• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.663-668
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• 2011

Purpose: A modified free thenar flap was designed for coverage of volar finger defect with constant innervation using the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. After clinical application of this flap, sensory results were evaluated in 6 cases. Methods: Patients were selected who have volar soft tissue defect with or without fingertip defect. The six cases of the innervated free thenar flap were performed since September 2009, and sensory outcomes were evaluated by the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and two-point discriminator at four and half month after the surgery. Results: The Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament test revealed 3 cases showed 2.83, 1 case showed 3.61, 1 case showed 4.31 and 1 case showed 4.56. The static two-point discrimination test revealed 1 case showed 4 mm, 1 case showed 6 mm, 2 cases showed 9 mm, and 2 cases showed over 15 mm. The moving two-point discrimination test revealed 1 case showed 3 mm, 1 case showed 4 mm, 1 case showed 5 mm, 1 case showed 7 mm, and 2 cases showed over 15 mm. The donor sites showed no significant limitation of the thumb and neuroma formation. Conclusion: The innervated free thenar flap showed good sensory outcomes as a sensate free flap in a short time after surgery. It can be an option for coverage of volar finger defects that requires sensation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.567-575
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• 2011

Purpose: Acellular human dermis is very useful implant for use in plastic and reconstructive surgery. However, the volume of acellular human dermis graft is known to decrease for a long time. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a polypeptide that enhances the collagen synthesis and angiogenesis. In the current study we examined whether bFGF could improve the survival of acellular human dermis ($SureDerm^{(R)}$) by increasing angiogenesis of the graft. Methods: Forty rats were divided into two groups (control and bFGF). A 2-mm thick piece of $SureDerm^{(R)}$ was cut into smaller pieces that were $15{\times}5$ mm in size. Two subcutaneous pockets were made on the back of each rat. Grafts sprayed with bFGF were implanted in the bFGF group and injected with bFGF after transplantation every 3 days for 2 weeks. In the control group, the grafts were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) instead of bFGF. Four days, and 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the implantation, the grafts were harvested and gross and histologic examinations were performed. Inflammation grade, graft thickness, neocollagen density, and neocapillary count were measured. Results: The bFGF group displayed more rapid accumulation of inflammatory cells with a higher density of neocapillaries, and increased active collagen synthesis. After 12 weeks, the thickness of the grafts in the control and bFGF groups was $75.15{\pm}4.80%$ and $81.79{\pm}5.72%$, respectively, in comparison to the thickness before transplantation. There was a statistically significant difference between both groups ($p$ <0.05). Conclusion: bFGF was effective in reducing the absorption of acellular human dermal grafts by increasing angiogenesis and accelerating engraftment. In conclusion, bFGF may be a good tool for use in acellular human dermal graft transplantation for reconstructive surgery involving soft-tissue defects.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.847-849
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• 2010

Purpose: Traditional radical surgery for vulvar cancer produces severe skin and soft tissue defects in the vulvar and vaginal area. Vulvoperineal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flaps have limitations in advancement and tension at the wound margin and vaginal orifice area, causing wound disruption or vaginal wall exposure. Therefore, we designed the "Butterfly flap" using a vulvoperineal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap and an inguinal rotational skin flap for 3-dimensional reconstruction of vagina and vulvar area. Methods: A 27 year-old female was diagnosed with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. Radical vulvectomy and full-thickness-skin-graft was performed. We designed a vulvoperineal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap as the greater wing and inguinal rotational skin as the lesser wing. After flap elevation, the inguinal flap was rotated $180^{\circ}$ to reconstruct the labia major and vaginal orifice. The perineum was reconstructed using V-Y advancement flaps. Results: The flap survived completely, without any complications. After 6 months, the patient was able to perform normal sexual activities and after 18 months, the patient was able to give birth to normal child by caesarean section. Conclusion: The traditional vulvoperineal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap is thin, reliable, easily elevated and matches local skin quality. However, the vaginal wall becomes exposed due to limited advancement and tension of the flap. The "Butterfly flap" using a vulvoperineal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap and an inguinal rotational skin flap is useful for the release of vaginal orifice contracture, reconstruction of the labia major, and 3-dimensional reconstruction of vagina and vulvar area.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.444-447
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• 2022

