• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.20-27
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• 1998

Among many kinds of introduced free flaps, scapular freeflap is one of the most popularly using modalities in fasciocutaneous defect coverage with minimal donor defect and easier procedure and constant vascular patterns of the donor. Many surgeons who had experience of this flap pointed out deficit of the reliable sensation of the transplanted flap is the main shortcoming of the scapular free flap. If we can subjugate that point, scapular free flap is the most excellent procedure in such a cases as heel pad reconstruction and hand reconstruction which are relatively important to have skin with protective sensation. Author performed anatomical literature review, 10 cadaveric dissections and 12 clinical dissections. In surgical anatomical aspect, the upper six dorsal rami of the thoracic nerves have medial branches which pierce Longissimus thoracis and Multifidus muscle with small cutaneous twigs which pierce Latissimus dorsi and Trapezius muscle. Among that cutaneous twigs, several twigs distribute to the skin of the back from midline to lateral aspect which territory is identical to scapular free flap. We analysed clinical experiences of that sensory bearing scapular free flap surgical anatomy and one year follow-up studies with several results. 1) Two to three cutaneous twigs which pierced from the Trapezius muscle over the scapular free flap region. 2) Each twigs has two to four nerve fascicles with small artery. 3) The nerve distributed to the ordinary scapular free flap and large enough size and pedicle length to neurorrhapy with various recipient site nerves. 4) The inconvenience of this procedure is the vascular pedicle and nerve pedicle have opposite directions, vascular pedicle of that comes from lateral direction from subscapular vessels, but nerve pedicle comes from medial direction from trapezius muscle. Author can found constant cutaneous nerve branches which come from piercing the Trapezius. This nerves are helpful for protective sensation in transplanted scapular free flap. We can't had enough follow-up and evaluation of the nerve function of this procedure, we need continuous research works to application of this procedure. The in conveniences come from directional differences of pedicle can solve with longer harvest neural pedicle and change direction of the neural pedicle.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 1998

Microvascular free tissue transfer technique is widely accepted for reconstruction of extensive soft tissue defects on the extremities. The system of flap based on the subscapular artery and vein provides the widest ways of composite free flaps. The possible flaps that can be harvested based on this single vascular pedicle include the scapular and parascapular skin flaps, the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscular flaps, the lateral scapular bone flap, the latissimus dorsi-rib flap, and the serratus anterior-rib flap. This combined flap is available to mutiple tissue defects or complex defects because it can incorporated with skin, muscle and bone flaps. A strikig advantage is the independent vascular pedicles of each components, which allow freedom in orientation of each components. So, it can be freely applied to any forms of three demensional defects on the upper and lower extremities. The combination of scapular cutaneous flap and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap can be resurfaced for massive cutaneous defects on the extremities. We report the use of the combined scapular and latissimus dorsi free flap in seven patients to reconstruct massive deefcts on the extremities. There was no flap failure and little complications and disadvantages. The anatomy of this flap is reviewed and the indication and advantages are discussed.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.164-171
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• 2000

Fascia and fasciocutaneous free flaps (using perforators) are adequate reconstructive options with aesthetic and functional advantages, particularly for reconstruction of variable soft tissue defects of the extremities. Although various donor sites have been used for these concerns including temporoparietal fascia, serratus fascia, scapular fascia, fascial component of lateral arm and posterior calf fascia. The authors used temporoparietal and scapular fascia as a free flap for coverage of soft tissue defects and we compare two flap mainly their histologic studies and clinical applications. In our expierience both fascia provide thin, pliable coverage for exposed bone and tendons and provide good postoperative functional restoration on the recipient area. Histologically temporoparietal fascia flap has more rich blood supply and scapular fascia flap is rich in adipose tissue in their composition. In donor site morbidity, both flaps can bring satisfactory results about the donor sites, but the donor site of the temporoparietal fascia flap sometimes revealed conspicious linear scar and transient alopecia in short-haired patients and the scapular fascia flap has a tendency to be wider and thicker in obese patients. After successful application of the both fascia flap as a free flap in 38 patients (25 temporoparietal fascia, 13 scapular fascia) since 1995 ; authors recommend using the temporoparietal fascia flap for women, who tend to have more fat and longer hair, and the scapular fascia flap for men, who tend to be leand & shorter hair.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.24-34
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• 1996

