• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.137-142
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• 2010

Purpose: Tumor ablation and traumatic intractable ulceration of the plantar surface of the foot results in skin and soft tissue defects of the weight-bearing sole. Simple skin grafting is not sufficient for reconstruction of the weight-bearing areas. Instead, the island medial plantar flap (instep flap) and distally-based island medial plantar flap was used for proper reconstruction of the weight bearing area. However, there are some disadvantages. In particular, an island medial plantar flap has a short pedicle limiting the mobility of the flap and the distally-based island medial plantar flap is based on a very small vessel. We investigated whether good results could be obtained using a reverse island medial plantar flap based on the lateral plantar vessel as a solution to the above limitations. Methods: Three patients with malignant melanoma were cared for in our tertiary hospital. The tumors involved the lateral forefoot, the postero-lateral heel, and the medial forefoot area. We designed and harvested the flap from the medial plantar area, dissected the lateral and medial plantar artery and vena comitans, and clamped and cut the vessel 1 cm proximal to the branch from the posterior tibial artery and vena comitans. The medial plantar nerve fascicles of these flaps anastomosed to the sural nerve, the 5th interdigital nerve, and the 1st interdigital nerve of each lesion. The donor sites were covered with skin grafting. Results: The mean age of the 3 subjects was 64.7 years (range, 57 - 70 years). Histologically, all cases were lentiginous malignant melanomas. The average size of the lesion was $5.3\;cm^2$. The average size of the flap was $33.1\;cm^2$. The flap color and circulation were intact during the early postoperative period. There was no evidence of flap necrosis, hematomas or infection. All patients had a normal gait after the surgery. Sensory return progressively improved. Conclusion: Use of an island medial plantar flap based on the lateral plantar vessel to the variable weight-bearing sole is a simple but useful procedure for the reconstruction of any difficult lesion of the weight-bearing sole.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.80-90
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• 2013

Recently, functional insoles of wedge-type it is for the young to raise their height inserted between insole and heel cause foot pain and disease. Additionally, these have a problem with stability and excessively load-bearing during gait like high-heel shoes. In this study, we compared the changes in biomechanical characteristics of foot with different insole thickness then we will utilize for the development of the insole with the purpose of relieving the pain and disease. Subjects(male, n = 6) measured COP(center of pressure) and PCP(peak contact pressure) on the treadmill(140cm/s) using F-scan system and different insole thickness(0~50 mm) between sole and plantar surface during gait. Also, we computed changes of stresses at the foot using finite element model with various insole thickness during toe-off phase. COP moved anterior and medial direction and, PCP was increased at medial forefoot surface, $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ metatarsophalangeal, ($9%{\uparrow}$) with thicker insoles and it was show sensitive increment as the insole thickness was increased from 40 mm to 50 mm. Change of the stress at the soft-tissue of plantar surface, $1^{st}$ metatarsal head represents rapid growth($36%{\uparrow}$). Also, lateral moments were increased over the 100% near the $1^{st}$ metatarsal as the insole thickness was increased from 0 mm to 30 mm. And it is show sensitive increment as the insole thickness changed 10 mm to 20 mm. As a result, it was expected that use of excessively thick insoles might cause unwanted foot pain at the forefoot region. Therefore, insole thickness under 30 mm was selected.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.11-16
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• 2013

Freiberg's disease is a osteochondrosis of a metatarsal head that is recognized as primarily a disorder of the second metatarsal. It is seen more often in girls. Pain and limitation of motion of the affected joint is the predominant clincal feature. The radiographic appearance demonstrates from osteosclerosis in the early stage to osteolysis with collapse in the later stage. Conservative therapy may take the form of rest, a stiff shoe, and even a cast support to decrease the stress across the joint. Surgical intervention may also be of benefit. Surgery have been attempted either to modify the diseae process or to salvage the situation once the metatarsophalangeal joint develops degenerative changes. Metatarsophalangeal joint instability is common cause of forefoot pain that can develop in association with a traumatic episode and inflamatory tissue disorders as well as neighboring toe deformities. The second ray is by far the most frequently involved. The diagnosis can be made by clinical observation and physical examination including drawer test. Many surgical procedures have beem recommended when conservative treatment has failed. Procedures described range from soft tissue releases and tendon trasfer to the direct plantar plate repair combined with a Weil osteotomy.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.112-120
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• 1996

