• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.118-123
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• 2001

Introduction : We report advantages of distally based superficial sural artery flap in the soft tissue defect in lower leg, ankle and foot. They are easier and less complicated technique than others. Material & Method : Total 26 patients were operated and their soft tissue defect site were 10 cases of anterior tibial surface, 6 cases of Achilles tendon area, 3 cases of lateral and medial surface of tibia, 3 cases of foot dorsum surface, 3 cases of sole, 1 case of medial aspect of ankle. Average pedicle distance was 12.8 cm(range $8{\sim}21cm$) and follow up period was mean 18 months. Result : We obtained 24 cases of excellent and good results. The two cases were reported low complication rate, which were one case of skin necrosis covered full thickness skin graft, and the other case of infection. Conclusion : The advantage of distally based superficial sural artery flap in soft tissue defect are long distant pedicle, short operation time, easy elevation of pedicle, constant and reliable blood supply and good cosmetic result with thin-thickness flap.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.106-111
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• 1996

Purpose : Propose a surgical technique in donor harvesting method in free vascularized proximal fibular epiphysis. Methodology : Concerned about growth potentials of the transplanted epiphysis in our long term results of the epiphyseal transplanted 13 cases more than 4 years follow-up, anterior tibial artery which contains anterior tibial recurrent artery is most reliable vessel to proximal fibular epiphysis which is the best donor of the free vascularized epiphyseal transplantation. In vascular anatomical aspect proximal fibular epiphysis norished by latearl inferior genicular artery from popliteal, posterior tibial recurrent artery and anterior tibial recurrent artery from anterior tibial artery and peroneal artery through metaphysis. The lateral inferior genicular artery is very small and difficult to isolate, peroneal artery from metaphysis through epiphyseal plate can not give enough blood supply to epiphysis itself. The anterior tibial artery which include anterior tibial recurrent and posterior tibial recurrent artery is the best choice in this procedure. But anterior tibial recurrent artery merge from within one inch from bifucating point of the anterior and posterior tibial arteries from popliteal artery. So it is very difficult to get enough vascular pedicle length to anastomose in recipient vessel without vein graft even harvested from bifucating point from popliteal artery. Authors took recipient artery from distal direction of anterior tibial artery after ligation of the proximal popliteal side vessel, which can get unlimited pedicle length and safer dissection of the harvesting proximal fibular epiphysis. Results : This harvesting procedure can performed supine position, direct anterolateral approach to proximal tibiofibular joint. Dissect and isolate the biceps muscle insertion from fibular head, micro-dissection is needed to identify the anterior tibial recurrent arteries to proximal epiphysis, soft tissue release down to distal and deeper plane to find main anterior tibial artery which overlying on interosseous membrane. Special care is needed to protect peroneal nerve damage which across the surgical field. Conclusions : Proximal fibular epiphyseal transplantation with distally directed anterior tibial artery harvesting technique is effective and easier dissect and versatile application with much longer arterial pedicle.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.341-345
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• 2015

Objective : To measure the orientation of the facet joints of cervical spine (C-spine) segments in the sagittal plane, known as the pedicle-facet (P-F) angle, and to use these measurements to evaluate the relationship between the P-F angle and the amount of vertebral anterolisthesis in patients with degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis (DCS). Methods : A retrospective case-control study was performed including 30 age- and sex-matched patients with DCS and 30 control participants. Anterior-posterior and lateral view radiographs of the C-spine were obtained in a standing position. The P-F angle at all cervical levels and the amount of anterolisthesis at C4-5 were measured from lateral view plain radiographs. Results : The P-F angles at C4-5 were $141.14{\pm}7.14^{\circ}$ for the DCS group and $130.53{\pm}13.50^{\circ}$ (p=0.012) for the control group, and at C5-6 were $137.46{\pm}8.53^{\circ}$ for the DCS group and $128.53{\pm}16.01^{\circ}$ for the control group (p=0.001). The mean P-F angle at C4-5 did not correlate with the amount of anterolisthesis (p=0.483). The amount of anterior slippage did correlate with age (p<0.001). Conclusion : The P-F angle was intrinsically higher at C4-5, compared to C5-6, in both the DCS and control groups, which might explain the increased likelihood for anterolisthesis of C4. Higher P-F angles in the DCS group may be a predisposing factor to slippage. The P-F angle may interact with age to increase incidence of anterolisthesis with increasing age.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.346-352
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• 2012

