• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.51-64
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• 2014

This study provides a systematic review of the literature on nipple-sparing mastectomy and necrotic complications in order to estimate the prevalence of necrotic complications and to investigate their significant predictors. A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE and Ovid databases. A pooled analysis was performed for calculation of the prevalence of nipple-areolar complex (NAC) necrosis, mastectomy flap necrosis, and overall necrotic complications and to evaluate the relationships between necrotic complications and potential risk factors. A total of 44 papers were analyzed. The prevalence of overall necrotic complications was 13.7%, including 7.5% for NAC necrosis and 7.8% for mastectomy flap necrosis. Types of incisions showed significant association with the rates of NAC necrosis and mastectomy flap necrosis. Incisions involving the NAC showed a significantly higher rate of NAC necrosis than those not involving it. The prevalence of NAC necrosis was higher in the autologous tissue reconstruction group than in the prosthesis group. Active smoking and diathermy dissection were significant predictors of both NAC necrosis and mastectomy flap necrosis. The findings of this review suggest that there are several predictors of necrotic complications in nipple-sparing mastectomy. Appropriate patient selection, careful operative planning, and surgical technique refinements may reduce the risk of necrotic complications.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.208-211
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• 2019

Diabetic foot ulcers can progress to the point where amputation is needed, and so these ulcers require active treatment. Skin grafts or flaps can be performed for coverage of this type of ulcer. Local flap surgery is relatively easy to perform and good results have been previously reported. We performed single-lobed rotation flap on 5 cases of forefoot ulcer around the site of weight bearing. The location of the foot ulcers was the medial part of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in all the patients. The mean size of the defect was 4.70 ㎠. Managing of ulcers, controlling of diabetes and infection, and improving of peripheral blood flow were performed before surgery. In two cases, infection progressed to the articular cartilage and so metatarsophalangeal joint fusions were performed simultaneously. All the cases were completely transplanted. There was no recurrence of the ulcers, and all the patients were able to walk.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.130-136
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• 2012

Background : Complex elbow injuries with associated nerve, muscle, or joint injury commonly develop post-inury stiffness. In order to preserve function, joint congruency, elbow stability and durable wound coverage must be achieved in a timely manner. Methods : A retrospective review of patients who underwent orthopaedic fixation followed by free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap soft tissue coverage was performed. Five patients were identified and included in this study. Results : We present a series of 5 cases managed with this principle. Soft tissue defects ranged in size from $4{\times}9cm$ ($36cm^2$) to $15{\times}30cm$ ($450cm^2$) and were located either posteriorly (n=4) or anteriorly (n=1). Associated injuries included open fractures (n=3) and motor nerve transection (n=2). Wound coverage was achieved in a mean duration of 18.8 days (range, 11 to 42 day). There were no flap failures and no major complications. The mean postoperative active elbow motion was $102^{\circ}$ (range, $45^{\circ}$ to $140^{\circ}$). Conclusions : In our small series we have highlighted the safety and utility of using the free ALT flap in complex elbow injuries. The ALT flap has many advantages which include abundant skin and subcutaneous tissue; vascularised vastus lateralis muscle that was used in our series to obliterate dead space, provide a vascular bed for nerve grafts and combat infection; and, access to fascia lata grafts for reconstruction of the triceps tendon.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.819-835
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• 2016

In this paper, the activities carried out within the EU funded Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative (JTI GRA) Project and aimed at developing a morphing flap, are illustrated. The reference device is a regional aircraft single slotted flap, enhanced with deforming capabilities to obtain improved hyper-lift performance. The design started with the identification of the internal architecture, intended to allow camber variations. A concentrated-hinge architecture was selected, for its ability to fit different curvatures and for the possibility of easily realizing an "armadillo-like" configuration, then avoiding the use of a complicate deformable skin. The flap layout is made of segmented ribs, elastically hinged each other and span-wise connected by conventional spars. Relative rotations of the rib elements are forced by SMA structural actuators, i.e., cooperating in the external loads absorption. Super-elastic SMA are used to make up recovery elastic elements, necessary to regain the original shape after activation. These further elements in turn contribute to the overall flap rigidity. After assessing the hinge number and the size of the SMA active and passive elements, the advanced design phase was dealt with. It was aimed at solving manufacturing issues and producing the executive drawings. The realized demonstrator was finally tested in lab conditions to prove its functionality in terms of whether target shape actuation or attained shape preservation under loads. On the basis of the numerical results and the experimental outcomes, precious hints were obtained for further developments of the concept.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2010

Purpose: To report the clinical results of the use of arterialized venous free flaps in reconstruction in soft tissue defects of the finger and to extend indications for the use of such flaps based on the clinical experiences of the authors. Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients who underwent arterialized venous free flaps for finger reconstruction, between May 2007 and July 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. The mean flap size was 4.7${\times}3.2$ cm. The donor site was the ipsilateral volar aspect of the distal forearm in all cases. There were 8 cases of venous skin flaps, 5 cases of neurocutaneous flaps, 4 cases of tendocutaneous flaps, 1 case of innervated tendocutaneous flap. The vascuality of recipient beds was good except in 4 cases (partial devascuality in 2, more than 50% avascuality (bone cement) in 2). Results: All flaps were survived. The mean number of included veins was 2.27 per flap. Mean static two-point discrimination was 10.5 mm in neurocutaneous flaps. In 3 of 5 cases where tendocutaneous flaps were used, active ROM at the PIP joint was 60 degrees, 30 degrees at the DIP joint and 40 degrees at the IP joint of thumb. There were no specific complications except partial necrosis in 3 cases. Conclusions: An arterialized venous free flap is a useful procedure for single-stage reconstruction in soft tissue or combined defect of the finger; we consider that this technique could be applied to fingers despite avascular recipient beds if the periphery of recipient bed vascularity is good.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.9-16
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• 1992