There are many kinds of free flaps for management of extensive soft tissue defect of extremities in orthopaedic field. Free vascularized scapular flap is one of the most useful and relatively easy to application. This flap has been utilize clinically from early eighties by many microsurgical pioneers. Authors performed 102 cases of this flap from 1984 to 1995. We have to consider about the surgical anatomy of the flap, technique of the donor harvesting procedures, vascular varieties and anatomical abnormalities and success rate and the weak points of the procedure. This flap nourished by cutaneous branches from circumflex scapular vessels emerges from the lateral aspect of the subscapular artery 2.5-5cm from its lateral origin passing through the triangular space(bounded by subscapularis, teres minor, teres major, long head of triceps). The terminal cutaneous branch runs posteriorly around the lateral border of the scapular and divided into two major branches, those transeverse horizontally and obliquely to the fascial plane of overlying skin of the scapular body. We can utilize these arteries for scapular and parascapular flap. The vascular pedicle ranged from 5 to 10 cm long depends on the dissection, usually two venae comitantes accompanied circumflex scapular artery and its major branches. The diameter of the circumflex scapular artery is more than 1mm in adult, rare vascular variation. Surgical techniques : The scapular flap can be dissected conveniently with prone or lateral decubitus position, prone position is more easier in my experience. There are two kinds of surgical approaches, most of the surgeon prefer elevation of the flap from its outer border towards its base which known easier and quicker, but I prefer elevation of the flap from its outer border because of the lowering the possibilities of damage to vasculature in the flap itself which runs just underneath the subcutaneous tissue of the flap and provide more quicker elevation of the flap with blunt finger dissection after secure pedicle dissection and confirmed the course from the base of the pedicle. There are minimal donor site morbidity with direct skin closure if the flap size is not so larger than 10cm width. This flap has versatility in the design of the flap shape and size, if we need more longer and larger one, we can use parascapular flap or both. Even more, the flap can be used with latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap and serratus anterior flap which have common vascular pedicle from subscapular artery, some instance can combined with osteocutaneous flap if we include the lateral border of the scapular bone or parts of the ribs with serratus anterior. The most important shortcoming of the scapular free flap is non sensating, there are no reasonable sensory nerves to the flap to anastomose with recipient site nerve. Results : Among our 102 cases, overall success rate was 89%, most of the causes of the failure was recipient site vascular problems such as damaged recipient arterial conditions, and there were two cases of vascular anomalies in our series. Patients ages from 3 years old to 62 years old. Six cases of combined flap with latissimus dorsi, 4 cases of osteocutaneous flap for bone reconstruction, 62 parascapular flap was performed - we prefer parascapular flap to scapular. Statistical analysis of the size of the flap has less meaningful because of the flap has great versatility in size. In the length of the pedicle depends on the recipient site condition, we can adjust the pedicle length. The longest vascular pedicle was 14 cm in length from the axillary artery to the enter point cutaneous tissue. In conclusion, scapular free flap is one of the most useful modalities to manage the large intractable soft tissue defect. It has almost constant vascular pedicle with rare anatomical variation, easy to dissect great versatility in size and shape, low donor morbidity, thin and hairless skin.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2009

Background In contrast to defects of the mandible and mouth floor region, in the defect of maxilla, the availability of firmly attached oral and nasal mucosal linings is needed. In addition to it, in consider of operation field, operating convenience, and esthetics, reconstruction using prelaminated flap is strongly recommended. Therefore we consider the prelaminated flap through the cases that is reconstructed using prelaminated forearm flap and prelaminated scapular flap. Patients and Methods From 2001 to 2008, in OMFS SNUDH, there were 6 cases that had reconstruction using prelaminated forearm free flap and other 3 cases that had reconstruction using prelaminated scapular flap of maxilla. The average age of patients that were reconstructed using prelaminated forearm free flap was 47.5 years, the average prelaminated period (after $1^{st}$ operation ${\sim}$ until $2^{nd}$ operation) was 51.8 days and the average follow-up period after $2^{nd}$ operation was 35.3 months. As well, the average age of patients that were reconstructed using prelaminated scapular free flap was 37 years, the average prelaminated period (after $1^{st}$ operation ${\sim}$ until $2^{nd}$ operation) was 57 days and the average follow-up period after $2^{nd}$ operation was 42.3 months. Results Except 1 case that were reconstructed using prelaminated scapular flap, we could get firmly attached oral and nasal stable skin(mucosal like) lining, more adequate thickness flap than any other flap and improved esthetic and functional results in the other 8 cases that were reconstructed using prelaminated flap. The complications of the prelaminated forearm flap cases were inconvenient swallowing, sputum, limitation of mouth opening and difficult mastication. It came from flap shrinkage of the flap in some aspect, as well as other combined operations such as mass resection or RND. The difficult point of the reconstruction of prelaminated scapular flap was the possibility of vascular damage at preparation of flap in $2^{nd}$ surgery. The damage could cause the failure of the prelaminated scapular flap. And the skin-lining of the prelaminated flap had limitations, so it is needed to study about the cultured oral epithelium-lining flap instead of the skin-lining flap. Conclusion We considered about advantages, complications and notable things of prelaminated flap through maxillary reconstruction cases using prelaminated forearm flap and prelaminated scapular flap so far. Furthermore, we should go on studying for functional reconstruction of prelaminated fasciomucosal flap using cultured oral epithelium.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.18-23
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• 2005

