• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제44권2호
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• pp.117-123
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• 2017

Background Upper extremity soft tissue defects with complete circumferential involvement are not common. Coupled with the unique anatomy of the upper extremity, the underlying etiology of such circumferential soft tissue defects represent additional reconstructive challenges that require treatment to be tailored to both the patient and the wound. The aim of this study is to review the various options for soft tissue reconstruction of complete circumferential defects in the upper extremity. Methods A literature review of PubMed and MEDLINE up to December 2016 was performed. The current study focuses on forearm and arm defects from the level at or proximal to the wrist and were assessed based on Tajima's classification (J Trauma 1974). Data reviewed for analysis included patient demographics, causality, defect size, reconstructive technique(s) employed, and postoperative follow-up and functional outcomes (when available). Results In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 14 unique articles were identified for a total of 50 patients (mean=28.1 years). Underlying etiologies varied from extensive thermal or electrical burns to high impact trauma leading to degloving or avulsion, crush injuries, or even occur iatrogenically after tumor extirpation or extensive debridement. Treatment options ranged from the application of negative pressure wound dressings to the opposite end of the spectrum in hand transplantation. Conclusions With the evolution of reconstructive techniques over time, the extent of functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of these complex upper extremity injuries has also improved. The proposed management algorithm comprehensively addresses the inherent challenges associated with these complex cases.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.74-81
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• 2004

This study was designed to introduce the cross-leg free flap only for vein anastomosis as an alternative salvage method for the reconstruction of severe soft tissue defects in vascular-compromised lower extremities. Four cross-leg free flap reconstructions were performed using the latissimus dorsi muscle to reconstruct soft tissue defects in the lower extremity. The recipient artery was confined to the ipsilateral side and the venous anastomosis was carried out in the contralateral side. Both legs were immobilized together with an external fixator. All patients were males, and had a mean age of 31 years. The mean time of pedicle division was 8.8 days range of 7 to 10 days. The mean size of the flap was 186.5 cm2. All flaps survived after pedicle division without venous congestion. There was no complication in joint stiffness, nor donor site morbidity except for a linear scar. The cross-leg free flap only for vein anastomosis is a refinement of a salvage procedure used for the reconstruction of severe soft tissue defects in vascular-compromised lower extremities.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.1-6
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• 2004

Advances in microvascular techniques and refinements in microsurgical tissue transfers have enabled surgeons to combine different tissue components and reconstruction into a single-stage operation in extensive or composite defect following injury. Some problems and consideration for extensive or composite defects are form, shape, function, and dimension of the defect sites. Therefore combination of two or more flaps is required to reconstruct extensive or composite defect. This paper presents our clinical experience of four cases of combined free flaps with or without sequential microanastomosis in reconstruction of upper extremity based on peroneal flowthrough, thoracodorsal, and dorsalis pedis vascular system. Satisfactory results were obtained without flap loss and complications. The free flaps were combined in th following fashion; two cases by bridge fashion, one by chimeric microanastomosis and one by simple chimeric fashion. The median follow-up time on all patients was 21.7 months. Donor site morbidity was minimal. Extensive soft tissue or composite defects can be effectively covered by various combined flaps. Even though the risk for complication exists, the options of combination with or without sequential microanastomosis can add a functional or sensory dimension to reconstruction of complex wounds.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.32-39
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• 1994

본 연세대학교 의과대학 정형외과학교실에서는 1982년에서 1989년 사이에 모두 160건의 미세수술기법을 이용한 하지 재건술을 시행하였다. 이들중 남자가 96건, 여자가 64건이었으며 이들의 평균연령은 23.8세이고, 약 21.4개월의 치유 관찰기간을 두었다. 원인으로는 교통사고가 118건, 종양이 18건, 작업장손상이 12건, 화상 5건, 폭발사고가 2건이며 기타 9건이었다. 이중 견갑피판이식이 55건, 서혜부피판이식이 35건, 유리 혈관부착 골피판이식이 23건, 견갑피판이식이 18건, 견갑부 및 광배근 복합피판이 9건, 분절절제술 및 회전재접합술이 8건이었다. 모두 134건에서 성공적인 치유를 경험하였으며, 기능 및 외관에서 모두 좋은 성적을 거두었다. 유리 혈관부착 골피판을 이용한 미세수술적 하지재건술을 광범위한 골결손과 손상 신경재건 및 여러차례의 재건술이 필요한 경우에 좋은 적응증이 되며 이러한 미세수술적 하지재건술은 광범위한 골결손과 손상신경재건 및 여러차례의 재건술이 필요한 경우에 좋은 적응증이 되며 이러한 점에서 상기기법으로 한번의 재건술이라는 장점을 지닌다.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제50권6호
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• pp.586-592
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• 2023

Background One-stage reconstruction with "thin perforator flaps" has been attempted to salvage limbs and restore function. The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a commonly utilized flap in breast reconstruction (BR). The purpose of this study is to present the versatility of DIEP flaps for the reconstruction of large defects of the extremities. Methods Patients with large tissue defects on extremities who were treated with thin DIEP flaps from January 2016 to January 2018 were included. They were minimally followed up for 36 months. We analyzed the etiology and location of the soft tissue defect, flap design, anastomosis type, outcome, and complications. We also considered the technical differences in the DIEP flap between breast and extremity reconstruction. Results Overall, six free DIEP flaps were included in the study. The flap size ranged from 15 × 12 to 30 × 16 cm². All flaps were transversely designed similar to a traditional BR design. Three flaps were elevated with two perforators. Primary closure of the donor site was possible in all cases. Five flaps survived with no complications. However, partial necrosis occurred in one flap. Conclusion A DIEP flap is not the first choice for soft tissue defects, but it should be considered for one-stage reconstruction of large defects when the circulation zone of the DIEP flap is considered. In addition, this flap has many advantages over other flaps such as provision of the largest skin paddle, low donor site morbidity with a concealed scar, versatile supercharging technique, and a long pedicle.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제45권1호
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• pp.45-50
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• 2018

