• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제37권5호
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• pp.650-658
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• 2010

Purpose: In the case of repair for far distal parts of FDP (Flexor digitorum profundus) division, the method of either pull-out suture or fixation of tendon to the distal phalanx is preferred. In this paper, the results of a modified loop suture technique used for the complete division of FDP from both zone 1a and distal parts of zone 1b in Moiemen classification are presented. Methods: From July 2006 to July 2009, the modified loop suture technique was used for the 10 cases of FDP in complete division from zone 1a and distal parts of zone 1b, especially where insertion sites were less than 1 cm apart from a tendon of a stump. In a suture technique, a loop is applied to each distal and proximal parts of tendon respectively. Core suture of 2-strand and epitendinous suture are done with PDS 4-0. Out of 10 patients, the study was done on 6 patients who were available for the followup. The average age of the patients was 49.1 years (in the range from 26 to 67). 5 males and 1 female patients were involved in this study. There were 3 cases with zone 1a and distal parts of zone 1b. The average distance to the distal tendon end was 0.6 cm. There were 5 cases underwent microsurgical repair where both artery and nerve divided. One case of only tendon displacement was presented. The dorsal protective splint was kept for 5 weeks on average. The results of the following tests were measured: active & passive range of motion, grip strength test, key pinch and pulp pinch test. Results: The follow-up period on average was 11 months, in the range from 2 to 20 months. There was no case of re-rupture, but tenolysis was performed in 1 cases. In all 6 cases, the average active range of motion of distal interphalangeal joint was 50.8 degree. The grip strength (ipsilateral/contralateral) was measured as 88.7% and the pulp pinch test was 79.2% as those of contralateral side. Flexion contracture was presented in 2 cases (15 degree on average) and there was no quadrigia effect found. Conclusion: Despite short length of tendon from the insertion site in FDS rupture in zone 1a and distal parts of zone 1b, sufficient functional recovery could be expected with the tendon to tendon repair using the modified loop suture technique.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제38권5호
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• pp.699-702
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• 2011

Purpose: Venous stasis ulcer is the most severe form of chronic venous insufficiency and this commonly appears in the lower limb. Pharmacological therapy, reconstruction of the venous system, surgical management, cellular therapy and compression therapy are known as the treatments of venous stasis ulcer, but relapses are common, which make it a typical chronic wound. We report here on a case of recurrent venous stasis ulcer that healed with compression therapy without any other treatment. Methods: A 35-year-old man with a 13 years history of venous stasis had developed an ulcer on the distal third portion of the lower left limb which was developed 12-year before enrollment in this study. He had been treated with vacuum assist closure, 2 times of cell therapy and 3 times of skin graft for 8 years, but the lesion recurred. From November, 2008 compression therapy was done with the 3M $Coban^{TM}$ 2 Layer Compression System (3M, St. Paul, USA). The ulcer at that time was oval shaped and $3{\times}4$ cm in size. A comfort layer bandage was applied from the proximal phalanx of the great toe to the knee. A compression layer bandage was applied on the previous layer with it being overlapped one half the width of the comfort layer bandage. The dressing was changed every 4 days and the change was recorded with photography. Results: A total of 12 $Coban^{TM}$ 2 Layer Compression Systems were used. The size of the ulcer decreased to $2.5{\times}2.5$ cm in one month, to $2{\times}2$ cm in 2 months, it was $1{\times}1.8$ cm in size at 3 months and it completely healed in 4 months. Conclusion: The venous stasis ulcer was completely healed using the 3M $Coban^{TM}$ 2 Layer Compression System. This method was easy to apply, made the patient comfortable and it provided an excellent compression effect. As in the previous studies, this compression therapy has been proven to play an important role for the treatment and prevention of venous stasis ulcer.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권5호
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• pp.605-610
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• 2009

Purpose: Substantial tissue necrosis after snake bites requiring coverage with flap surgery is extremely rare. In this article, we report 7 cases of soft tissue defects in the upper and the lower extremities caused by snake bites, which needed to be covered with flaps. Among the vast mass of publications on snake bites there has been no report that focuses on flap coverage of soft tissue defects due to snake bite sequelae. Methods: Seven cases of soft tissue defects with tendon, ligament, or bone exposure after snake bites were included. All patients were males without comorbidities, the average age was 35 years. All of them required coverage with a flap. In 6 cases, the defect was localized on the upper extremity, in one case the lesion was on the lower extremity. Local flaps were used in 6 cases, one case was covered with a free flap. The surgical procedures included one kite flap, one cross finger flap and digital nerve reconstruction with a sural nerve graft, one reverse proximal phalanx island flap, one groin flap, one adipofascial flap, one neurovascular island flap, and one anterolateral thigh free flap. The average interval from injury to flap surgery was 23.7 days. Results: All flaps survived without complication. All patients regained a good range of motion in the affected extremity. Donor site morbidities were not observed. The case with digital nerve reconstruction recovered a static two point discrimination of 7 mm. The patient with foot reconstruction can wear normal shoes without a debulking procedure. Conclusion: The majority of soft tissue affection after snake bites can be treated conservatively. Some severe cases, however, may require the coverage with flap surgery after radical debridement, especially, if there is exposure of tendon, bone or neurovascular structures. There is no doubt that definite coverage should be performed as soon as possible. But we also want to point out that this principle must not lead to a premature coverage. If the surgeon is not certain that the wound is free of necrotic tissue or remnants of venom, it is better to take enough time to get a proper wound before flap surgery in order to obtain a good functional and cosmetic result.