Purpose: To report the results and the efficacy of the sensory bearing scapular free flap which is known as non-sensible flap. Materials and Methods: Authors underwent 24 cases of sensory bearing scapular free flap to the hands and feet from March 1995 to November 2002. average follow-up period was six year three months. The used flaps were a ordinary scapular flap in fifteen cases, and a parascapular flap in nine. Sensibility of the flaps were checked every one month. Actual sensory evaluation was mostly depends on objective feeling of the patients. Two point discrimination test was performed in all cases. Results: 23 flaps had good skin circulation after microvascular anastomosis among 24. Objective deep touch sensation were observed about three months later after the operation in three cases, between three and six months in nine. In three case whose results were excellent than others, two point discrimination was 2.7 cm at last follow-up. Most of the sensory recovery is confined in deep touch, temperature and light touch sensation was recovered limitedly in 3 cases during our follow-up period. Conclusion: Authors can propose that sensory bearing free scapular flap was considered as one of useful methods for the reconstruction to hand with soft tissue defect and mutilating hand.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.144-151
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• 2005

Purpose: Disaster as traffic accident, industrial disaster, high voltage electrical bum and flame burn of extremity have a destructive effect because of the involvement of deep structure. Generally, such injury may result in decreased function or loss of limb. In this study the successful use of the combined scapular/parascapular flap as microsurgical transfer to cover extensive defect of electrical and flame bum is reported. Material and Method: Between January 2000 and June 2001, the combined scapular and parascapular flap was used for the coverage of soft tissue defect for 7 patients were admitted to our department with high voltage electrical bum and flame burn. The recipient site were the wrist joint in 2 cases, the forearm in 1 case, the ankle joint in 1 case, the foot dorsum in 1 case, the heel in 1 case. Result: Flap survival was complete in all patients. The result of flap coverage for these deep wound was successful. Conclusion: The advantages of scapular/parascapular combined flap were coverage of the large defect, easy shaping of the flap to fit the required three dimensional configuration around the joint, non hair bearing skin of uniform thickness, minimal donor site morbidity.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2002

Large soft tissue defects around the knee joint are known to significantly diminish joint function. Severe soft tissue defects on the anterior aspect of the knee joint especially bring on significant joint motion limitation. Although simple split skin grafts can cover the skin defect, the progressing scar contracture of the grafted skin causes joint stiffness. One of the best solutions of large soft tissue defects around the knee joint is covering the defect with a good quality skin flap. Separated flaps with one vascular pedicle are good candidates for covering anterior and posterior aspects of the joint for example. Authors performed 12 cases of combined scapular and latissimus dorsi free flaps from 1984 to 2000. Among them, we experienced 5 cases of knee joint defect covering using the double free flap for coverage of the soft tissue defect with preservation of the knee joint function and satisfactory results. The system of flaps based on the subscapular artery and vein provides a variety of composite free flaps. The possible flaps that can be harvested based on this single vascular pedicle include the scapular and parascapular skin flap, the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscular flap, the lateral scapular bone flap, the latissimus dorsi-rib flap, and the serratus anterior-rib flap. This combined flap is available for multiple tissue defects or complex defects because it can be incorporated with skin, muscle and bone flaps. A main advantage is the independent vascular pedicles of each component, which allow freedom in orientation of each components. Consequently it can be freely applied to any form of three dimensional defects on the upper and lower extremities. The combination of scapular cutaneous flap and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap can be resurfaced for massive cutaneous defects on the extremities. We report the use of the combined scapular and latissimus dorsi free flap in five patients to reconstruct massive defects on the extremities with resultant improved joint function. There was no flap failure and minimal complications and disadvantages. The anatomy of this flap is reviewed and the indication and advantages are discussed. All of the five flaps survived and there was no scar contracture affecting the joint motion.

• 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.36 no.5
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• pp.597-604
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• 2009

Purpose: Compound tissue defects remain a challenge to reconstructive surgeons. The objective of this study was to introduce examples of successful reconstruction of compound defects of the head and neck and upper and lower limbs, using chimeric flaps based on the subscapular vascular system. Methods: We report 19 reconstruction cases using chimeric flaps based on the subscapular vascular system. The scapular flap, scapular fascia, scapular bone, parascapular flap, latissimus dorsi, latissimus dorsi perforator flap, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous perforator flap, serratus anterior, serratus anterior fascia, and rib bone were used as components for chimeric flaps. 12 cases had defects of the upper limb, three in the lower limb, three in the head and neck area, and one case had a defect of the thoracoabdominal wall. Results: Defect sizes ranged from $6{\times}8cm$ to $20{\times}22cm$. The component used most often for skin coverage was the latissimus dorsi perforator flap; for soft tissue bulk, the latissimus dorsi; for fascia coverage, the serratus anterior fascia flap; and for bone reconstruction, the scapular bone flap respectively. All cases were successfully reconstructed without additional operative procedures or flap necrosis. Conclusion: Because it is fairly easy to employ vascular pedicles of sufficient length and diameter, enabling the use of diverse types of tissue with various shapes and sizes, the use of chimeric flaps based on the subscapular vascular system allows one - stage reconstruction tailored to the characteristics of the defect area.