were studied. Results Complete flap survival was 100% in both groups. A flap complication was noted in one case (marginal dehiscence) of the ALT-FC group, and no complications were noted in the VL-MC group. In both groups, one case of partial skin graft loss occurred at the donor site, and debulking surgeries were needed for two cases. There were no significant differences in the mean scores for either functional or cosmetic outcomes in either group. Conclusions The VL-MC flap is able to fill occasional dead space and has comparable survival rates to ALT-FC with minimal donor-site morbidity. Additionally, the VL-MC flap is easily elevated without myocutaneous perforator injury.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.329-332
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• 2021

Calcific myonecrosis is a rare condition in which hypoperfusion due to compartment syndrome causes soft tissue and muscle to become calcified. As calcific myonecrosis gradually deteriorates, secretions steadily accumulate inside the affected area, forming a cavity that is vulnerable to infection. Most such cases progress to chronic wounds that are unlikely to heal spontaneously. After removing the calcified tissue, the wound can be treated by primary closure, flap coverage, or a skin graft. In this case, a 72-year-old man had extensive calcific myonecrosis on his left lower leg, and experienced swelling and increasing tenderness. After removing the muscle calcification, we combined two anterolateral thigh free flaps, which were harvested from the patient's right and left thigh, respectively, to reconstruct the wound with a dead-space filler and skin-defect cover at the same time. The patient recovered without revision surgery or major complications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.29-33
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• 2022

The application of minimal invasive mastectomy has allowed surgeons to perform nipples-paring mastectomy via a shorter, inconspicuous incision under clear vision and with more precise hemostasis. However, it poses new challenges in microsurgical breast reconstruction, such as vascular anastomosis and flap insetting, which are considerably more difficult to perform through the shorter incision on the lateral breast border. We propose an innovative technique of transcutaneous medial fixation sutures to help in flap insetting and creating and maintaining the medial breast border. The sutures are placed after mastectomy and before flap transfer. Three 4-0 nylon suture loops are placed transcutaneously and into the pocket at the markings of the preferred lower medial border of the reconstructed breast. After microvascular anastomosis and temporary shaping of the flap on top of the mastectomy skin, the three corresponding points for the sutures are identified. The three nylon loops are then sutured to the dermis of the corresponding medial point of the flap. The flap is placed into the pocket by a simultaneous gentle pull on the three sutures and a combined lateral push. The stitches are then tied and buried after completion of flap inset.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.25-30
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• 2012

Background : The soft palate functions as a valve and helps generate the oral pressure required for normal speech resonance. Speech problems and nasal regurgitation can result from a soft palatal defect. Reduction of the size of the velopharyngeal orifice is required to compensate for the lack of mobility in a reconstructed soft palate. We suggest a large volume folded free flap for reduction of the caliber and a palmaris longus tendon sling for suspension of the reconstructed palate. Methods : Six patients had total soft palate resection for tonsillar cancer and reconstruction with a large volume folded radial forearm free flap combined with a palmaris longus sling. A single surgeon and speech therapist examined the patients with three standardized speech assessment tools: nasometer test, consonant articulation test, and speech acuity test performed for speech evaluation. Results : Mean nasalance score was 76.20% for sentences with nasal sounds and 43.60% for sentences with oral sounds. Hypernasality was seen for oral sound sentences. The mean score of the picture consonant articulation test was 84% (range, 63% to 100%). The mean score of the speech acuity test was 5.84 (range, 5 to 6). These mean ratings represent a satisfactory level of speech function. Conclusions : The large volume folded free flap with a palmaris longus tendon sling for total soft palate reconstruction resulted in satisfactory prognosis for speech despite moderate hypernasality.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.56-61
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• 2000