We peformed tendon transfer with a microvascular free flap for recovery of handicapped function and reconstruction for the skin and soft tissue loss. We review the clinical data of 11 children who underwent these operation due to injured foot by pedestrian accident from January, 1986 to June, 1994. The mean age of patients was 5.6 years old(3-8). Five cases underwent tendon transfer and microvascular free flap simultaneously. Another 6 cases underwent operations separately. The time interval between tendon trasnfer and microvascular free flap was average 5.6 months(2-15 months). The duration between initial trauma and tendon transfer was average 9.6 months(2-21 months). The anterior tibial tendon was used in 6 cases. Among these, the technique of splitting the anterior tibial tendon was used in 5 cases. The posterior tibial tendon was used in 3 cases and the extenosr digitorum longus tendon of the foot in 2 cases. Insertion sites of tendon transfer were the cuboid bone in 3 cases, the 3rd cuneiform bone in 3 cases, the 2nd cuneiform bone in 1 case, the base of 4th metatarsal bone in 1 case, and the remnant of the extensor hallucis longus in 3 cases. The duration of follow-up was average 29.9 months(12-102 months). The clinical results were analysed by Srinivian criteria. Nine cases were excellent and 2 cases were good. The postoperative complications were loosening of the tranferred tendon in 2 cases, plantar flexion contracture in 1 case, mild flat foot deformity in 1 case and hypertrophic scar in 2 cases. So we recommend the tendon transfer with a microvascular free flap in the case of injured foot of children combined with nerve injury and extensive loss of skin, soft tissue and tendon.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.30-34
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• 1998

There are various cartilagenous tumors which can be found within soft tissue. Among them, extraskeletal chondroma is benign and rare tumor that is most frequently found in the hands adjacent to periarticular tissues or tenosynovium of the hands. They can exhibit worrisome radiographic and histologic features that may mimic chondrosarcoma. We experienced a case of extraskeletal chondroma in plantar aspect of the foot occurred in a 64 year-old male patient. After investigation with MRI, the mass seemed to be benign. Excisional biopsy was performed, and the histologic outcome was an extraskeletal chondroma. Because this kind of tumor is rare and benign. we report this case with reviewing of the literatures.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2024

Purpose: Ankle fracture fixation is the gold standard of treatment but it does have its own complications. There is inadequate data regarding the comparative effectiveness of early vs. delayed fixation for open ankle fracture outcomes. This study compares the clinical and functional outcomes of open ankle fractures treated by early or delayed definitive fixation and identifies the limitations of both methods. Materials and Methods: All 73 patients enrolled in the study underwent surgical intervention within 24 hours of injury. The early fixation group (group A) consisting of 39 patients underwent definitive fixation as an index procedure, while the delayed fixation group (group B) consisted of 34 patients who underwent debridement and external fixator application as an index procedure and definitive fixation when soft tissue condition was conducive. All patients were evaluated at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively and then three monthly for a year. Results: Enneking and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores were markedly higher in the early fixation group at 6 months postoperatively (p-values <0.001 and 0.011, respectively). However, no discernible intergroup difference was evident at 12 months postoperatively. Between 6 and 12 months, group functional outcome scores were significantly different. At 6 months, there was a substantial difference in dorsiflexion between the two groups (p-values 0.001 and <0.001, respectively), but no difference was observed at 12 months postoperatively. At 6 and 12 months, group average plantar flexions were non-significantly different. Conclusion: Early definitive fixation of complex ankle fractures using a targeted approach produced promising results for lower grade open fractures (grades 1 and 2), and delayed definitive fixation, after initial external fixation to allow for soft tissue stabilization, produced promising results for higher grade open fractures (grades 3A and 3B). At 12-month follow-ups, clinical and functional outcomes achieved using these strategies were equivalent.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.655-662
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• 2011

Purpose: The anterolateral thigh flap is versatile flap for soft-tissue reconstruction for defects located at various sites of the body. This useful flap offers a thick and vascular fascia lata component with large amounts that can be soft tissue coverage for different reconstructive purposes. We present our clinical experience with the use of vascular fascia lata, combined with anterolateral thigh flap for various reconstructive goals. Methods: From April 2008 to February 2011, we transferred anterolateral thigh flaps with fascia lata component to reconstruct soft-tissue defects for different purposes in 11 patients. The fascia lata component of the flap was used for tendon gliding surface in hand/forearm reconstruction in 4 patients, for reconstruction medial and lateral patellar synovial membrane and retinaculum in 2 patients, for reconstruction of plantar aponeurosis in the foot in 2 patients, for reconstruction of fascial and peritoneal defect in the abdominal wall in 2 patient, and for dural defect reconstruction in the scalp in the remaining one. Results: Complete loss of the flap was not seen in all cases. Partial flap necrosis occurred in 2 patients. These complications were treated successfully with minimal surgical debridement and dressing. Infection occurred in 1 patient. In this case, intravenous antibiotics treatment was effective. Conclusion: Anterolateral thigh flap has thick vascular fascia with large amounts. This fascial component of the flap is useful for different reconstructive aims, such as for tendon, ligament, aponeurosis defects, abdominal wall or dura reconstruction. It should be considerated as an important advantage of the flap, together with other well-known advantages.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.62-67
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• 2014

