• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.420-427
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• 2017

Background It can be difficult to select an appropriate flap for various defects on the hand. Although defects of the hand usually must be covered with a skin flap, some defects require a flap with rich blood supply and adequate additive soft tissue volume. The authors present their experience with the anconeus muscle free flap in the reconstruction of various defects and the release of scar contractures of the hand. Methods Ten patients underwent reconstruction of the finger or release of the first web space using the anconeus muscle free flap from May 1998 to October 2013. Adequate bed preparations with thorough debridement or contracture release were performed. The entire anconeus muscle, located at the elbow superficially, was harvested, with the posterior recurrent interosseous artery as a pedicle. The defects were covered with a uniformly trimmed anconeus muscle free flap. Additional debulking of the flap and skin coverage using a split-thickness skin graft were performed 3 weeks after the first operation. Results The average flap size was $18.7cm^2$ (range, $13.5-30cm^2$). All flaps survived without significant complications. Vein grafts for overcoming a short pedicle were necessary in 4 cases. Conclusions The anconeus muscle free flap can be considered a reliable reconstructive option for small defects on the hand or contracture release of the web space, because it has relatively consistent anatomy, provides robust blood supply within the same operative field, and leads to no functional loss at the donor site.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.334-340
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• 2015

Background Full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) are generally considered unreliable for coverage of full-thickness finger defects with bone or tendon exposure, and there are few clinical reports of its use in this context. However, animal studies have shown that an FTSG can survive over an avascular area ranging up to 12 mm in diameter. In our experience, the width of the exposed bones or tendons in full-thickness finger defects is <7 mm. Therefore, we covered the bone- or tendon-exposed defects of 16 fingers of 10 patients with FTSGs. Methods The surgical objectives were healthy granulation tissue formation in the wound bed, marginal de-epithelization of the normal skin surrounding the defect, preservation of the subdermal plexus of the central graft, and partial excision of the dermis along the graft margin. The donor site was the mastoid for small defects and the groin for large defects. Results Most of the grafts (15 of 16 fingers) survived without significant surgical complications and achieved satisfactory functional and aesthetic results. Minor complications included partial graft loss in one patient, a minimal extension deformity in two patients, a depression deformity in one patient, and mild hyperpigmentation in four patients. Conclusions We observed excellent graft survival with this method with no additional surgical injury of the normal finger, satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes, and no need for secondary debulking procedures. Potential disadvantages include an insufficient volume of soft tissue and graft hyperpigmentation. Therefore, FTSGs may be an option for treatment of full-thickness finger defects with bone or tendon exposure.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.80-91
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• 1996

A free rectus abdominis flap can include a variable amount of muscle length depending on recipient site requirements. There is also great flexibility in flap design in terms of size, orientation of its axis, and the level of its location over the muscle. It is safe to design the skin island across the midline. Though skin islands designed over the most inferior portion of the abdomen have not always proved reliable when based on the superior epigastric artery, free flaps based on the inferior pedicle can be successfully designed in this area. As free flap based on the inferior epigastric vessels, this flap has been useful for large head and neck defects following ablative procedures, for facial contour restoration as a buried flap, for upper extremity defects, for lower extremity defects such as coverage of grade III tibial fractures and for breast reconstruction. A free rectus abdominis muscle or myocutaneus flap was used in 8 patients. The operations were performed between Sep. of 1994 and April of 1996. The patients were tongue cancer 1 case, chronic facial palsy 1 case, unilateral breast reconstruction 1 case, upper and lower extremity injury 5 cases. The free rectus abdominis muscle flaps were 4 cases and the free myocutaneous flaps were 4 cases. There was no failure of the flap, except one partial necrosis. One case of the skin grafts on the muscle flap was regrafted. One case of reoperation due to venous thrombosis was performed. In tongue cancer patient, a orocutaneous fistula was occurred, but conservative treatment and secondandry skin graft were done. In conclusion, a free rectus abdominis flap has many advantages such as a long and constant pedicle, easy dissection, enough soft tissue available, scar on the donor site to be hiddened, no need for changing position. So we think that this flap is the most useful one for small or moderate sized defects on the various sites.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.20-27
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• 1998

