• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.19-29
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• 2003

Soft tissue reconstruction of dorsum of the foot and ankle has long presented challenging problems for the reconstructive surgeon. Limitations of available local tissue, the need for specialized tissue, and donor site morbidity restrict the options. In an effort to solve these difficult problems, we have begun to use adipofascial flap based on the perforating branch of the peroneal artery. We present our early experience of 5 patients treated with this flap. Our patients ranged from 6 to 26 years in age and included 3 males and 2 females. The etiologies of the wounds were secondary to traffic accident, and crushing injury. The flaps had reverse flow in all patients. The flap and the adjoining raw area were covered with a full-thickness skin graft, while the donor site at the lateral aspect of the leg was closed primarily without grafting. The skin graft was taken from the inguinal area, which was closed primarily. Compared with other flap, this adipofascial flap is thinner, producing less bulkiness to the recipient site and minor aesthetic sequelae to the donor site. In our opinion, this flap is versatile, effective, and an addition to the armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon for coverage of difficult wounds of the foot and ankle.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.475-480
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• 2009

Purpose: To correct the facial asymmetry and to achieve symmetry and balance, not only the soft tissue restoration of deficits but also creation and facial contour line such as mandible border and angle is important. Micro fat graft has limitation such as high resorption rate and somewhat limited ability to emphasize the rigid bony characteristics of the mandible angle due to its innate soft consistency. We have investigated the advantages of dermal fat graft over micro fat graft to correct asymmetry of the lower face in patients who had undergone mandibular reconstruction or distraction, using comparative analysis. Methods: Total of 12 patients were enrolled in our study: 6 micro fat graft and 6 dermal fat graft. Postoperative results were compared and analyzed at immediate postoperative period and more than 1 year later in each group with photographs, and analysised with image J program. Result: No complications were noted both in the micro fat type and the dermal fat type of procedures such as fat necrosis or micro calcifications. All of the patients who received micro fat graft, however had considerable amount of fat resorption after the procedure which led to two additional fat graft procedures. Although minor contour obliteration due to contracture was seen in patients who had undergone dermal fat graft procedure, no definite resorption was found even after more than one year follow-up. Results of dermal fat graft patients were satisfactory in terms of mandible angle symmetry. Secondary revision was necessary in one case due to overcorrection using dermal fat graft. Conclusion: The dermal fat graft has many advantages over the conventionally more popular micro fat graft to correct asymmetry of the lower face following mandible reconstruction owing to its lower resoption rate, more effective in emphasizing the natural curvilinear anatomical contours of the mandible angle and body and lower complication rates such as fat necrosis or micro calcifications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제45권3호
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• pp.246-252
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• 2018

Background Slim patients or those with large breasts may be ineligible for breast reconstruction with an abdominal flap, as the volume of the flap may be insufficient. This study aimed to establish that abdominal tissue-based breast reconstruction can be well suited for Korean patients, despite their thin body habitus. Methods A total of 252 patients who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction with an abdominal flap from October 2006 to May 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' age and body mass index were analyzed, and a correlation analysis was performed between the weight of the mastectomy specimen and that of the initial abdominal flap. Results The average weights of the mastectomy specimen and initial abdominal flap were 451.03 g and 644.95 g, respectively. The ratio of the weight of the mastectomy specimen to that of the initial flap was $0.71{\pm}0.23$. There was a strong positive linear relationship between the weight of the mastectomy specimen and that of the initial flap (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.728). Thirty nulliparous patients had a final-to-initial flap weight ratio of $0.66{\pm}0.11$. The 25 patients who underwent a contralateral procedure had a ratio of $0.96{\pm}0.30$. The adjusted ratio of the final flap weight to the initial flap weight was $0.66{\pm}0.12$. Conclusions Breast weight had a strong positive relationship with abdominal flap weight in Koreans. Abdominal flaps provided sufficient soft tissue for breast reconstruction in most Korean patients, including nulliparous patients. However, when the mastectomy weight is estimated to be >700 g, a contralateral reduction procedure may be considered.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.52-59
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• 2007

