• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.70-75
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• 2014

Purpose: Soft-tissue reconstruction in the knee area requires thin, pliable, and tough skin. The range of motion of the knee also acts as a limitation in using only local flaps for coverage. The author has successfully used various perforator flaps for soft tissue reconstruction around the knee while preserving its functional and cosmetic characteristics. Materials and Methods: Out of the twenty patients assessed from April 2009 to March 2011, seven received anterolateral thigh perforator flaps, four received medial sural perforator island flaps, four received lateral supragenicular perforaor perforator flaps, and five received medial genicular artery flaps. The age of the patients ranged from 44 to 79 and the size of the defects ranged from $4{\times}5cm$ to $17{\times}11cm$. Fifteen of the twenty patients had histories of total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. Results: There were no flap losses in any of the twenty patients assessed. Two patients showed partial losses in the distal area of the flap, but were treated through careful wound care. One patient presented with pedicle adhesion at the drainage site from a past TKR, but it did not hinder the flap survival. Primary closure at the donor site was possible in nine patients, while split skin graft was necessary for the other 13. Conclusion: In soft tissue reconstruction of the knee, various perforator flaps can be used depending on the condition of the preoperation scar, wound site, and size. It also proved to provide better functional and cosmetic results than in primary wound closure or skin grafts.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.438-445
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• 2016

Background The goal of reconstruction is to provide coverage of exposed vital structures with well-vascularized tissue for optimal restoration of form and function. Here, we present our clinical experience with the use of the scapular fascial free flap to correct facial asymmetry and to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the extremities. Methods We used a scapular fascial free flap in 12 cases for soft tissue coverage of the extremities or facial soft tissue augmentation. Results The flaps ranged in size from $3{\times}12$ to $13{\times}23$ cm. No cases of total loss of the flap occurred. Partial loss of the flap occurred in 1 patient, who was treated with a turnover flap using the adjacent scapular fascial flap and a skin graft. Partial loss of the skin graft occurred in 4 patients due to infection or hematoma beneath the graft, and these patients underwent another skin graft. Four cases of seroma at the donor site occurred, and these cases were treated with conservative management or capsulectomy and quilting sutures. Conclusions The scapular fascial free flap has many advantages, including a durable surface for restoration of form and contours, a large size with a constant pedicle, adequate surface for tendon gliding, and minimal donor-site scarring. We conclude that despite the occurrence of a small number of complications, the scapular fascial free flap should be considered to be a viable option for soft tissue coverage of the extremities and facial soft tissue augmentation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.564-569
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• 2013

Background Scalp defects may be caused by various etiological factors, and they represent a significant surgical and aesthetic concern. Various surgical techniques can be applied for reconstructive work such as primary closure, skin grafting, pedicled or free flaps. In this article, the authors share their clinical experience with scalp operations using the technique of local flaps and discuss the application of this method from the perspective of not only the size of the defect, but also in relation to the anatomical area, quality of surrounding tissue, and patient's condition. Methods During the period from December 2007 to December 2012, 13 patients with various scalp defects, aged 11 to 86 years, underwent reconstruction with local pedicle flaps. The indications were based on the patients' condition (age, sex, quality of surrounding tissue, and comorbidities) and wound parameters. Depending on the size of the defects, they were classified into three groups as follows: large, 20 to 50 $cm^2$; very large, 50 to 100 $cm^2$; extremely large, 100 $cm^2$. The location was defined as peripheral (frontal, temporal, occipital), central, or combined (more than one area). We performed reconstruction with 11 single transposition flaps and 1 bipedicle with a skin graft on the donor area, and 2 advancement flaps in 1 patient. Results In all of the patients, complete tissue coverage was achieved. The recovery was relatively quick, without hematoma, seroma, or infections. The flaps survived entirely. Conclusions Local flaps are widely used in scalp reconstruction since they provide healthy, stable, hair-bearing tissue and require a short healing time for the patients.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.82-86
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• 2008

Purpose: Soft tissue defect can occur on the posterior aspect of the elbow after trauma or fracture fixation. To cover the defect and maintain elbow functions, various flap surgeries including latissimus dorsi muscle flap, lateral arm flap and radial forearm flap can be performed. We present the clinical results of transposition lateral arm flap for coverage of the elbow defect and discuss the cause of posterior soft tissue necrosis after fracture fixation. Materials and Methods: Two patients who had posterior soft tissue defect of the elbow after open reduction of the fractures around the elbow were treated with transposition lateral arm flap. The mean size of skin defect was 20 $cm^2$. The flap was elevated with posterior radial collateral artery pedicle and transposed to the defect area. Donor defect was covered with split thickness skin graft. The elbow was immobilized for 1 week in extended position and active range of motion was permitted. Results: All two cases of transposition lateral arm flap survived without marginal necrosis. The average range of motion of the elbow was 10~115 degrees. Mayo elbow performance score was 72 and Korean DASH score was 23. Conclusion: When elbow fractures are fixed with three simultaneous plates and screws, skin necrosis can occur on the posterior aspect of the elbow around olecranon area. If the size of skin defect is relatively small, transposition lateral arm flap is very useful option for orthopaedic surgeons without microsurgical technique.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.87-93
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• 2024