Among many kinds of introduced free flaps, scapular freeflap is one of the most popularly using modalities in fasciocutaneous defect coverage with minimal donor defect and easier procedure and constant vascular patterns of the donor. Many surgeons who had experience of this flap pointed out deficit of the reliable sensation of the transplanted flap is the main shortcoming of the scapular free flap. If we can subjugate that point, scapular free flap is the most excellent procedure in such a cases as heel pad reconstruction and hand reconstruction which are relatively important to have skin with protective sensation. Author performed anatomical literature review, 10 cadaveric dissections and 12 clinical dissections. In surgical anatomical aspect, the upper six dorsal rami of the thoracic nerves have medial branches which pierce Longissimus thoracis and Multifidus muscle with small cutaneous twigs which pierce Latissimus dorsi and Trapezius muscle. Among that cutaneous twigs, several twigs distribute to the skin of the back from midline to lateral aspect which territory is identical to scapular free flap. We analysed clinical experiences of that sensory bearing scapular free flap surgical anatomy and one year follow-up studies with several results. 1) Two to three cutaneous twigs which pierced from the Trapezius muscle over the scapular free flap region. 2) Each twigs has two to four nerve fascicles with small artery. 3) The nerve distributed to the ordinary scapular free flap and large enough size and pedicle length to neurorrhapy with various recipient site nerves. 4) The inconvenience of this procedure is the vascular pedicle and nerve pedicle have opposite directions, vascular pedicle of that comes from lateral direction from subscapular vessels, but nerve pedicle comes from medial direction from trapezius muscle. Author can found constant cutaneous nerve branches which come from piercing the Trapezius. This nerves are helpful for protective sensation in transplanted scapular free flap. We can't had enough follow-up and evaluation of the nerve function of this procedure, we need continuous research works to application of this procedure. The in conveniences come from directional differences of pedicle can solve with longer harvest neural pedicle and change direction of the neural pedicle.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.627-635
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• 2011

Purpose: Advanced breast cancer traditionally has been perceived as a contraindication to immediate breast reconstruction, because of concerns regarding adjuvant treatment delays and the cosmetic effects of radiotherapy to breast reconstruction, so delayed reconstruction is usually preferred in advanced breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy. However, with the improved outcome using multimodality therapy, consisting of perioperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy, immediate breast reconstruction is now being performed as surgical option for selected advanced breast cancer patients. Additionally, advanced breast cancer patients may be needed soft tissue coverage of an extensive skin and soft tussue defect after mastectomy. Current authors have experienced several types of immediate breast and chest wall reconstruction for advanced breast cancer. Methods: From December of 2007 to June of 2009, 14 women performed for immediate breast and chest wall reconstruction for advanced breast cancer. They had been treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy followed by modified radical mastectomy or radical mastectomy. Four different techniques were used immediate breast and chest wall reconstruction, which are pedicled TRAM flap (4 cases), extended LD flap with STSG (3 cases), thoracoabdominal flap (4 cases) and thoracoepigastric flap (3 cases). Results: The mean age was 53 years and mean follow up period was 9 months. Patients' oncologic status ranged stage IIIa to stage IV. Two patients had major complications: partial flap necrosis of TRAM flap and one distal necrosis of thoracoabdominal flap. Three patients with stage IV disease died from metastases. Conclusion: The result of this study suggests that immediate breast and chest wall reconstruction can be considered as surgical option for advanced breast cancer. But we need long term follow up and large prospective studies for recurrence and survival.

• 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.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.120-126
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• 2000

Microsurgical reconstruction of the hand demands recovery of the sensation of the reconstructed free flap as well as microsurgeon's intelligence, technique and experience. Even with adequate soft tissue coverage and skeletal mobility, an insensate hand is prone to further injury and is unlikely to be useful to the patients. Authors have performed 8 cases of neurosensory free flaps in the hand, 4 cases of wrap around, 3 dorsalis pedis and 1 lateral arm flap, from July 1992 through June 1999 and followed up average 4 years and 4 months. Wrap around flap was performed for reconstruction of 4 cases of thumb, repairing deep peroneal nerve and superficial radial nerve by epineurial neurorrhaphy, and followed up for average 3 years and 10 months and calculated 9mm in the static 2 point discrimination test. Dorsalis pedis flap were 3 cases for reconstruction of the ray amputation, extensor tendon exposure and wrist exposure. Deep peroneal nerve and branch of the ulnar nerve was repaired by epineurial neurorrhaphy calculating 6mm and superficial peroneal nerve and superficial radial nerve averaging 18mm in the static 2 point discrimination test for follow up average 2 years and 9 months. Lateral arm flap was 1 case for reconstruction of the ray amputation in the hand repairing posterior cutaneous nerve to the arm to the superficial radial nerve calculating 20mm for follow up 6 years and 8 months.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.229-236
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• 2020