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects around the knee is challenging, and the most common solution is to use various locoregional flaps or, in some difficult cases, a free flap. The distally based anterolateral thigh (dALT) flap is a commonly used flap that relies on reverse blood flow from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (d-LCFA). Here, we present the case of an anteromedial knee reconstruction using a dALT flap after resection of a pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma. The tumor resection resulted in a 14 × 7 cm defect, and a dALT flap, measuring 20 × 8 cm was elevated. During the surgery, we found a robust oblique branch of the LCFA (o-LCFA) sending off two sizable perforators to the anterolateral thigh region, whereas the d-LCFA was relatively small with no usable perforators. Therefore, we harvested a dALT flap relying on reverse flow from the o-LCFA. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and the flap survived without complications. This report demonstrates that reverse flow from the o-LCFA may be an alternative to nourish a dALT flap in cases where the d-LCFA is hypoplastic or suitable perforators from the d-LCFA are unavailable.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.279-287
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• 2023

Background Hypothenar free flaps (HTFFs) have been widely used for reconstructing palmar defects. Although previous anatomical and clinical studies of HTFF have been conducted, this technique still has some limitations. In this study, we describe some tips for large flap design that allows for easy harvesting of HTFFs with minimal donor site morbidity. Methods A total of 14 HTFF for hand defect reconstruction were recorded. The oblique flap was designed in the proximal HT area following relaxed skin tension line along the axis between fourth web space and 10 mm ulnar side of pisiform. A flap pedicle includes one or two perforators with ulnar digital artery and HT branch of basilic vein. In addition, innervated HTFF can be harvested with a branch of ulnar digital nerve. Electronic medical records were reviewed to obtain data on patients' information, operative details, and follow-up period. In addition, surgical outcome score was obtained from the patient, up to 10 points, at the last follow-up. Results Mean harvest time was 46 minutes, and two perforators were included in 10 cases. The mean flap area was 10.84 cm². There were no problems such as donor site depression, scar contracture, keloids, wound dehiscence, numbness or neuroma pain at donor sites, and hypersensitivity or cold intolerance at flap site, either functionally or aesthetically. Conclusion Palmar defect reconstruction is challenging for hand surgeons. However, large HTFF can be harvested without complications using the oblique axis HTFF technique. We believe our surgical tips increase utility of HTFF for palmar defect reconstruction.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.163-168
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• 2023

An oroantral fistula (OAF) or oroantral communication (OAC) is an opening between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. If left untreated, these openings may cause chronic maxillary sinusitis. Although small defects (diameter <5 mm) may close spontaneously, larger communications require surgical intervention. Various studies have been conducted on OAC closure using a platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane; most of these prior studies have involved simple direct application of PRF clots. This study introduces a new "double-barrier technique" using PRF for closure of an OAF involving sinus mucosal lifting and closure. The PRF material is inserted into the prepared maxillary sinus space, and the buccal advancement flap covers the oral side. This technique was successfully used to treat two patients with chronic OAF in the posterior maxillary region after implant removal or tooth extraction. The use of a PRF membrane in a double-barrier technique may have advantages in soft-tissue healing and could enable easy closure of chronic OAF with minimal trauma.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.557-564
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• 2000

The bone graft materials can be grossly divided into autogenous bone, allogenic bone, xenogenic bone, and alloplastic material. Much care was given to other bone graft materials away from autogenous bone due to its additional operation for harvesting, delayed resorption and limitation of quantity. Demineralized freeze-dried bone(DFDB) and hydroxyapatite are the representatives of bone graft materials. As resorbable hydroxyapatite is developed in these days, the disadvantage of nonresorbability can be overcome. So we planned to study on the strength and the bone formation at the rats calvarial defects of DFDB graft and those of the composite graft with DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite. We used the 16 male rats weighting range from 250 to 300 gram bred under the same environment during same period. After we made the 6mm diameter calvarial defect, we filled the DFDB in 8 rats and DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite in another 8 rats. We sacrificed them at the postoperative 1 month and 2 months with the periostium observed. As soon as the specimens were delivered, we measured the compressive forces to break the normal calvarial area and the newly formed bone in calvarial defect area using Instron(Model Autograph $S-2000^{(R)}$, Shimadzu, Japan). The rest of the specimens were stained with H&E(Hematoxylin & Eosin) and evaluated with the light microscope. So we got the following results. 1. In every rats, there was no significant difference between the measured forces of normal bone area and those of the bone graft area. 2. In 1 month, the measured forces at DFDB graft group were higher than those of the DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite composite graft group(P<0.05). 3. In 2 months, there was no significant differences between the measured forces of DFDB graft group and those of the DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite composite graft group. 4. In lightmicroscopic examination, most of the grafted DFDB were transformed into bone in 1 month and a large numbers of hydroxyapatite crystal were observed in DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite composite graft group in 1 month. 5. Both group showed no inflammatory reaction in 1 month. And hydroxyapatite crystals had a tight junction without soft tissue invagination when consolidated with newly formed bone. 6. In both groups, newly formed bone showed the partial bone remodeling and the lamellar bone structures and some of reversal lines were observed in 2 months. From the above results, it is suggested that DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite composite graft group had a better resistance to compressive force in early stage than DFDB graft group, but there would be no significant difference between two groups after some period. And it is suggested that the early stage of bone formation procedure of DFDB and resorbable hydroxyapatite composite graft group was slight slower than that of DFDB graft group, but there would be no significant difference between two groups after some period.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.285-292
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• 2008