This study aimed to analyze cases of anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap used for hand reconstruction with terminal perforator-to-digital artery anastomosis. Patients who underwent ALT free flap placement with terminal perforator-to-digital artery anastomosis for hand reconstruction between January 2011 and August 2021 were included. The number, length, and diameter of the perforators and veins, flap size, and operative time were investigated through a retrospective review of charts and photographs. The occurrences of arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis, arterial spasm, and flap necrosis were analyzed. In total, 50 patients were included in this study. The mean diameter and length of the perforators were 0.68 mm and 3.25 cm, respectively, and the mean number of veins anastomosed was 1.88, with a mean diameter of 0.54 mm. Complications included four cases of arterial thrombosis, one case of venous thrombosis, seven cases of partial necrosis, and one case of total flap failure. Regression analysis showed that a longer perforator was associated with arterial thrombosis whereas larger flap size and number of anastomosed veins were associated with partial necrosis (p < 0.05). The terminal perforator-to-digital artery anastomosis offers advantages in using compact free flaps with short pedicle lengths to cover small hand defects.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.616-620
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• 2011

Purpose: Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster syndrome (MRK) is second common cause of primary amenorrhea. It is a syndrome of vaginal aplasia and Mullerian duct anomaly. Vaginal aplasia varies from agenesis of whole vagina to aplasia of upper 2/3. For reconstructing vagina, various methods are introduced. Gracilis myocutaneous flap was the first attempt in that the flap is used in vaginal reconstruction. Various flap-based vaginal reconstruction methods have been introduced. Modified Singapore flap (pedicled neurovascular pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flap) is one of those methods that used posterior labial artery as pedicle, and pudendal nerve branch as sensory root. As its donor lies on inguinal crease that is easily hidden and there are benefits on sexual intercourse by early sensory recovery, authors think that modified Singapore flap is effective for young MRK syndrome patients. Methods: Eight patients underwent surgery between 2008 and 2010. The flap was designed on both groin area with external pudendal artery branch as a pedicle. All flaps were fixated in pelvic cavity with absorbable suture, and additional compression on neovaginal wall was supplied by polyvinyl alcohol sponge ($Merocel^{(R)}$). Results: All patients were successfully reconstructed without flap related complications such as congestion or partial flap loss. The average size of the flap (each side) was 69.34 $cm^2$. Polyvinyl alcohol sponge ($Merocel^{(R)}$) was inserted into neovagina for 5 days on every patient. One case of rectal laceration was occurred while making pelvic pocket by OBGY team. Other complications such as lumen narrowing, wound contracture or vaginal prolapsed were not reported during 8 months of follow up. Conclusion: Modified Singapore flap is a sensate fasciocutaneous flap that is thinner than other myocutaneous flap such as VRAM, and more durable over skin graft. Therefore this is a good choice for vaginal reconstruction in MRK syndrome. And known complications of Modified Singapore flap could be reduced with careful procedure and mild compression techniques.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.446-452
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• 2015

Background Various techniques are used for performing breast reduction. Wise-pattern and vertical scar techniques are the most commonly employed approaches. However, a vertical scar in the mid-lower breast is prominent and aesthetically less pleasant. In contrast, a semicircular horizontal approach does not leave a vertical scar in the mid breast and transverse scars can be hidden in the inframammary fold. In this paper, we describe the experiences and results of semicircular horizontal breast reductions performed by a single surgeon. Methods Between September 1996 and October 2013, our senior author used this technique in 38 cases in the US and at our institution. We used a superiorly based semicircular incision, where the upper skin paddle was pulled down to the inframammary fold with the nipple-areola complex pulled through the keyhole. Results The average total reduction per breast was 584 g, ranging from 286 to 794 g. The inferior longitudinal pedicle was used in all the cases. The average reduction of the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple was 13 cm (range, 11-15 cm). The mean decrease in the bra cup size was 1.7 cup sizes (range, a decrease of 1 to 3). We obtained very satisfactory results with a less noticeable scar, no complication such as necrosis of the nipple or the skin flap, wound infection, aseptic necrosis of the breast tissue, or wound dehiscence. One patient had a small hematoma that resolved spontaneously. Conclusions This technique is straightforward and easy to learn, and offers a safe, effective, and predictable way for treating mammary hypertrophy.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.232-237
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• 2007