Background: Oncologic resection of the scalp confers several obstacles to the reconstructive surgeon dependent upon patient-specific and wound-specific factors. We aim to describe our experiences with various reconstructive methods, and delineate risk factors for coverage failure and complications in the setting of scalp reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted, examining patients who underwent resection of fungating scalp tumors with subsequent soft-tissue reconstruction from 2003 to 2019. Patient demographics, wound and oncologic characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 189 patients were appropriate for inclusion, undergoing a range of reconstructive methods from skin grafting to free flaps. Thirty-three patients (17.5%) underwent preoperative radiation. In all, 48 patients (25.4%) suffered wound site complications, 25 (13.2%) underwent reoperation, and 47 (24.9%) suffered from mortality. Preoperative radiation therapy was an independent risk factor for wound complications (odds ratio [OR], 2.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-7.3; p=0.028) and reoperations (OR, 4.45; 95% CI, 1.5-13.2; p=0.007). Similarly, the presence of an underlying titanium mesh was an independent predictor of wound complications (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.1-5.6; p=0.029) and reoperations (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.2-9.7; p=0.020). Both immunosuppressed status (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.2-7.1; p=0.021) and preoperative radiation therapy (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.2-9.7; p=0.022) were risk factors for mortality. Conclusion: Both preoperative radiation and the presence of underlying titanium mesh are independent risk factors for wound site complications and increased reoperation rates following oncologic resection and reconstruction of the scalp. Additionally, preoperative radiation, along with an immunosuppressed state, may predict patient mortality following scalp resection and reconstruction.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.111-124
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• 2013

Purpose: We should prepare proper medical service for disaster control as South Korea is not free from terrorism and war, as we experienced through the two naval battles of the Yeonpyeong, one in 1999 and the other in 2002, the sinking of Cheonan in 2010, and the attack against the border island of Yeonpyeong in 2010. Moreover, North Korea's increasingly bellicose rhetoric and mounting military threats against the world demand instant action to address the issue. The aim of this article is to describe our experience with three patients with combat-related gunshot and explosive injuries to their extremities and to establish useful methods for the management of patients with combat-related injuries. Methods: Three personnel who had been injured by gunshot or explosion during either the second naval battle of the Yeonpyeong in 2002 or the attack against the border island of Yeonpyeong in 2010 were included in our retrospective analysis. There were one case of gunshot injury and two cases of explosive injuries to the extremities, and the injured regions were the left hand, the right foot, and the right humerus. In one case, the patient had accompanying abdominal injuries, and his vital signs were unstable. He recovered after early initial management and appropriate emergency surgery. Results: All patients underwent emergent surgical debridement and temporary fixation surgery in the same military hospital immediately after their evacuations from the combat area. After that, continuous administration of antibiotics and wound care were performed, and definite reconstructions were carried out in a delayed manner. In the two cases in which flap operations for soft tissue coverage were required, one operation was performed 5 weeks after the injury, and the other operation was performed 7 weeks after the injury. Definite procedures for osteosynthesis were performed at 3 months in all cases. Complete union and adequate functional recovery were achieved in all cases. Conclusion: The patient should be stabilized and any life-threatening injuries must first be evaluated and treated with damage control surgery. Staged treatment and strict adherence to traditional principles for open fractures are recommended for combat-related gunshot and explosive injuries to the extremities.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.147-152
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• 2009

Purpose: First web space contracture of the hand has been treated with various surgical techniques such as Z - plasty, local flap, pedicled flap, distant free flap, and anterolateral thigh free flap. Among those surgical techniques, anterolateral thigh free flap provide a thin and pliable flap, which is a useful method for correction of first web space contracture. Methods: From August 2003 to September 2007, authors selected 9 patients who had first web space contracture with limitation of thumb abduction within 30 degrees. All of patients had received first web contracture release with anterolateral thigh free flap. Age ranged from 24 to 51, and all the patients were male. Average follow up period was 12 months and authors performed photographic analysis of the thumb abduction angle of postoperative increase. Result: All the flaps were survived. Donor site was closed with primary closure in 8 cases and covered with split - thickness skin graft in 1 case. Average flap size was $8{\times}9cm$ and average thickness was 0.6 cm in suprafascial flap. The procedure resulted in increased thumb abduction angle of $34.7^{\circ}$ in average and showed concave shape of first web space in suprafascial flap. Additional operations were performed with Z - plasty in 3 cases, local flap in 5 cases, and opponensplasty in 3 cases. Conclusion: In suprafascial flap, we obtained relatively thin flap thickness and were able to make natural concave shape of first web space. In releasing severe contracture of the first web space, anterolateral thigh free flap provided a good coverage of appropriate thickness and pliable soft tissue and allowed limited donor site morbidity.