• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.14-17
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• 2005

Purpose: Authors have performed free tissue transplantation in the upper and lower extremities with sensory flaps and evaluated the sensory function recovery. Materials and methods: Between 1992 through 2004, sensory free flap articles published in the journal of the Korean microsurgical society, were reviewed and recovery of sensory function was assessed by static two-point discrimination test. Results: Static two point discrimination test showed average 6.7 mm in the thumb, average 12 mm in the hand and 7 cm of the dorsalis pedis flap, 20.5 mm of the lateral arm flap and over 8 cm of the forearm flap in the foot. Conclusion: Sensory flaps provide the protective and useful coverage in the upper and lower extremities and have benefit for activities for daily life in free tissue transferred patients.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.68-72
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• 1998

With the advent of microvascular free-tissue transfer, this single stage resurfacing method for large scar and soft tissue defects around the wrist in the patients of electrical burn has distinctive advantage over the conventional multistage pedicle-flap transfer. Between 1992 and 1996, we treated 9 cases of 8 patients who had large scar around the wrist due to old electrical burn with free flaps as a preparation of staged tendon graft. Mean age was 30.3 years and average scar area was $6{\times}11cm$. The length of time the injury and free flaps was 9 months on an average. Prior to the free flap, we performed the angiography to all patients in order to evaluate the circulation of the forearm and hand and to choose the recipient vessel. In all cases, proximal ulnar arteries in the forearm remained intact and all radial arteries remained intact in 8 of 9 cases on angiogram. The interosseous arteries were well visualized in all cases. We used the ulnar arteries as a recipient artery. The types of flaps used were f scapular cutaneous flaps, 2 dorsalis pedis flaps and a radial forearm flap. Flap survial was 100 percents with satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. Free flaps using ulnar artery as a recipient artery is one of the useful reconstruction methods for the resurfacing of large scar around the wrist in the patients of old electrical burn.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2002

Large soft tissue defects around the knee joint are known to significantly diminish joint function. Severe soft tissue defects on the anterior aspect of the knee joint especially bring on significant joint motion limitation. Although simple split skin grafts can cover the skin defect, the progressing scar contracture of the grafted skin causes joint stiffness. One of the best solutions of large soft tissue defects around the knee joint is covering the defect with a good quality skin flap. Separated flaps with one vascular pedicle are good candidates for covering anterior and posterior aspects of the joint for example. Authors performed 12 cases of combined scapular and latissimus dorsi free flaps from 1984 to 2000. Among them, we experienced 5 cases of knee joint defect covering using the double free flap for coverage of the soft tissue defect with preservation of the knee joint function and satisfactory results. The system of flaps based on the subscapular artery and vein provides a variety of composite free flaps. The possible flaps that can be harvested based on this single vascular pedicle include the scapular and parascapular skin flap, the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscular flap, the lateral scapular bone flap, the latissimus dorsi-rib flap, and the serratus anterior-rib flap. This combined flap is available for multiple tissue defects or complex defects because it can be incorporated with skin, muscle and bone flaps. A main advantage is the independent vascular pedicles of each component, which allow freedom in orientation of each components. Consequently it can be freely applied to any form of three dimensional defects on the upper and lower extremities. The combination of scapular cutaneous flap and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap can be resurfaced for massive cutaneous defects on the extremities. We report the use of the combined scapular and latissimus dorsi free flap in five patients to reconstruct massive defects on the extremities with resultant improved joint function. There was no flap failure and minimal complications and disadvantages. The anatomy of this flap is reviewed and the indication and advantages are discussed. All of the five flaps survived and there was no scar contracture affecting the joint motion.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.353-358
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• 2013

Background Robots have allowed head and neck surgeons to extirpate oropharyngeal tumors safely without the need for lip-split incision or mandibulotomy. Using robots in oropharyngeal reconstruction is new but essential for oropharyngeal defects that result from robotic tumor excision. We report our experience with robotic free-flap reconstruction of head and neck defects to exemplify the necessity for robotic reconstruction. Methods We investigated head and neck cancer patients who underwent ablation surgery and free-flap reconstruction by robot. Between July 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 5 cases were performed and patient demographics, location of tumor, pathologic stage, reconstruction methods, flap size, recipient vessel, necessary pedicle length, and operation time were investigated. Results Among five free-flap reconstructions, four were radial forearm free flaps and one was an anterolateral thigh free-flap. Four flaps used the superior thyroid artery and one flap used a facial artery as the recipient vessel. The average pedicle length was 8.8 cm. Flap insetting and microanastomosis were achieved using a specially manufactured robotic instrument. The total operation time was 1,041.0 minutes (range, 814 to 1,132 minutes), and complications including flap necrosis, hematoma, and wound dehiscence did not occur. Conclusions This study demonstrates the clinically applicable use of robots in oropharyngeal reconstruction, especially using a free flap. A robot can assist the operator in insetting the flap at a deep portion of the oropharynx without the need to perform a traditional mandibulotomy. Robot-assisted reconstruction may substitute for existing surgical methods and is accepted as the most up-to-date method.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2007

