• 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.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 1999

Soft tissue defect on heel area of the foot present difficult problems particularly because of anatomic property of plantar surface of the foot. There is a paucity of available local tissue in the foot for coverage. In addition to having little expandable tissue, the foot's plantar surface has a unique structure, making its replacement especially challenging. Plantar skin is attached to the underlying bone by fibrous septa, preventing shear of the soft-tissue surfaces from the underlying skeleton. Plantar surface of foot is in constant contact with the environment. Protective sensibility also would be maintained or restored in the ideal reconstruction. So the ideal flap for reconstruction of the heel should include thin, durable hairless skin with potential for reinnervation. The aim of this article is to present a clinical experience of free lateral arm neurosensory flap for reconstruction of the heel. From March 1995 to December 1997, a total 16 lateral arm free flaps were performed to soft tissue defects on the weight-bearing area of the hindfoot. we used tibial nerve as recepient nerve in 11 and calcaneal branch of tibial nerve in 5 for restoration of sensibility of flap. All cases survived completely. A static two-point discrimination of 14 to 34mm was detected in the flap. Radial nerve palsy which was caused by hematoma in donor site occured in one case, but recorverd in 3 weeks later completely. In conclusion, the lateral arm free flaps are versatile, reliable and sensible cutaneous flap and especially indicated for soft tissue defect on plantar surface of the hindfoot which are not good indications for other better-known flaps.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2019

Surgical treatment to restore stability in the ankle and hindfoot and prevent further degenerative changes may be necessary in cases in which conservative treatment has failed. Anatomical direct repair using native ligament remnants with or without reinforcement of the inferior retinaculum is the so-called gold standard operative strategy for the treatment of lateral ankle instability. Non-anatomical lateral ligament reconstruction typically involves the use of the adjacent peroneus brevis tendon and applies only those with poor-quality ligaments. On the other hand, anatomic reconstruction and anatomic repair provide better functional outcomes after the surgical treatment of chronic ankle instability patients compared to a non-anatomic reconstruction. Anatomical reconstruction using an autograft or allograft applies to patients with insufficient ligament remnants to fashion direct repair, failed previous lateral ankle repair, high body mass index, or generalized ligamentous laxity. These procedures can provide good-to-excellent short-term outcomes. Arthroscopic ligament repair is becoming increasingly popular because it is minimally invasive. Good-to-excellent clinical outcomes have been reported after short and long-term follow-up, despite the relatively large number of complications, including nerve damage, reported following the procedure. Therefore, further investigation will be needed before widespread adoption is advocated.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.810-813
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• 2015

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.149-152
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• 2004

Purpose: We assessed the clinical results of modified Brostrom procedure as a revision method after failure of a primary reconstruction. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of seven patients treated with Modified Brostrom procedure after failed lateral ankle ligament reconstruction between 1996 and 2002. Instability symptom developed average 4.7 month after the initial reconstruction surgery at other clinics. All patients had significant functional impairment before surgery and not responded to conservative protocols. Modified Brostrom procedure was applied to all patients. Results: The average follow up was 51 months (18 to 84). Seven of eight patients had clinical stability following revision reconstruction, six patients (75%) returned to their previous functional level. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scores averaged 87.5. There is no difference in active or passive range of motion of plantar flexion or dorsiflexion when compared to the contralateral ankle. However, three patients were noted to have lost some degree of inversion when compated to contralateral ankle. Two patients had osteochondral lesion and multiple spurs and had pain around the ankle that prevented their full recovery. One patient complained of persistent pain which was considered complex regional pain syndrome. Conclusion: Though the outcome of the Modified Brostrom procedure as a method of revision surgery was less satisfactory compared to the results of primary ankle reconstruction, it would be an appropriate option when concomitant abnormalities were not accompanying.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the surgical outcome of reconstruction of neglected chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with various methods including Achilles tendon allograft. Materials and Methods: Between October 2003 and November 2008, 8 consecutive neglected chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with the defect gap of more than 4 cm underwent surgical reconstruction including V-Y advancement, gastrocnemius fascial turn-down flap, flexor hallucis longus transfer and Achilles tendon allograft. There were 7 males and 1 female who were evaluated at more than 18 months after surgery. At the time of followup, all patients were assessed with regard to postoperative complications, their self-reported level of satisfaction, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scale, 10 repetitive single heel rise, single leg hopping test, and ankle range of motion. Results: The AOFAS score increased from average 71.4 (50-87) to 96.4 (86-100). All patients were able to perform 10-repetitive single heel raise and single leg hopping at the latest follow up. No patient experienced wound complications and deep infection. Six patients were rated as 'excellent' and the other two as 'good'. Conclusion: Neglected chronic Achilles tendon ruptures could be successfully treated with careful selection of the reconstruction method according to the amount of defect gap. With an extensive defect, Achilles tendon allograft can be a good option when the reconstruction is not feasible otherwise.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.157-163
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• 2021

