• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.510-516
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• 2013

Background This paper discusses the treatment protocol for patients with frostbite. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of a series of 17 patients with second- and higher-degree frostbite who had been treated at our medical institution between 2010 and 2012. Results Our clinical series of patients (n=17) included 13 men and four women, whose mean age was $42.4{\pm}11.6$ years (range, 22-67 years). The sites of injury include the foot in six patients (35.3%), the hand in six patients (35.3%) and the facial region in five patients (29.4%). Seven patients with second-degree frostbite were completely cured with only conservative treatment during a mean period of $12.7{\pm}3.3$ days (range, 8-16 days). Of the five patients with third-degree frostbite, two underwent skin grafting following debridement, and the remaining three achieved a complete cure with conservative treatment during a mean period of $35{\pm}4.3$ days (range, 29-39 days). Five patients with fourth-degree frostbite were treated with surgical procedures including amputation. Conclusions With the appropriate conservative management in the early stage of onset, surgeons should decide on surgery after waiting for a sufficient period of time until the demarcation of the wound. Continuous management of patients is also needed to achieve functional recovery after a complete cure has been achieved. This should also be accompanied by patient education for the avoidance of re-exposure to cold environments.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.268-272
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• 2008

Paravalvular abscess is defined as infective necrosis of the mitral annulus and surrounding tissue that requires debridement of the necrotic tissue and patch reconstruction before valve implantation. Paravalvular abscess is associated with high operative mortality, postoperative complications, and recurrence. We report here a case of a 59-year old woman that had undergone mitral valvular replacement with a mechanical valve 13 years ago. The patient was determined to have paravalvular leakage due to paravalvular abscess as seen during follow-up. The patient underwent repeat mitral valvular replacement with annular reconstruction. However, the patient with mitral annular reconstruction and valvular replacement on the fifteenth postoperative day due to recurrence of paravalvular leakage. The patient is now receiving follow-up eight months after surgery.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.23-26
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• 2009

Purpose: Artificial dura maters are commonly used in cranioplasty, but sometimes they can result in serious postoperative infection. Once complications such as epidural abscess or chronic draining ulcer arise, they are very difficult to treat. In this case, reclosure of dura defect using artificial dura mater may give rise to recurrence of infection. We experienced a case of intractable epidural abscess caused by use of artificial dura. To avoid repeated infection, we decided to use autologous tissue for the coverage of dura and soft tissue defect. Therefore, autologous tensor fascia lata graft and anterolateral thigh free flap were harvested at the same donor site incision to cover composite defect on the scalp and dura mater. Methods: A 13 year old male patient, who underwent the decompression cranioplasty and duroplasty, suffered from the intractable infection lesion. Twice, the epidural abscess was removed, both times the infection recurred. And eventually dura mater was exposed through the infected open wound. Nine months after dura exposed, infected aritificial dura mater was removed and extensive debridement was performed. Through a surgical incision on donor thigh, first, tensor fascia lata graft was harvested in process of the anterolateral thigh flap elevation. After the fascia lata graft was fixed over the dural defect, the anterolateral thigh flap was used to fill the dead space as well as the scalp defect. Results: Postoperatively, no recurrent infection and cerebrospinal fluid leakage are observed for a year. After the surgery, on the first and second day, venous congestion of the flap was observed, this problem was solved by thrombectomy and vein reanastomosis. And partial necrosis of flap occurred, but completely healed as conservative treatment for two weeks. Conclusion: Using the autologous tensor fascia lata graft and anterolateral thigh flap, we could obtain satisfactory results as treatment for the intractable infection lesion after duroplasty. Autologous tensor fascia lata in conjunction with anterolateral thigh flap is useful method for covering composite defect of scalp and dura mater.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.333-340
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• 2009

