• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.124-135
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• 2017

Background In cases of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) threatened by potential hardware exposure, flap-based reconstruction is indicated to provide durable coverage. Historically, muscle flaps were favored as they provide vascular tissue to an infected wound bed. However, data comparing the performance of muscle versus fasciocutaneous flaps are limited and reflect a lack of consensus regarding the optimal management of these wounds. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of muscle versus fasciocutaneous flaps following the salvage of compromised TKA. Methods A systematic search and meta-analysis were performed to identify patients with TKA who underwent either pedicled muscle or fasciocutaneous flap coverage of periprosthetic knee defects. Studies evaluating implant/limb salvage rates, ambulatory function, complications, and donor-site morbidity were included in the comparative analysis. Results A total of 18 articles, corresponding to 172 flaps (119 muscle flaps and 53 fasciocutaneous flaps) were reviewed. Rates of implant salvage (88.8% vs. 90.1%, P=0.05) and limb salvage (89.8% vs. 100%, P=0.14) were comparable in each cohort. While overall complication rates were similar (47.3% vs. 44%, P=0.78), the rates of persistent infection (16.4% vs. 0%, P=0.14) and recurrent infection (9.1% vs. 4%, P=0.94) tended to be higher in the muscle flap cohort. Notably, functional outcomes and ambulation rates were sparingly reported. Conclusions Rates of limb and prosthetic salvage were comparable following muscle or fasciocutaneous flap coverage of compromised TKA. The functional morbidity associated with muscle flap harvest, however, may support the use of fasciocutaneous flaps for coverage of these defects, particularly in young patients and/or high-performance athletes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.280-283
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• 2018

Knee revision arthroplasty following peri-prosthetic joint infections is a formidable challenge. Patients are at a high risk of recurrent infection, and the soft tissue over the revised implant is often of questionable quality. Flap reconstruction has improved the salvage rates of infected arthroplasties, and should be considered in all cases of revision arthroplasty. We present a challenging case requiring staged reconstruction with two free latissimus dorsi flaps after the initial use of a medial gastrocnemius flap.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.53-58
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• 1998

Limb-salvage surgery has become more popular than amputation for the treatment of malignant bone tumor because no differences in local recurrence and the 5-year survival rate have been found. However for young patients with sarcoma, skeletal immaturity may be a contraindication to limb-salvage surgery due to the expected leg length discrepancy. If limb-sparing procedure should be impossible for skeletally immature patients, amputation has to be given first consideration. To minimize the functional difficulty from short amputation stump of above knee amputation, we performed lengthening of the amputation stump using ipsilateral tibia. One patient was lengthened 17cm using ipsilateral tibia and the other, 12cm. Two patients and their families were satisfied both clinically and psychologically.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.501-506
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• 2023

This article portrays the authors' experience with a complex lower limb bone and soft tissue defect, following chronic osteomyelitis and pathological fracture, which was managed by the multidisciplinary orthoplastic team. The decision for functional amputation versus limb salvage was deemed necessary, enhanced by the principles of "spare parts" in reconstructive microsurgery. This case describes the successful use of the osteocutaneous distal tibia turn-up fillet flap that allowed "lowering the level of the amputation" from a through knee to a below-knee amputation (BKA) to preserve the knee joint function. We comprehensibly review reports of turn-up flaps which effectively lower the level of amputation, also applying "spare-parts" surgery principles and explore how these concepts refine complex orthoplastic approaches when limb salvage is not possible to enhance function. The osteocutaneous distal tibia turn-up fillet flap is a robust technique for modified BKA reconstructions that provides sufficient bone length to achieve a tough, sensate stump and functional knee joint.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.188-193
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• 2023

Vascular injury following traumatic knee injury quoted in the literature ranges from 3.3 to 65%, depending on the magnitude and pattern of the injury. Timely recognition is crucial to ensure the revascularization is done within 6 to 8 hours from the time of injury to avoid significant morbidity, amputation, and medicolegal ramifications. We present a case of an ischemic limb following delayed diagnosis of popliteal artery injury after knee dislocation. Even though we have successfully repaired the popliteal artery, the evolving ischemia over the distal limb poses a reconstruction challenge. Multiple surgical debridement procedures were performed to control the local tissue infection. Free tissue transfer with chimeric latissimus dorsi flap was done to resurface the defect. However, the forefoot became gangrenous despite a free muscle flap transfer. His limb appeared destined for amputation in the vicinity of tissue and recipient vessels, but we chose to use a cross-leg free flap as an option for limb salvage.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.167-172
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• 2002

The only treatment method for crushed soft tissue injuries in the proximal leg involving the knee joint is the microsurgical free flap transplantation, especially latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap is useful to cover the extensive soft tissue defects, therefore prevents iatrogenic below knee amputation and facilitates early wound healing, early ambulation and shortens hospital stay. Authors have treated the open amputation with crushed soft tissue and bone injuries in the proximal leg, and the repeated abrasion and infectious wound with traumatic neuroma in the below knee with myocutaneous free flap and succeeded to wear below knee amputation prosthesis and return to normal activities of the daily living in the relatively shorter period than usual.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2010