Background Free muscle flaps are a mainstay for reconstruction of distal third leg wounds and for large lower extremity wounds with exposed bone. However a major problem is the significant postoperative flap swelling, which may take months to resolve. We studied the efficacy and safety of immediate application of a vacuum assisted closure (VAC) dressing after a free muscle flap to the lower extremity. Methods Over a 19 months period, all consecutive free muscle flaps for lower extremity reconstruction at a Level I trauma center were evaluated prospectively for postoperative flap thickness, complications and flap survival. Immediate application of a VAC dressing was performed in 9 patients, while the flap was left exposed for monitoring in 8 patients. Results There was no statistically significant difference in flap survival between both cohorts. Mean flap thickness at postoperative day 5 for the VAC group was $6.4{\pm}6.4mm$, while flap thickness for the exposed flap group was $29.6{\pm}13.5mm$. Flap thickness was significantly decreased at postoperative day 5 for the VAC dressing group. Conclusions Immediate application of VAC dressing following free muscle flaps to the lower extremity does not compromise flap survival or outcomes and results in decreased flap thickness and a better aesthetic outcome.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제51권2호
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• pp.150-155
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• 2024

The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is a versatile flap that has been described for various applications, mostly for lower extremity coverage and head and neck reconstructions. However, there are few publications reporting its use for breast reconstruction, mainly because of its low volume availability. In this article, we present the case of a patient who successfully underwent a partial breast and immediate nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction with an SCIP flap. She had been previously reconstructed with an implant after a nipple-sparing mastectomy, but the NAC turned out to be involved with cancer needing further resection. Our goal with this article, is to introduce a novel concept for addressing partial breast and NAC reconstruction and mostly, to illustrate the importance of an adaptable surgical plan based on every individual case emphasizing the versality of microsurgery for breast cancer reconstruction.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.119-124
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• 2007

Purpose: Management of the soft tissue defect in the lower extremity caused by trauma has always been difficult. Coverage with local and free muscle flaps after complete surgical excision of necrotic soft tissue and bone is a major strategy for treatment. There is no doubt that muscle provides a good blood supply, thus improving bone healing and increasing resistance to bacterial inoculation. However, accompanying problems are seen in cases with shallow dead space. This research was conducted to assess the efficacy of raising anterolateral thigh flaps and transferring them to the defect after complete debridement of non-viable, infected, and scar tissue as an alternative way to use local or free muscle flaps. Methods: From March 2005 to October 2007, 18 cases of soft tissue defect on lower extremities were re-surfaced with an anterolateral thigh perforator free flap. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 31 months with a mean of 15.9 months. All flaps survived completely. Satisfactory aesthetic and functional results were achieved. Under a two-point discrimination test, 13 patients had sensory recovery from 11 mm to 20 mm after 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Reconstruction of the lower extremity with anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps after appropriate debridement is a good alternative way to use local or free muscle flaps.

• 대한정형도수물리치료학회지
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.31-37
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the comparison of the muscle contractile properties on lower extremity between non-injury and injury in subjects with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: Twenty-four subjects on the post-operative ACLR participated in this study. Measurement method were using tensiomygraphy to analyze the displacement maximum(Dm) and contraction time(Tc) on the both quadriceps. Results: Compared difference of the Dm between non-injury and injury, the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) increased significantly (p<.01). However, vastus medialis (VM) no significantly difference between non-injury and injury. Compared difference of the Tc between non-injury and injury, the RF increased significantly (p<.01) but VL and VM no significantly difference between non-injury and injury. Conclusions: These findings suggest that occurred muscle atrophy of the RF and VL and change properties of muscle fibers on the RF from fast muscle fibers to slow muscle fibers on the injury side of post-operative ACLR. Therefore, when apply to rehabilitation of lower extremity for post-operative ACLR, we should consider the enhance of RF and VL on injury side.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.7-12
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• 2015

Purpose: The rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (RAM) flap has contributed to the efficient reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The flap has the advantage of easy dissection, minimal donor site morbidity, and the constant vascular anatomy with long pedicle. Authors used the free RAM flap to reconstruct multi-located soft tissue defects while still considering functionality and aesthetics. We present the long-term outcomes and versatility of free RAM flaps. Materials and Methods: From 1994 to 2004, all patients who underwent soft tissue reconstruction with free RAM flap were reviewed retrospectively. The site of the reconstruction, vessels of anastomosis, type of RAM flap, and outcomes, including flap success rate, hospital stay after flap transfer, conduction of secondary procedure, flap complications, and donor-site complications were analyzed. Results: Twenty-one patients underwent 24 free RAM flaps in site of breast, face, upper extremity and lower extremity. Mean follow-up period was 36.1 months (range, 3~156 months). The overall success rate was 92% with only a loss of 2 flaps. Minor complications related to transferred flaps were necrosis of 2 partial flaps, hematoma formation in 3 cases, and a wound infection in 1 case. Donor site morbidity was not observed. Debulking surgery was performed in 4 patients, and scar revision was performed in 3 patients. Conclusion: Free RAM flap is a workhorse flap for general soft-tissue reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity with aesthetically good results. Thus, the free RAM flaps are versatile, and sturdy for any sites of soft-tissue where reconstruction could be performed.