Purpose: Reconstructive surgeries for equinocavovarus foot deformities are quite variable, including hind-midfoot osteotomy or arthrodesis, soft tissue procedure, tendon transfers, etc. Comprehensive evaluation of the deformity and its etiology is mandatory for achievement of successful deformity correction. Few studies in this field have been reported. We report on the clinical and radiographic outcome of reconstruction for cavovarus foot deformities. Materials and Methods: The study is based on 16 feet with cavovarus foot deformities that underwent bony and soft tissue reconstructive surgery from 2004 to 2008. We evaluated the etiologies, varieties of surgical procedures performed, pain score, functional scores, and patient satisfaction and measured the radiographic parameters. Results: The average age at the time of surgery was 39.4 years old, with a male/female ratio of 9/4 and an average follow-up period of 23.9 months (range, 12~49 months). The etiologies of the cavovarus deformity were idiopathic 7 feet, residual poliomyelitis 5 feet, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 2 feet, and Guillain-Barre syndrome and hemiplegia due to cerebrovascular accident sequela 1 foot each. Lateral sliding calcaneal osteotomies were performed in 12 feet (75%), followed by Achilles tendon lengthening and plantar fascia release in 11 feet (69%), and first metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomy/arthrodesis and tendon transfer in 10 feet (63%). Visual analogue scale pain score showed improvement, from an average of 4.2 to 0.5 points. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score showed significant improvement, from 47.8 to 90.0 points (p<0.05). All patients were satisfied. Ankle range of motion improved from $27.5^{\circ}$ to $46.7^{\circ}$. In radiographic measurements, calcaneal pitch angle improved from $19.1^{\circ}$ to $15.8^{\circ}$, Meary angle from $13.0^{\circ}$ to $9.3^{\circ}$, Hibb's angle from $44.3^{\circ}$ to $37.0^{\circ}$, and tibio-calcaneal axis angle from varus $17.5^{\circ}$ to varus $1.5^{\circ}$ Conclusion: We achieved successful correction of cavovarus foot deformities by performing appropriate comprehensive reconstructive procedures with improved functional, radiographic measures and high patient satisfaction.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.268-271
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• 2015

About 2-year old northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) which is designated as natural monument (#323-1) in Republic of Korea was rescued by a local farmer and presented with a 2-weeks history of pain, swelling, stiffness and limping. On physical examination, plantar pododermatitis and digit IV weakness were observed. Radiographic findings also showed bone lyses with soft tissue swelling in the foot. A definite diagnosis was made as stage III bumble foot after multidisciplinary approach of the patient. Bacterial culture was performed, and concurrently antibiotic susceptibility testing is determined using wound site exudates specimen. Bacterial isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus, known normal skin flora. Treatment was initiated with surgical incision and necrotized tissues removal. Lavage-drainage and ball bandage were applied with topical mupirocin ointment application. Doughnut shaped pad was attached on bottom of the ball bandage to reduce weight bearing. After three weeks of intensive care, the wound site completely healed but digit IV weakness remained permanently. The goshawk returned to nature after eight weeks after treatment.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.114-119
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• 2000

The soft tissue defects including the Achilles tendon are complex and very difficult to reconstruct. Recently, several free composite flaps including the tendon have been used to reconstruct large defects in this area in an one-stage effort. Our case presents a patient reconstructed with free composite dorsalis pedis flap along with the extensor digitorum longus and superficial peroneal nerve for extensive defects of the Achilles tendon and surrounding soft tissue. A 36-year-old-man sustained an open injury to the Achilles tendon. He was referred to our department with gross infection of the wound and complete rupture of the tendon associated with loss of skin following reduction of distal tibial bone fracture. After extensive debridement, $6{\times}8cm$ of skin loss and 8cm of tendon defect was noted. Corresponding to the size of the defect, the composite dorsalis pedis flap was raised as a neurosensory unit including the extensor digitorum longus to provide tendon repair and sensate skin for an one-stage reconstruction. One tendon slip was sutured to the soleus musculotendinous portion, the other two were sutured to the gastrocnemius musculotendinous portion with 2-0 Prolene. The superficial peroneal nerve was then coaptated to the medial sural cutaneous nerve. The anterior tibial artery and vein were anastomosed to the posterior tibial artery and accompanying vein in an end to end fashion. After 12 months of follow-up, 5 degrees of dorsiflexion due to the checkrein deformity and 58 degrees of plantar flexion was achieved. The patient was able to walk without crutches. Twopoint discrimination and moving two-point discrimination were more than 1mm at the transferred flap site. The donor site healed uneventfully. Of the various free composite flaps for the Achilles tendon reconstruction when skin coverage is also needed, we recommand the composite dorsalis pedis flap. The advantages such as to control infection, adequate restoration of ankle contour for normal foot wear, transfer of the long tendinous portion, and protective sensation makes this flap our first choice for reconstruction of soft tissue defect including the Achilles tendon.