Volkmann's ischemic contracture is the end result of an untreated, delayed or Inadequately decompressed compartment syndrome in which muscle ischemia and necrosis have occurred. Once the muscle necrosis have happened, the involved muscle undergo permanent change into fibrous tissue. So secondary shortening and distal joint contracture will be a final outcome, which results in marked functional impairment of hand and forearm. Even though several procedures, such as muscle sliding operation has been attempted, overall results were far from satisfaction, compare to healthy opposite hand. The management of these unfavorable condition of the forearm and hand was regarded as one of challenging area in orthopedics. Recently new approach, using microsurgical technique which transfers functioning muscle unit, has been developed and its result was much better than any other methods in the aspect of an active motion. Among these musculocutaneous free flaps, gracilis has obtained special reputation due to its easiness to handle such as elevation of flap and reliable neurovascular pedicle. Other advantages are flexibility of flap size to adjust variable size of the defect in the forearm and minor morbidity of the donor site. Authors have performed 7 cases of functioning gracilis musulocutaneous free flap transplantation for the functional loss of forearm and hand due to Volkmann's ischemic contracture or muscle and skin defect due to severe trauma since November, 1981 till May, 1991. The results in most cases were satisfactory and acceptable.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.37
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• pp.23.1-23.8
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• 2015

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional effects of temporalis myofascial flap after condylectomy, with or without disc removal, in elderly patients with anterior disc displacement (ADD) without reduction and an erosive condylar surface of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Methods: A total of 15 joints from 11 elderly patients (71-78 years old) were included. The patients had pain, mandibular dysfunction symptoms, and unilateral or bilateral ADD as well as an erosive condylar surface of the TMJ. All patients underwent temporalis myofascial flap reconstruction after condylectomy, with or without disc removal. If the maximal mouth opening (MMO) remained <35 mm after condylectomy, coronoidotomy was also performed. Self-assessed pain and mandibular function, including MMO and protrusive and lateral movements, were evaluated. Results: No patient experienced serious complications. Most measurements improved significantly after surgery compared to preoperatively. Most patients achieved nearly-normal mouth opening at 4 weeks after surgery. Although most patients felt discomfort during active postoperative physiotherapy, no patient reported serious pain during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Although nonsurgical therapy is often the first treatment choice for ADD without reduction of the TMJ, surgical intervention involving condylectomy and temporalis myofascial flap reconstruction may be a reasonable first option for elderly patients with an erosive condylar surface of the TMJ.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to present the clinical result of anterolateral thigh free flap for pretibial soft tissue lesion after chronic tibia osteomyelitis. From December 2006 to September 2008, Five patients were included in our study. 4 of 5 were superficial or localized types of chronic tibia osteomyelitis, based on the classification of Cierny and Mader. Average age at the surgery was 45 years, three were males and two were females. All had a history of chronic tibia osteomyelitis and subsequent pretbial soft tissue lesions coming from previous operations or pus drainage. Pretibial soft tissue defects included small ulcers, fibrotic, bruisable soft tissue and small bony exposures, but not large-sized bony exposures nor active pus discharge. After complete debridement of large sized pretibial soft tissue lesions and decortication of anterior tibial cortical dead bone, anterolateral thigh free flap was applied to cover remained large pretibial soft tissue defect and to prevent the recurrence of infection. All flaps survived and provided satisfactory coverage of soft tissue defect on pretibial region for 16 months' mean follow up period. No patients has had recurrence of osteomyelitis. Anterolateral thigh free flap could be recommend for large sized pretibial soft tissue defect of supreficial or localized types of chronic tibia osteomyelitis after through debridement.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2005

In order to improve dynamic stall characteristics of an oscillating airfoil, optimal design has been performed for fixed nose droop and Gurney flap. Fixed nose droop is known to be very effective to improve pitching moment characteristics but may cause degeneration of aerodynamic lift at the same time. On the other hand, Gurney flap has the opposite characteristics. For fixed nose droop, location and angle are chosen as design variables, while length is defined as design variable for Gurney flap. Higher order response surface methodology and sensitivity based optimal design method are employed to handle highly nonlinear problem such as dynamic stall. Optimal design has been performed so that lift and pitching moment are simultaneously improved. The design results show that aerodynamic characteristics can be remarkably improved through present design approach and the present passive control method is as good as active control method which combines variable nose droop and Gurney flap.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.519-531
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• 2003

Piezoelectric actuators have long been recognised for use in aerospace structures for control of structural shape. This paper looks at active control of the swept shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction using smart flap actuators. The actuators are manufactured by bonding piezoelectric material to an inert substrate to control the bleed/suction rate through a plenum chamber. The cavity provides communication of signals across the shock, allowing rapid thickening of the boundary layer approaching the shock, which splits into a series of weaker shocks forming a lambda shock foot, reducing wave drag. Active control allows optimum control of the interaction, as it would be capable of positioning the control region around the original shock position and unimorph tip deflection, hence mass transfer rates. The actuators are modelled using classical composite material mechanics theory, as well as a finite element-modelling program (ANSYS 5.7).