Purpose: The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of surface treatment of the cervical area of implant on bone regeneration in fresh extraction socket following implant installation. Materials and methods: The four minipigs, 18 months old and 30 kg weighted, were used. Four premolars of the left side of both the mandible and maxilla were extracted. ${\phi}$3.3 mm and 11.5 mm long US II plus implants (Osstem Implant co., Korea) with resorbable blasting media (RBM) treated surface and US II implants (Osstem Implant co., Korea) with machined surface at the top and RBM surface at lower portion were installed in the socket. Stability of the implant was measured with $Osstell^{TM}$ (Model 6 Resonance Frequency Analyser: Integration Diagnostics Ltd., Sweden). After 2 months of healing, the procedures and measurement of implant stability were repeated in the right side by same method of left side. At four months after first experiment, the animals were sacrificed after measurement of stability of all implants, and biopsies were obtained. Results: Well healed soft tissue and no mobility of the implants were observed in both groups. Histologically satisfactory osseointegration of implants was observed with RBM surface, and no foreign body reaction as well as inflammatory infiltration around implant were found. Furthermore, substantial bone formation and high degree of osseointegration were exhibited at the marginal defects around the cervical area of US II plus implants. However, healing of US II implants was characterized by the incomplete bone substitution and the presence of the connective tissue zone between the implant and newly formed bone. The distance between the implant platform (P) and the most coronal level of bone-to-implant contact (B) after 2 months of healing was $2.66{\pm}0.11$ mm at US II implants group and $1.80{\pm}0.13$mm at US II plus implant group. The P-B distance after 4 months of healing was $2.29{\pm}0.13$mm at US II implants group and $1.25{\pm}0.10$mm at US II plus implants group. The difference between both groups regarding the length of P-B distance was statistically significant(p<0.05). Concerning the resonance frequency analysis (RFA) value, the stability of US II plus implants group showed relatively higher RFA value than US II implants group. Conclusion: The current results suggest that implants with rough surface at the cervical area have an advantage in process of bone regeneration on defect around implant placed in a fresh extraction socket.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone regeneration capacity of silk fibroin (SF) when combined with beta tricalcium phosphate (${\beta}$-tricalcium phosphate [TCP]) and rh-bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in vivo by micro-computed tomography (CT), soft x-ray, and histological analysis. Methods: A total of 56 critical size defects formed by a trephine bur made on 28 adult female Spague-Dawley rats were used for this study and the defect size was 5.0 mm in diameter. The defects were transplanted with (1) no graft material (raw defect), (2) autogenous bone, (3) SF ($10{\mu}g$), (4) SF-BMP ($10{\mu}g$, $0.8{\mu}g$ each), and (5) SF+${\beta}$-TCP ($10{\mu}g$). At 4 and 8 weeks after operation, the experimental animals were sacrificed. Samples were evaluated with soft x-ray, histological examinations and 3-dimensional micro-CT analysis. Results: In the 3-dimensional micro-CT evaluation, bone volume and bone surface data were higher in the SF-BMP ($12.8{\pm}1.5$, $138.6{\pm}45.0$ each) (P<0.05) and SF-TCP ($12.3{\pm}1.5$, $144.9{\pm}30.9$ each) group than in the SF group ($6.1{\pm}3.3$, $77.2{\pm}37.3$ each) (P<0.05), except for the autogenous group ($15.0{\pm}3.0$, $190.7{\pm}41.4$ each) at 4 weeks. At 8 weeks, SF-BMP ($16.8{\pm}3.5$, $173.9{\pm}34.2$ each) still revealed higher (P<0.05) bone volum and surface, but SF-TCP ($11.3{\pm}1.5$, $1132.9{\pm}52.1$ each) (P=0.5, P=0.2) revealed the same or lower amount compared with the SF group ($13.8{\pm}2.7$, $127.5{\pm}44.8$ each). The % of bone area determined by radiodensity was higher in the SF-TCP ($31.4{\pm}9.1%$) and SF-BMP ($36.2{\pm}16.2%$) groups than in the SF ($19.0{\pm}10.4$) group at the period of 4 weeks. Also, in the histological evaluation, the SF-BMP group revealed lower inflammation reaction, lower foreign body reaction and higher bone healing than the SF group at postoperative 4 weeks and 8 weeks. The SF-TCP group revealed lower inflammation at 4 weeks, but accordingly, as the TCP membrane was absorbed, inflammatory and foreign body reaction are increased at 8 weeks. Conclusion: The current study provides evidence that the silk fibrin can be used as an effective grafted material for tissue engineering bone generation through a combination of growth factor or surface treatment.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.366-374
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• 2010