This study was undertaken to document the clinical results and technical aspects of arthroscopic repair including popliteus tendon as a post for the treatment of complex lateral meniscus in young people indicated as total meniscectomy. From June 2004 to May 2006, we prospectively studied arthroscopic repairs on 32 young people knees with symptomatic complex lateral meniscus that was treated by all inside repair technique using Popliteus tendon as a post. Clinical results were evaluated using Lysholm knee scores preoperatively and at final follow-up. 2nd look arthroscopy or MRI was taken at final follow-up. 80% of patients carried out MRI or 2nd look arthroscopy under permission. Most patients who follow up were able to return to their previous life activities with little or no limitation, and no reoperation was required after an average follow-up of 42.8 months. Mean Lysholm knee scores improved from 65.4 (range, 55 to 75) preoperatively to 93.9 (range, 79 to 100) at the final follow-up (P<.001). 80% meniscus healing was found on arthroscopic or MRI follow up. Conclusively, arthroscopic repair using Popliteus tendon as a post is effective for treating young people with complex lateral meniscus tear as a salvage procedure.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.139-143
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• 2001

Purpose : Limb salvage for osteosarcoma of proximal tibia is challenging problem due to difficulties in mobilizing or retracting the main neurovascular structure, inadequate soft tissue coverage, and unsolved problem of patellar tendon reattachment to endoprosthesis. The authors analyzed the functional result of limb salvage using tumor prosthesis with medial gastrocnemius rotation plasty for osteosarcama of the proximal tibia. Materials and Methods : Eleven patients with histologically proven osteosarcoma of the proximal tibia, treated with adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy and limb salvage operation with tumor prosthesis between January 1992 and December 1998 at our Medical Center, were selected. There were 6 male and 5 female. Age ranged from 15 years to 23.7 years with an average of 23.7 years. Follow-up period ranged from 1 year to 4.5 years with an average of 2.5 years. The final functional result was evaluated using the method by ISOLS, 1993. The factors include pain, functional activities, emotional acceptance, use of external supports, walking ability and gait. Each of the factors has been scored from 0 to 5 depending on the appropriate description or data. The rating score is determined by dividing the individual factor scores into the total score and indicates percentage of normal function. Results : The overall functional result ranged from 53,3% to 86.7% with an average of 68.3% of normal function. In details, the averages were 82.5% for pain, 62.5% for functional activities, 67.5% for emotional acceptance, 77.5% for use of external supports, 62.5% for walking ability, and 57.5% for gait. The average range of motion of the knee joint was $5^{\circ}$ extension and $85^{\circ}$ flexion. Five patients have extension lag ranged from $5^{\circ}$ to $15^{\circ}$ with an average of $10^{\circ}$. Two patients suffered postoperative infection. One was treated with antibiotics injection only, but the other needed removal of the prosthesis and knee fusion. Both of them showed unsatisfactory result. C o n c l u s i o n : The overall functional result after limb salvage using tumor prosthesis with medial gastrocnemius rotational flap for osteosarcoma of the proximal tibia was relatively satisfactory in case of no postoperative infection. The patients were less satisfactory in functional activities, emotional acceptance and gait than pain, use of external supports due to limitation of motion and extension lag. More aggressive postoperative physical therapy and protection with brace for 6~9 months as well as surgical technique is mandatory for more satisfactory result.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.562-570
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• 2014

Background Knee disarticulations (KD) are most commonly employed following trauma or tumor resection but represent less than 2% of all lower extremity amputations performed in the United States annually. KDs provide enhanced proprioception, a long lever arm, preservation of adductor muscle insertion, decreased metabolic cost of ambulation, and an end weight-bearing stump. The role for KDs in the setting of arterial insufficiency or overwhelming infection is less clear. The purpose of this study is to describe technique modifications and report surgical outcomes following KDs at a high-volume Limb Salvage Center. Methods A retrospective study of medical records for all patients who underwent a through-knee amputation performed by the senior author (C.E.A.) between 2004 and 2012 was completed. Medical records were reviewed to collect demographic, operative, and postoperative information for each of the patients identified. Results Between 2004 and 2012, 46 through-knee amputations for 41 patients were performed. The mean patient age was 68 and indications for surgery included infection (56%), arterial thrombosis (35%), and trauma (9%). Postoperative complications included superficial cellulitis (13%), soft tissue infection (4%), and flap ischemia (4%) necessitating one case of surgical debridement (4%) and four transfemoral amputations (9%). 9 (22%) patients went on to ambulate. Postoperative ambulation was greatest in the traumatic cohort and for patients less than 50 years of age, P<0.05. Alternatively, diabetes mellitus and infection reduced the likelihood of postoperative ambulation, P<0.01. Conclusions Knee disarticulations are a safe and effective alternative to other lower extremity amputations when clinically feasible. For patient unlikely to ambulate, a through-knee amputation maximizes ease of transfers, promotes mobility by providing a counterbalance, and eliminates the potential for knee flexion contracture with subsequent skin breakdown.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.3
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• pp.500-511
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• 2021

The prevalence of lower extremity disease is increasing with age. With recent technological advancements, endovascular treatment is being performed more frequently. The treatment goal of intermittent claudication is to improve walking and reduce claudication. To achieve these goals, anatomical durability and patency are important. In patients with critical limb ischemia, the lesions are diffuse and particularly severe in below-the-knee arteries. The treatment goal of critical limb ischemia is to promote wound healing and to prevent major amputation, which is evaluated by the limb salvage rate. Primary stenting using covered or bare metal stents is a widely accepted endovascular treatment. While drug-eluting technologies with or without atherectomy are widely used in the treatment of femoropopliteal disease, balloon angioplasty is the mainstay treatment for below-the-knee intervention. CT angiography provides a road map for planning endovascular treatment in patients without absolute contraindications.