Purpose: The venous flap is used as an alternative method to the standard free flap for the management of small and thin soft tissue defects. Especially, the venous flap has advantages of being thin, easy harvest and various donor sites, as well as it having lower morbidity. Yet their clinical applications have been limited by their unstable postoperative course and also by their complications such as partial necrosis. The aim of this study is to extend the clinical indications of venous flaps with using various methods. Methods: From May 2005 to March 2006, total of 19 patients(21 cases) underwent various venous flaps for soft tissue defects as a result of trauma(15 cases), facial skin cancer(3 cases), chronic ulcer(1 case) and surgical wound for congenital anomaly(2 cases). The arterialized venous free flap were applied in 18 cases, the pure venous free flap was applied in 1 case and the pure venous pedicled flap were applied in 2 cases. Among them, two flow-through arterialized venous free flaps were applied that used the great saphenous vein to reconstructed major arteries as well as the injured skin and soft tissues in the arm. All the flap were harvested from the volar wrist(11 cases), dorsum of foot(5 cases), thenar(2 cases), and medial thigh(3 cases). Results: The sizes of the flap ranged from $0.75cm^2$ to $264cm^2$(mean size: $40.06cm^2$). The follow-up period ranged from two to twelve months. In the majority of cases, we obtained satisfying results, which was the excellent reconstruction of skin and soft tissue defects and especially in the case of limb salvage, replantation and cancer reconstruction. However, there were 5 cases of partial necrosis and 2 cases of complete failure. The donor sites were closed primarily in 7 cases and wound closure with skin graft were in 14 cases. Conclusion: We conclude that the venous flap will not only be useful for reconstruction of small defect in the hand and foot, but also be useful for various other clinical indications.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.89-94
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• 2006

Purpose : To evaluate clinical usefulness of facial soft tissue thickness measurement using 3D computed tomographic images. Materials and Methods : One cadaver that had sound facial soft tissues was chosen for the study. The cadaver was scanned with a Helical CT under following scanning protocols about slice thickness and table speed; 3 mm and 3 mm/sec, 5 mm and 5 mm/sec, 7 mm and 7 mm/sec. The acquired data were reconstructed 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 mm reconstruction interval respectively and the images were transferred to a personal computer. Using a program developed to measure facial soft tissue thickness in 3D image, the facial soft tissue thickness was measured. After the ten-time repeation of the measurement for ten times, repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was adopted to compare and analyze the measurements using the three scanning protocols. Comparison according to the areas was analyzed by Mann-Whitney test. Results : There were no statistically significant intraobserver differences in the measurements of the facial soft tissue thickness using the three scanning protocols (p>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between measurements in the 3 mm slice thickness and those in the 5 mm, 7 mm slice thickness (p>0.05). There were statistical differences in the 14 of the total 30 measured points in the 5 mm slice thickness and 22 in the 7 mm slice thickness. Conclusion : The facial soft tissue thickness measurement using 3D images of 7 mm slice thickness is acceptable clinically, but those of 5 mm slice thickness is recommended for the more accurate measurement.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.53-62
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• 2002

Several investigators have reported clinical experience of medial plantar septo-cutaneous flap for reconstruction for soft tissue defect of the hand and digits. Jayme and Hamilton first described the anatomy of superficial branch of medial division of the medial plantar artery used in this flap through cadavaric study in 1997. But, they had a few cases for this flap and there was no anatomic study in Korean. We experienced the reliability of medial plantar septo-cutaneous flap for reconstruction for soft tissue defect of hand and digits through an anatomic study (20 fresh specimens dissected) and clinical application (17 patients). An anatomic study revealed that there were differences in diameter and length of the vessels between Korean and Caucasian. The diameter of vessels in Korean is larger than Caucasian one in each area. Based on this anatomic knowledge, we could harvest this flap safely, and have performed reconstruction on 17 patients with soft tissue defects of hand and digits using a thin, flexible medial plantar septo-cutaneous flap similar to the volar aspect of the hand and digits in anatomical characteristics of the skin and subcutaneous tissue covering. The vessels used for this flap were superficial branches of medial division of the medial plantar artery and vena comitants, or the subcutaneous veins. The mean size of the flap was $2.82cm{\times}4.15cm$. All the flaps survived without significant complications. A medial plantar septo-cutaneous flap possesses several advantages : (1) It is very thin in comparison with other standard free flap; (2) it has two draining venous pathways; (3) it provides a good color and texture match for hand and finger; (4) a good recovery of protective sensation is achievable.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제39권2호
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• pp.138-142
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• 2012

Background : Electrical burns are one of the most devastating types of injuries, and can be characterized by the conduction of electric current through the deeper soft tissue such as vessels, nerves, muscles, and bones. For that reason, the extent of an electric burn is very frequently underestimated on initial impression. Methods : From July 1999 to June 2006, we performed 15 cases of toe tissue transfer for the reconstruction of finger defects caused by electrical burns. We performed preoperative range of motion exercise, early excision, and coverage of the digital defect with toe tissue transfer. Results : We obtained satisfactory results in both functional and aesthetic aspects in all 15 cases without specific complications. Static two-point discrimination results in the transferred toe cases ranged from 8 to 11 mm, with an average of 9.5 mm. The mean range of motion of the transferred toe was $20^{\circ}$ to $36^{\circ}$ in the distal interphalangeal joint, $16^{\circ}$ to $45^{\circ}$ in the proximal interphalangeal joint, and $15^{\circ}$ to $35^{\circ}$ in the metacarpophalangeal joint. All of the patients were relatively satisfied with the function and appearance of their new digits. Conclusions : The strategic management of electrical injury to the hands can be both challenging and complex. Because the optimal surgical method is free tissue transfer, maintenance of vascular integrity among various physiological changes works as a determining factor for the postoperative outcome following the reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.365-371
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• 2009