Introduction: This study evaluated the capability of silk fibroin (SF) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 loaded SF (SF-BMP) as a bone defect replacement matrix when grafted in a calvarial bone defect of rats in vivo. Materials and Methods: A total 70 calvarial critical size defects (5.0 mm in diameter) made on 35 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The defects were transplanted with (1) rhBMP-2 loaded silk fibroin graft (SF-BMP: 0.8+$10\;{\mu}g$), (2) Silk fibroin (SF: $10\;{\mu}g$), and (3) no graft material (Raw). The samples were evaluated with soft x-rays, alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium/phosphate quantification, histological and histomorphometric analysis at postoperative 4 and 8 weeks. Results: The SF-BMP group ($48.86{\pm}14.92%$) had a significantly higher mean percentage bone area than the SF group ($24.96{\pm}11.01%$) at postoperative 4 weeks.(P<0.05) In addition, the SF-BMP group ($40.01{\pm}12.43%$) had a higher % bone area at postoperative 8 weeks than the SF group ($33.26{\pm}5.15%$). The mean ratio of gray scale levels to the host bone showed that the SF-BMP group ($0.67{\pm}0.08$) had a higher mean ratio level than the SF group ($0.61{\pm}0.09$) at postoperative 8 weeks. These differences were not statistically significant.(P=0.168 and P=0.243, respectively) The ratio of the calcium and phosphate contents of the SF-BMP ($0.93{\pm}0.22$) group was lower than that of the SF ($1.90{\pm}1.42$) group at postoperative 4 weeks. However, the SF-BMP group ($0.75{\pm}0.31$) had a higher Ca/$PO_4$ ratio than the SF ($0.68{\pm}0.04$) at postoperative 8 weeks. These differences were not statistically significant.(P=0.126 and P=0.627, respectively) For the bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, which is recognized as a reliable indicator of the osteoblast function, the SF-BMP ($23.71{\pm}8.60\;U/L$) groups had a significantly higher value than the SF group ($12.65{\pm}6.47\;U/L$) at postoperative 4 weeks.(P<0.05) At postoperative 8 weeks, the SF-BMP ($21.65{\pm}10.02\;U/L$) group had a lower bone-specific ALP activity than the SF group ($16.72{\pm}7.35\;U/L$). This difference was not statistically significant.(P=0.263) For the histological evaluation, the SF-BMP group revealed less inflammation, lower foreign body reactions and higher bone healing than the SF group at postoperative 4 and 8 weeks. The SF group revealed more foreign body reactions at postoperative 4 weeks. However, this immunogenic reaction decreased and the remnant of grafted material was observed at postoperative 8 weeks. For histomorphometric analysis, the SF-BMP group had a significantly longer bone length to total length ratio than those of the SF group at postoperative 4 and 8 weeks.(P<0.05) Conclusion: The rhBMP-2 loaded silk fibroin graft revealed fewer immunoreactions and inflammation as well as more new bone formation than the pure silk fibroin graft. Therefore, silk fibroin may be a candidate scaffold for tissue engineered bone regeneration.