Purpose: Xanthomatosis of the Achilles tendons is rare. In some patients, however, the lesions in the Achilles tendon need to be removed, which may be painful and disfiguring. While studies of successful surgical outcomes for the total resection and reconstruction of the Achilles tendon have been reported, reconstruction surgery has a technical challenge, and extended surgical exposures are required. This study analyzed five cases of bilateral xanthoma of the Achilles tendon, which was treated surgically using a wedge-shaped tendon-sparing approach to eliminate the need for tendon reconstruction. Materials and Methods: From July 2010 to May 2018, five patients with xanthomatosis in both Achilles tendons underwent wedge-shaped tendon preserving surgery. The average age was 49 years (range, 40-55 years), and the follow-up period was 21.4 months (range, 12-31 months). The patients consisted of three males and two females. Complications related to surgery were recorded. The outcome measures included the range of motion of the ankle joint, American Orthopaedic Foot and ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle/hindfoot score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) for overall satisfaction at the last follow-up. The availability of a single-limb heel raise and returning time to work were also measured. Results: Wound dehiscence that did not require secondary surgery was noted in one patient. At the last follow-up, the range of motion of the ankle joint was normal in all patients. The mean AOFAS ankle/hindfoot score was 91 (range, 85-96) and the VAS for the overall satisfaction ranged from 8 to 10. The average time between surgery and return to work was 27.6 days (range, 17-58 days) and all patients could perform a single-limb heel raise test. Conclusion: The tendon-sparing technique, which can preserve the anatomical functioning of the Achilles tendon, could be an excellent surgical approach because it has very promising functional and cosmetic surgical outcomes in patients with Achilles tendon xanthomatosis.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.204-208
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• 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the results of surgical reconstruction of lateral capsule-ligament complex with reinforcement by periosteal flap of distal fibula and inferior extensor retinaculum for chronic lateral ankle instability. Materials and Methods: From April 2003 to August 2006, 62 patients with chronic lateral ankle instability were operated. There were 38 males and 24 females with a mean age of 39.6 years (range, $18{\sim}61$ years). Mean follow-up period was 32 months (range, $10{\sim}48$ months). All patients were checked with preoperative ankle anteroposterior and lateral view, stress anterior drawer and varus test using Telos device. The clinical results were graded according to the VAS and AOFAS scale. Results: VAS score improved from preoperative 8.2 points to 3.1 points. There were 38 patients who were excellent (above 90 points), 18 who were good (between 76 and 90 points), 5 who were fair (between 60 and 75 points), and 1 who was poor (below 60 points) according to the AOFAS ankle and hindfoot scale. The excellent and good results amounted to 90.3%. Conclusion: Surgical reconstruction of lateral capsule-ligament complex with reinforcement by periosteal flap of distal fibula and inferior extensor retinaculum is believed to be a effective method for chronic lateral ankle instability.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.55-61
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• 2018

Chronic lateral ankle instability is a major complication of acute ankle sprains, which can cause discomfort in both daily and sports activity. In addition, it may result in degenerative changes to the ankle joint in the long term. An accurate diagnostic approach and successful treatment plan can be established based on a comprehensive understanding of the concept of functional and mechanical instability. The patients' history and correct physical examination would be the first and most important step. The hindfoot alignment, competence of the lateral ligaments, and proprioceptive function should be evaluated. Additional information can be gathered using standard and stress radiographs. In addition, concomitant pathologic conditions can be investigated by magnetic resonance imaging. Conservative rehabilitation composed of the range of motion, muscle strengthening, and proprioceptive exercise is the main treatment for functional instability and mechanical instability. Regarding the mechanical instability, surgical treatment can be considered for irresponsible patients after a sufficient period of rehabilitation. Anatomic repair (modified $Brostr{\ddot{o}}m$ operation) is regarded as the gold standard procedure. In cases with poor prognostic factors, an anatomical reconstruction or additional procedures can be chosen. For combined intra-articular pathologies, arthroscopic procedures should be conducted, and arthroscopic lateral ligament repair has recently been introduced. Regarding the postoperative management, early functional rehabilitation with short term immobilization is recommended.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2004

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify the subtypes of idiopathic osteoarthritis of the tarsometatarsal joints based on accompanying hindfoot, midfoot, or foot deformities and their corresponding surgical options and also to evaluate the overall clinical results. Materials and Methods: The study included 59 patients (67 feet) with idiopathic tarsometatarsal joint osteoarthritis. Tarsometatarsal fusion was performed for tarsometatarsal joint and accompanied secondary change was divided into subtypes and various bony reconstruction was carried out. The patients were evaluated with the AOFAS midfoot score and FFI. The average patient age was 60.2 years with 40.6 months follow-up. Fifty-four feet (80.6%) had been treated with realignment fusion. Twenty-six feet had first and second tarsometatarsal joint fusion, and 20 feet had first tarsometatarsal fusion only. Six subtypes were identified based on associated foot deformities: 1) in-situ without deformities (18%), 2) pes planovalgus (45%), 3) rockerbottom (15%), 4) cavus foot (1%), 5) hallux valgus (12%), and 6) hallux valgus with pes planovalgus or rockerbottom (9%). Plantar-medial closing-wedge resection was used in 10 feet to correct rockerbottom. For pes planovalgus, a medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy was done. Lateral column lengthening with medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy was done for severe pes planovalgus, and triple arthrodesis was done for rigid pes planovalgus. Hallux valgus was corrected with the Lapidus procedure (85.7%). Results: AOFAS midfoot scores improved from preoperative 34.1 points to postoperative 83.9 points (p<0.05). The Foot Function Index postoperatively also showed significant improvement (p<0.05), with a high satisfaction rate (86.6%). There were 29 complications, most commonly sesamoid pain. Conclusion: Idiopathic tarsometatarsal OA feet can be classified into six categories. Pes planovalgus feet should be treated with medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy, lateral column lengthening, or triple arthrodesis in addition to tarsometatarsal joint realignment fusion. Rockerbottom and hallux valgus deformities should also be addressed.