Osteomyelitis means inflammation of the bone marrow. It usually begins in the medullary cavity, involving the cancellous bone; then it extends and spreads to the cortical bone and eventually to the periosteum. The cause is usually thought to be microbiological. But there still are factors that predispose to produce a possible bone infection such as injuries, syphilis, actionomycosis, chronic kidney failure, alcoholism, malnutrition, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment of modalities have been directed toward eradicating microbes and improving circulation in the early stage. In the case presented, surgical debridement and IV antibiotics were the treatment of choice. Osteomyelitis in children is mainly affected in the mandible. And in childhood, the mandibular condyle is regarded as an important center of mandibular growth. Therefore, in young patients, osteomyelitis involving this region may cause a restraint of mandibular development, resulting in facial asymmetry. So diagnosis in the early stage is important in child with osteomyelitis. Recently, we have encountered an interesting case of osteomyelitis of the mandibular condyle in 9-year-old boy. So we present the case and review the literature about osteomyelitis.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.37-56
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological outcomes following the use of 30% minocycline-loaded polycaprolacton film and 2% minocycline-loaded gel that was applied locally into pockets combined with scaling and root planing. 25 human subjects who were non-pregnant, non-lactating, aged 20-50 and diagnosed as moderate to advanced adult periodontitis were enrolled. Subjects were excluded if they had a history of severe acute or chronic systemic disease, if they required antibiotic prophylaxis for dental treatment for any reason, or if they reported a history suggestive of hypersensitivity reactions to minocycline or tetracycline. 4quadrants that had several teeth with a 5-8mm probing pocket depth and radiographic evidence of alveolar bone loss for each patient were selected and divided into test sites and control sites according to the split-mouth design. Scaling and root planing was done for each site at baseline(0week). Test sites received the minocycline gel and strip and control sites had saline irrigation. The patients received both treatments simyltaneously. Subgingival irrigation of sterile saline was applied to the control sites for approximately 30 seconds. Minocycline strip and gel was applied into the periodontal pocket at 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks each after scaling and root planing in the test sites. The clinical and microbiological measurements were made at baseline and at the follow-up visits 6, 10, 14, 20 weeks. The results of this study were as follows; 1. The sulcular bleeding index, probing pocket depth and Periocheck test was significantly reduced and the relative proportions of spirochetes and motile rods were significantly reduced and the proportion of cocci was correspondingly increased, in locally delivered minocycline strip group compared to saline irrigation group. 2. In locally delivered minocycline gel group, The effect was the same with minocycline strip group as compared with saline irrigation therapy. 3. There was no significant differences between minocycline strip group and minocycline gelgroup. In conclusion, minocycline HCl local drug delivery combined with scaling and root planing may provide added improvement of clinical and microbiological responses by inhibiting bacterial recolonization of treated sites. It is suggested that the local administration of minocycline-HCl in the periodontal pocket is effective when combined with subgingival mechanical debridement.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.97-102
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• 2008

Purpose: Periodontal intrabony defects have great deal of importance since they contribute to the development of periodontal disease. Current treatment regimens for intrabony defects involve grafting of numerous bony materials, GTR using biocompatible barriers, and biomodification of root surface that will encourage the attachment of connective tissue. Xenograft using deproteinized bovine bone particles seems to be very convenient to adjust because it doesn't require any donor sites or imply the danger of cross infections. These particles are similar to human cancellous bone in structure and turned out to be effective in bone regeneration in vivo. We here represent the effectiveness of grafting deproteinized bovine bone particles in intrabony defect and furcation involvements that have various numbers of bony walls. Materials and methods: Open flap debridement was done to remove all root accretions and granulation tissue from the defects within persisting intrabony lesions demonstrating attachment loss of over 6mm even 3 months after nonsurgical periodontal therapy have been completed. Deproteinized bovine bone particles($BBP^{(R)}$, Oscotec, Seoul) was grafted in intrabony defects to encourage bone regeneration. Patients were instructed of mouthrinses with chlorohexidine-digluconate twice a day and to take antibiotics 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks. They were check-up regularly for oral hygiene performance and further development of disease. Probing depth, level of attachment and mobility were measured at baseline and 6 months after the surgery. The radiographic evidence of bone regenerations were also monitored at least for 6 months. Conclusion: In most cases, radio-opacities increased after 6 months. 2- and 3-wall defects showed greater improvements in pocket depth reduction when compared to 1-wall defects. Class I & II furcation involvements in mandibular molars demonstrated the similar results with acceptable pocket depth both horizontally and vertically comparable to other intrabony defects. Exact amount of bone gain could not be measured as the re-entry procedure has not been available. With in the limited data based on our clinical parameter to measure pocket depth reduction following $BBP^{(R)}$ grafts, it was comparable to the results observed following other regeneration techniques such as GTR.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.72-77
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• 2004