Introduction: To report the result of the thigh perforator free flap for the reconstruction of the soft tissue defect of the lower extremities and usefulness of this flap. Materials and Methods: We have performed 23 cases of thigh perforator free flap to reconstruct the soft tissue defect of the lower extremities between February 2004 and July 2005. The anterior aspect of the legs were 9 cases, the ankle joints were 4 cases, the dorsal aspect of the feet were 6 cases, the sole of the feet were 4 cases as recipient sites. The anterolateral thighs were 13 cases, the anteromedial thighs were 10 cases as donor sites. The size of the flap ranged from $4{\times}5\;cm$ to $12{\times}18\;cm$. The mean flap area was $73.2\;cm^2$. The length of the pedicle ranged from 5 cm to 15 cm. Every patient except children was operated under the spinal anesthesia. Results: 21 flaps (91.3%) survived, 2 flaps (8.7%) failed. In the 21 flaps that had survived, there were partial necrosis in 4 cases, which healed without any additional operation. In the 13 anterolateral thigh perforator flaps, 9 cases survived totally, 3 cases had the partial necrosis, 1 case failed. In the 10 anteromedial thigh perforator flaps, 8 cases survived totally, 1 case had the partial necrosis, 1 case failed. Conclusion: The authors had a good result with the thigh perforator free flap and believe that this flap is a good option for the reconstruction of the soft tissue defect of the lower extremities, because this flap has a thin thickness and it is easy to dissect the vessels. Moreover the patients can be operated with supine position.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2007

With the advent of microsurgery, perforator free flap is nowadays considered the first choice for reconstruction of the extensive defect of the extremities because of their moderate thickness. Among them, anterior (anterolateral and anteromedial) thigh perforator free flaps provide the first choice for reconstruction of various soft tissue defects of the extremities with many advantage such as its large, uniform thickness, long vascular pedicle with proper vessel size and minimal donor site morbidity. But, it has still some criticism of unreliable perforators which makes us very careful in elevating the flap. Between March of 2006 and February of 2007, we treated 7 patients of soft tissue defects in the hand and lower extremities with anterior thigh perforator free flap at Hallym and DongGuk University Hospital. We performed 6 anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) and 1 anteromedial thigh perforator free flap based on the innominate branch of the LCFA. While approaching for the anterolateral thigh free flap, we happen to meet the cases which we should change into the anteromedial thigh free flap uneventfully on the operating field. In contrast to the original design of anterolateral thigh free flap, we had to harvest the anteromedial thigh perforator free flap in 1 case. All the anterior thigh perforator free flaps survived completely except 1 case of partial necrosis due to venous congestion. Donor sites were closed primarily and healed uneventfully within 2 weeks. Patients were satisfied with the functionally and aesthetically acceptable results. Although doppler sonography is strongly recommended preoperatively in planning the anterior thigh perforator free flaps, we should always remember the variation in vascular anatomy and be ready to change the flap choice from the anterolateral to anteromedial intraoperatively. we provide a review of the literature and present our series of anterior thigh perforator free flaps for reconstruction of the extremities.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.60-64
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• 2015

Objective : To present the incidence and management of dural tears and cerebrospinal fluid leakage during corrective osteotomy [Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy (PSO) or Smith-Petersen Osteotomy (SPO)] for ankylosing spondylitis with kyphotic deformity. Methods : A retrospective study was performed for ankylosing spondylitis patients with fixed sagittal imbalance, who had undergone corrective osteotomy (PSO or SPO) at lumbar level. 87 patients were included in this study. 55 patients underwent PSO, 32 patients underwent SPO. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 41.7 years (21-70 years). Of the 87 patients, 15 patients had intraoperative dural tears. Results : The overall incidence of dural tears was 17.2%. The incidence of dural tears during PSO was 20.0%, SPO was 12.5%. There was significant difference in the incidence of dural tears based on surgical procedures ( PSO vs. SPO) (p<0.05). The dural tears ranged in size from 12 to $221mm^2$. A nine of 15 patients had the relatively small dural tears, underwent direct repair via watertight closure. The remaining 6 patients had the large dural tears, consequently direct repair was impossible. The large dural tears were repaired with an on-lay graft of muscle, fascia or fat harvested from the adjacent operation site. All patients had a successful repair with no patient requiring reoperation for the cerebrospinal fluid leak. Conclusion : The overall incidence of dural tears during PSO or SPO for ankylosing spondylitis with kyphotic deformity was 17.2%. The risk factor of dural tears was complexity of surgery. All dural tears were repaired primarily using direct suture, muscle, fascia or fat graft.