Objective : We compared the radiological and clinical outcomes between patients who underwent posterior fixation alone and supplemented with fusion following the onset of thoracolumbar burst fractures. In addition, we also evaluated the necessity of posterolateral fusion for patients treated with posterior pedicle screw fixation. Methods : From January 2007 to December 2009, 46 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture were included in this study. On the basis of posterolateral fusion, we divided our patients into the non-fusion group and the fusion group. The radiological assessment was performed according to the Cobb's method, and results were obtained at immediately, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Mcnab criteria at the final follow-up. Results : The demographic data and the mean follow-up period were similar between the two groups. Patients of both groups achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes. The mean loss of kyphosis correction showed that patients of both groups experienced loss of correction with no respect to whether they underwent the posterolateral fusion. There was no significant difference in the degree of loss of correction at any time points of the follow-up between the two groups. In addition, we also compared the effect of fixed levels (i.e., short versus long segment) on loss of correction between the two groups and there was no significant difference. There were no major complications postoperatively and during follow-up period. Conclusion : We suggest that posterolateral fusion may be unnecessary for patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures who underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.289-293
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• 2009

Purpose: The retroauricular flap has many advantages for facial reconstruction and is being performed by many surgeons. However, it is difficult for the retroauricular flap to perform reconstruction of the upper region of the auricle and its surroundings, due to limited rotation arc and length of pedicle. We successfully reconstructed the upper region of the auricle and its surroundings with retroauricular flap by using the superior auricular artery as a supplying pedicle. The purpose of this study is to present an anatomic study about the superior auricular artery and its clinical application. Methods: We investigated the relationship between the superior auricular artery and its surrounding structures through anatomic studies with 7 fresh cadavers and then applied the findings clinically. From February to December 2008, we performed 7 cases of the superior auricular artery island flap to reconstruct the defects in patients operated on skin cancer. Sizes of the defects varied form $0.8{\times}0.8cm$ to $3.5{\times}3.0cm$. Results: We found that the superior auricular artery is a reliable pedicle for the retroauricular flap, based on anatomical studies. All wounds of the patients were successfully closed. The flap donor site was primary closed except in one patient with a large defect. The aesthetic outcomes of the donor and recipient sites were satisfying. Conclusions: The superior auricular artery island flap has several advantages. Therefore, we suggest that the superior auricular artery island flap is a treatment of choice for reconstructing soft tissue defect at the upper region of the auricle and its surrounding area.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.343-349
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• 2012

Objective : Pedicle-based dynamic stabilization systems, in which semi-rigid rods or cords are used to restrict or control spinal segmental motion, aim to reduce or eliminate the drawbacks associated with rigid fusion. In this study, we analyzed the two-year clinical outcomes of patients treated with the NFlex (Synthes Spine, Inc.), a pedicle-based dynamic stabilization system. Methods : Five sites participated in a retrospective study of 72 consecutive patients who underwent NFlex stabilization. Of these 72 patients, 65 were available for 2-year follow-up. Patients were included based on the presence of degenerative disc disease (29 patients), degenerative spondylolisthesis (16 patients), lumbar stenosis (9 patients), adjacent segment degeneration (6 patients), and degenerative lumbar scoliosis (5 patients). The clinical outcome measures at each assessment were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to measure back pain, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to measure functional status. Radiographic assessments included evidence of instrumentation failure or screw loosening. Results : Sixty-five patients (26 men and 39 women) with a mean age of 54.5 years were included. Mean follow-up was 25.6 months. The mean VAS score improved from 8.1 preoperatively to 3.8 postoperatively, representing a 53% improvement, and the ODI score from 44.5 to 21.8, representing a 51% improvement. Improvements in pain and disability scores were statistically significant. Three implant-related complications were observed. Conclusion : Posterior pedicle-based dynamic stabilization using the NFlex system seems effective in improving pain and functional scores, with sustained clinical improvement after two years. With appropriate patient selection, it may be considered an effective alternative to rigid fusion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.360-365
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• 2006

Objective : This is a cadaver study to assess the accuracy of three cervical screw insertion techniques; the blind technique [Group I], the laminotomy technique [Group II], and the funnel technique [Group III]. Methods : Ten human cadavers embalmed with formaldehyde were prepared. After exposing the spinous processes, the laminas and the lateral masses, titanium alloy transpedicular screws were inserted from C3 to C7. A total of 100 pedicles were ramdomly assigned to one of three techniques [the blind technique : 31 screws, the laminotomy technique : 51 screws, the funnel technique: 18 screws]. Axial computed tomography with 1-mm slices, and sagittal and coronal reformation were performed to identify the accuracy of the screw insertion and the anatomic relationships. Results : In Group I, 9 screws [29%] were either contained within or penetrated less than 1mm, which were rated as successful. In Group II, 24 screws [47%] were successful. In Group III, 16 screws [89%] were successful. In the multiple comparison, there was a statistically significant difference between Groups I and III and between Groups II and III [$X^2$ test and Bonfenoni test]. Conclusion : The funnel technique can help a surgeon's understanding about the cervical pedicle more precisely than the other two techniques. The funnel technique is less dependent on lateral soft tissue retraction state.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.460-464
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• 2015