Purpose: Good color match holds a key position in facial reconstruction for good aesthetic result. To correct the wide facial soft tissue defect were usually used the tissue expanded cheek flap, deltopectoral flap or radial forearm free flap. This study is aimed to analyse the color difference after flap surgery by using chromameter. Method: From August 1995 to December 2006, 30 patients underwent flap operations were chosen randomly and evaluated color differences between flap site and adjacent skin. Reconstructive procedures included tissue expanded cheek flap(n = 10), deltopectoral flap(n = 10), and radial forearm free flap(n = 10). The measured sites were flap center within a radius of 1 ㎝ and four points of adjacent skin along the flap margin. The color was quantified in a three dimensional coordinate system $L^*$ (brightness), $a^*$ (redness), $b^*$ (yellowness). Results: There was no significant color difference between the pedicled flaps(tissue expanded cheek flap and deltopectoral flap) and adjacent skin area. On the other hand, color values of the radial forearm free flap were statistically different from those of adjacent skin area. Total color difference(${\Delta}E$) of tissue expanded cheek flap and deltopectoral flap were $7.45{\pm}5.78$ versus $9.41{\pm}7.09$, and that of radial forearm free flap was $11.74{\pm}3.85$. They suggest that pedicled flaps have a potential of better color match than radial forearm free flap. Conclusion: Thus, better esthetic result and satisfaction is more likely to be expected in pedicled flaps as long as it could be applied comparing radial forearm free flap.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.36-40
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• 2002

Purpose : Our clinical experiences in distally based sural artery island flap is presented to show the usefulness and the reliability as an alternative to flaps currently used for defect in lower extremity. Materials and Methods : From February 1998 to September 2001, nine cases of soft tissue defects in the lower leg, the foot, and around the ankle were treated with distally based sural artery island flap. The cause of the wound was trauma in 6 cases, and osteomyelitis in 3 cases. Defects were located at the lower leg in 2 cases, at the foot in 3 cases and around the ankle in 4 cases. The results were retrospectively analyzed. Results : The defect size ranged from $3{\times}3cm\;to\;20{\times}3cm$. Among 9 cases, 7 cases survived and 2 cases were failed. Flap failure was due to not including the deep fascia in one case and due to extensive soft tissue damage in the other case. Both failed cases were reoperated with the split thickness skin graft. Conclusion : The advantages of distally based sural artery island flap follows (1) reliable blood supply, (2) ease of flap elevation, (3) preservation of the major arteries, (4) less donor site morbidity. Owing to the advantages of this flap, we think it is useful for the soft tissue coverage of the lower leg, the foot and around the ankle. Also we believe it will continue to gain acceptance and use in the majority of lower leg reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.397-405
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• 2009

Purpose: Soft tissue defect of anterior chest wall is caused by trauma, infection, tumors and irradiation. To reconstruct damaged anterior chest wall does require to consider the patient's body condition, the cause, the location, the depth and the size of deletion, the circulation of surrounding tissue and minimization of functional and cosmetic disability. In this report, we suggest the algorithm of configuration for reconstruction methods. Methods: A retrospective study of 20 patients who underwent anterior chest wall reconstruction with pedicled musculocutaneous flap and fasciocutaneous flap was conducted. We collected the information of the patient's body condition, the cause, the size, the depth and the location of deletion, implemented flap and complication. We observed and evaluated flap compatibility, functional and cosmetic results. Patients completed survey about the extent to their satisfaction. Result: Follow up period after surgery was from 6 to 26 months, survival of flap were confirmed in all of patients' case. Two cases of local necrosis, one case of wound disruption were reported, but all these were cured by the debridement and primary closure. One hematoma and one seroma formation were observed in donor site. Longer surgery time, more bleeding amount and more transfusion volume were reported in the group of musculocutenous flap. Conclusion: Long term follow up result showed the successful reconstruction in all patients without recurrence and with minimal donor site morbidity. In addition, the patients' satisfaction for cosmetic and functional results were scaled relatively higher. This confirmed the importance of reconstruction algorithm for the chest wall reconstruction.