Recommendable reconstructive surgery in the patient with thumb amputation through base of the first metacarpal bone is pollicization. Some patients who do not agree with harvest sound finger as a new thumb, we can consider other options as toe transplantation or osteoplastic thumb reconstruction for creating thumb. Toe transplantation to the thumb is effective procedure in the amputation of distal to metacarpal shaft, it is rarely indicated in the cases of proximal to base of the first metacarpal bone. We performed three cases of modified osteoplastic thumb reconstruction with free vascularized rib that combined with scapular free flap or radial forearm flap. The length of transplanted rib ranged from 7~11cm, the donor vessels are posterior intercostal artery and vein which anastomosed to radial artery. The grafted rib wrapped with additional free flap for creating new thumb. Result of that procedure was not much encouraging, aesthetic appearance and mobility of thumb were not so satisfactory but reconstructed thumb gave improvement of the hand function without sacrificing toe or other digit. That gave reasonable stability for powerful side pinch and three pod pinch and opposable thumb with normal carpo-metacarpal joint motion that can give much function to the thumb absent hand. In spite of those disadvantages, thumb reconstruction with rib transfer can be useful for patients who do not want to lose another part of the body for creating thumb in basal amputation of the thumb metacarpal.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.427-431
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• 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe a simple, convenient, and reliable new technique using local full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) for skin coverage of a donor-site defect of the radial forearm free flap (RFFF). Patients and Methods: Between April 2016 and April 2021, five patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma underwent mass resection combined with RFFF reconstruction. After RFFF harvesting, donor-site defects were restored by proportional local FTSG. Results: The donor-site defects ranged in size from 24 to 41.25 cm², with a mean of 33.05 cm². Good or acceptable esthetic outcomes were obtained in all five patients. There was no dehiscence, skin necrosis, wound infection, or severe scarring at the graft site through the end of the postoperative follow-up period, and no patient had any specific functional complaint. Conclusion: The proportional local FTSG showed promising results for skin coverage of the donor-site defect of the RFFF. This technique could decrease the need for skin grafts from other sites.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.105-108
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• 2006

Open calcaneal fractures are potentially devastating hindfoot injuries, in which the status of soft tissue envelope is very important. The reversed adipofascial flap has a merit of simplicity and minimal complication compared to free tissue transfer. We report of a case of open calcaneal fracture with soft tissue defect of hindfoot, which was successfully treated with reversed adipofascial flap.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 2010

Purpose: Anatomically, the foot is provided with insufficient blood supply and is relatively vulnerable to venous congestion compared to other parts of the body. Soft tissue defects are more difficult to manage and palliative treatments can cause hyperkeratosis or ulcer formation, which subsequently requires repeated surgeries. For weight bearing area such as the heel, not only is it important to provide wound coverage but also to restore the protective senses. In these cases, application of flaps for hind foot reconstruction is widely recognized as an effective treatment. In this study, we report the cases of soft tissue reconstruction for which various types of flaps were used to produce good results in both functional and cosmetic aspects. Methods: Data from 37 cases of hind foot operation utilizing flaps performed between from June 2000 to June 2008 were analyzed. Results: Burn related factors were the most common cause of defects, accounting for 19 cases. In addition, chronic ulceration was responsible for 8 cases and so forth. Types of flaps used for the operations, listed in descending order are radial forearm free flap (18), medial plantar island flap (6), rotation flap (5), sural island flap (3), anterolateral thigh free flap (2), lattisimus dorsi muscular flap (2), and contra lateral medial plantar free flap (1). 37 cases were successful, but 8 cases required skin graft due to partial necrosis in small areas. Conclusion : Hind foot reconstruction surgeries that utilize flaps are advantageous in protecting the internal structure, restoring functions, and achieving proper contour aesthetically. Generally, medial plantar skin is preferred because of the anatomical characteristics of the foot (e.g. fibrous septa, soft tissue for cushion). However alternative methods must be applied for defects larger than medial plantar skin and cases in which injuries exist in the flap donor / recipient site (scars in the vicinity of the wound, combined vascular injury). We used various types of flaps including radial forearm neurosensory free flap in order to reconstruct hind foot defects, and report good results in both functional and cosmetic aspects.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.216-223
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• 2021

Preoperative patient analysis for oral cancer involves multiple considerations that are based on multiple factors; these include TNM stages, histopathologic findings, and adjacent anatomical structures. Once the decision is made to excise the lesion, the margin of dissection and its extent should be considered along with the best form of reconstruction and airway management. Treatment methods include surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Although the combined method of treatment is controversial, surgical resection is considered predominantly, and immediate reconstruction after surgical resection follows. The choice of treatment is dictated by the anticipated functional and esthetic results of treatment and also by the availability of a surgeon with the required expertise. Segmental mandibulectomy with primary reconstruction has been shown to have advantages in both functional and esthetic results. A 52-year-old male patient with basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth, and the anterior portion of the mandible was treated with surgical procedures that included segmental mandibulectomy with both supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHND) at Levels I-III and mandible reconstruction with a left fibula free flap. A 55-year-old male patient with clear cell odontogenic carcinoma of the oral cavity underwent segmental mandibulectomy with both SOHND at Levels I-III and mandible reconstruction with a left fibula free flap. The purpose of this study was to review the anatomic and functional results of patients after immediate reconstruction with a fibula free flap following resection of carcinoma in the anterior portion of the mandible and floor of the mouth.