Objective : Bilateral C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screw fixation (C1LM-C2P) is an ideal technique for correcting atlantoaxial instability (AAI). However, the inevitable situation of vertebral artery injury or unfavorable bone structure may necessitate the use of unilateral C1LM-C2P. This study compares the fusion rates of the C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screw in the unilateral and bilateral methods. Methods : Over five years, C1LM-C2P was performed in 25 patients with AAI in our institute. Preoperative studies including cervical X-ray, three-dimensional computed tomography (CT), CT angiogram, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed. To evaluate bony fusion, measurements of the atlanto-dental interval (ADI) and CT scans were performed in the preoperative period, immediate postoperative period, and postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results : Unilateral C1LM-C2P was performed in 11 patients (44%). The need to perform unilateral C1LM-C2P was due to anomalous course of the vertebral artery in eight patients (73%) and severe degenerative arthritis in three patients (27%). The mean ADI in the bilateral group was 2.09 mm in the immediate postoperative period and 1.75 mm in 12-months postoperatively. The mean ADI in the unilateral group was 1.82 mm in the immediate postoperative period and 1.91 mm in 12-months postoperatively. Comparison of ADI measurements showed no significant differences in either group (p=0.893), and the fusion rate was 100% in both groups. Conclusion : Although bilateral C1LM-C2P is effective for AAI from a biomechanical perspective, unilateral screw fixation is a useful alternative in patients with anatomical variations.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.742-747
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• 2013

Background The medial canthus is an important area in determining the impression of a person's facial appearance. It is composed of various structures, including canthal tendons, lacrimal canaliculi, conjunctiva, the tarsal plate, and skin tissues. Due to its complexity, medial canthal defect reconstruction has been a challenging procedure to perform. The contralateral paramedian forehead flap is usually used for large defects; however, the bulkiness of the glabella and splitting at the distal end of the flap are factors that can reduce the rate of flap survival. We reconstructed medial canthal defects using ipsilateral paramedian forehead flaps, minimizing glabellar bulkiness. Methods This study included 10 patients who underwent medial canthal reconstruction using ipsilateral paramedian forehead flaps between 2010 and 2012. To avoid an acute curve of the pedicle, which can cause venous congestion, we attempted to make the arc of the pedicle rounder. Additionally, the pedicle was skeletonized from the nasal root to the glabella to reduce the bulkiness. Results All patients had basal cell carcinoma, and 3 of them had recurrent basal cell carcinoma. All of the flaps were successful without total or partial flap loss. Two patients developed venous congestion of the flap, which was healed using medicinal leeches. Four patients developed epiphora, and 2 patients developed telecanthus. Conclusions Large defects of the medial canthus can be successfully reconstructed using ipsilateral paramedian forehead flaps. In addition, any accompanying venous congestion can be healed using medicinal leeches.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.39-43
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• 2005

Objective: For Posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) various cages or iliac bone dowels are used with or without pedicle screw fixation(PSF). To evaluate and compare the clinical and radiological results of different fusion methods, we intend to verify the effect of added PSF on PLIF, the effect of bone cages and several factors which are thought to be related with the postoperative prognosis. Methods: One hundred and ninety seven patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and instability or spondylolisthesis underwent various fusion operations from May 1993 to May 2003. The patients were divided into five groups, group A (PLIF with autologous bone dowels, N=24), group B (PLIF with bone cages, N=13), group C (PLIF with bone dowels and PSF, N=37), group D (PLIF with bone cages and PSF, N=30) and group E (PSF with intertransverse bone graft, N=93) for comparison and analyzed for the outcome and fusion rate. Results: Outcome was not significantly different among the five groups. In intervertebral height (IVH) changes between pre- and post-operation, Group B ($2.42{\pm}2.20mm$) was better than Group A ($-1.33{\pm}2.05mm$). But in the Group C, D and E, the IVH changes were not different statistically. Fusion rate of group C, D was higher than that of Group A and B. But the intervertebral height(IVH) increased significantly in group B($2.42{\pm}2.20mm$). Fusion rate of group C and D were higher than that of group A and D. Conclusion: Intervertebral cages are superior to autologous iliac bone dowels for maintaining intervertebral height in PLIF. The additional pedicle screw fixation seems to stabilize the graft and improve fusion rates.