Background : A tracheobronchial obstruction in lung cancer is associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, and recurrent respiratory infection. It is well known that one of standard treatments is photodynamic therapy (PDT) in tracheobronchial obstruction after radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgery. We reported here the role of PDT in airway obstruction in patients advanced lung cancer. Method : Pre-treatment protocol consisted of clinical, radiologic, and bronchoscopic examination, pulmonary function test, and assessment of Karnofsky performance status. A 2 mg/kg of porfimer sodium was injected intravenously, and then followed by cylindrical and/or interstitial irradiation with 630 nm of laser after 48 hours. The repeated bronchoscopy for debridement of necrotic tissue and re-illumination was performed after 48 hours. Result : Improved airway obstruction and selective tumor necrosis were achieved by photodynamic therapy in all cases. Dyspnea and performance status were improved in three cases. A purulent sputum, fever and hemoptysis were improved in one of five cases. After PDT, all patients showed temporarily aggravation of dyspnea, two of five showed febrile reaction for a few days and nobody presented photosensitivity reaction, hemoptysis and respiratory failure. Conclusion : Our experiences of PDT are effective in palliation of inoperable advanced lung cancer in terms of tracheobronchial obstruction.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.399-403
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• 2005

Coccidioidomycosis is caused by a dimorphous fungus, Coccidioides, which consists of two species, C. immitis and C. posadasii. Although these organisms are genetically distinct and do not exchange DNA, they appear identical phenotypically and the disease or immune response to the organisms is also identical. Coccidioides grows as a mycelium in the soil and is mainly found in Southwestern United States, northwestern Mexico, and Argentina. An infection usually results from inhaling the spores of the fungus in an endemic area. Patients with a localized infection and no risk factors for complications often require only a periodic reassessment to demonstrate the resolution of the self-limited process. However, patients with extensive spread of infection or high risk of complications as a result of immunosuppression or other preexisting factors require a variety of treatment strategies such as antifungal therapy, surgical debridement, or both. Korea is not endemic area of a coccidioidomycosis. We report a case of disseminated coccidioidomycosis involving the lung and skin, which was detected incidentally after sunburn in a 69 year-old Korean male with diabetes mellitus and iatrogenic Cushings syndrome, with a review of the relevant literature.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.64-67
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• 2014

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether in patients with rotator cuff tears a correlation exists between molecular changes and clinical parameters such as age, duration of symptom, range of motion, and tear size. Molecular changes of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) were assessed by measuring messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of the two proteins. Methods: The rotator cuff tissue from was obtained from the edge of a torn tendon revealed after debridement by a motorized shaver. Using the sample of rotator cuff tissue, the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA expression. To determine whether mRNA levels and the clinical variables, such as age, defect size, range of motion (ROM) of shoulder, and duration of symptoms, show any correlation, Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to test for significant differences. Results: There was an inverse correlation between the mRNA levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 from the torn rotator cuff tendons regardless of the clinical variables. However, comparison of mRNA levels versus clinical parameters such as age, defect size, range of motion and duration of symptoms revealed a number of findings. We found a significant correlation between age and mRNA levels of MMP-2 from torn cuffs (r = 0.513, p = 0.021). Further, we found a significant correlation between defect size in the full thickness tears and mRNA levels of MMP-2 (r = 0.454, p = 0.045). Conversely, no significant association between mRNA levels of MMP-2 and ROM or duration of symptom was found. Conclusions: Our results suggest that both MMP-2 and TIMP-2 may be involved in the disease process of rotator cuff tears. Although the level of mRNA expression of MMP-2 and TMP-2 remain constant in torn rotator cuffs irrespective of the clinical variables, their levels may be influenced by age and defect size, which could account to change in tendon degradation and the healing process.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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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.