With the advent of microsurgery, perforator free flap is nowadays considered the first choice for reconstruction of the extensive defect of the extremities because of their moderate thickness. Among them, anterior (anterolateral and anteromedial) thigh perforator free flaps provide the first choice for reconstruction of various soft tissue defects of the extremities with many advantage such as its large, uniform thickness, long vascular pedicle with proper vessel size and minimal donor site morbidity. But, it has still some criticism of unreliable perforators which makes us very careful in elevating the flap. Between March of 2006 and February of 2007, we treated 7 patients of soft tissue defects in the hand and lower extremities with anterior thigh perforator free flap at Hallym and DongGuk University Hospital. We performed 6 anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) and 1 anteromedial thigh perforator free flap based on the innominate branch of the LCFA. While approaching for the anterolateral thigh free flap, we happen to meet the cases which we should change into the anteromedial thigh free flap uneventfully on the operating field. In contrast to the original design of anterolateral thigh free flap, we had to harvest the anteromedial thigh perforator free flap in 1 case. All the anterior thigh perforator free flaps survived completely except 1 case of partial necrosis due to venous congestion. Donor sites were closed primarily and healed uneventfully within 2 weeks. Patients were satisfied with the functionally and aesthetically acceptable results. Although doppler sonography is strongly recommended preoperatively in planning the anterior thigh perforator free flaps, we should always remember the variation in vascular anatomy and be ready to change the flap choice from the anterolateral to anteromedial intraoperatively. we provide a review of the literature and present our series of anterior thigh perforator free flaps for reconstruction of the extremities.

• Journal of the Korean Burn Society
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.46-49
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• 2021

An anatomically normal first web space is essential for optimal prehensile movements of the thumb and hand. A 28-year-old woman presented with severe scarring and contractures of the first web space of both hands, following a flame burn injury sustained 25 years prior to presentation. First web space contracture may occur secondary to severe injuries, burns (as observed in our patient), or congenital hand anomalies. A significant amount of additional skin is required to release a severe first web space contracture. Reconstruction of wide areas of contractures using only local flaps is challenging. Among other free flaps used in clinical practice, the thinned lateral arm free flap provides flexible vascularized tissue for reconstruction of the skin after severe first web space contracture release. Reconstruction using lateral arm free flaps facilitated thumb abduction and opposition (which were initially difficult) and improved hand function in our patient.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 1999

Soft tissue defect on heel area of the foot present difficult problems particularly because of anatomic property of plantar surface of the foot. There is a paucity of available local tissue in the foot for coverage. In addition to having little expandable tissue, the foot's plantar surface has a unique structure, making its replacement especially challenging. Plantar skin is attached to the underlying bone by fibrous septa, preventing shear of the soft-tissue surfaces from the underlying skeleton. Plantar surface of foot is in constant contact with the environment. Protective sensibility also would be maintained or restored in the ideal reconstruction. So the ideal flap for reconstruction of the heel should include thin, durable hairless skin with potential for reinnervation. The aim of this article is to present a clinical experience of free lateral arm neurosensory flap for reconstruction of the heel. From March 1995 to December 1997, a total 16 lateral arm free flaps were performed to soft tissue defects on the weight-bearing area of the hindfoot. we used tibial nerve as recepient nerve in 11 and calcaneal branch of tibial nerve in 5 for restoration of sensibility of flap. All cases survived completely. A static two-point discrimination of 14 to 34mm was detected in the flap. Radial nerve palsy which was caused by hematoma in donor site occured in one case, but recorverd in 3 weeks later completely. In conclusion, the lateral arm free flaps are versatile, reliable and sensible cutaneous flap and especially indicated for soft tissue defect on plantar surface of the hindfoot which are not good indications for other better-known flaps.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.226-231
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• 2013

Background The reconstruction of volar surface defects is difficult because of the special histologic nature of the tissue involved. The plantar surface is the most homologous in shape and function and could be considered the most ideal of reconstructive options in select cases of volar surface defects. In this paper, we evaluate a single institutional case series of volar tissue defects managed with second toe plantar free flaps. Methods A single-institution retrospective review was performed on 12 cases of reconstruction using a second toe plantar free flap. The mean age was 33 years (range, 9 to 54 years) with a male-to-female ratio of 5-to-1. The predominant mechanism was crush injury (8 cases) followed by amputations (3 cases) and a single case of burn injury. Half of the indications (6 cases) were for soft-tissue defects with the other half for scar contracture. Results All of the flaps survived through the follow-up period. Sensory recovery was related to the time interval between injury and reconstruction-with delayed operations portending worse outcomes. There were no postoperative complications in this series. Conclusions Flexion contracture is the key functional deficit of volar tissue defects. The second toe plantar free flap is the singular flap whose histology most closely matches those of the original volar tissue. In our experience, this flap is the superior reconstructive option within the specific indications dictated by the defect size and location.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.591-596
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• 2009

Purpose: To reconstruct soft tissue defect on lower extremity especially combined with osteomyelitis, free flap with enough blood supplies is required. There are some instance when patients have inadequate recipient vessels for microanastomosis. Anastomosis with harvested vein graft can solve the problem. It may be more problematic or even increase recipient site complication. Cross leg free flaps using contra - lateral vessel can be a solution. Methods: From 2005 to 2008, 12 cases of cross leg free flap were done for 12 patients(male = 9, female = 3). External fixators used in all cases. Free flaps used were laissmus dorsi muscle flap(n=5), anterolateral thigh flap(n=4), gracilis muscle flap(n=2) and medial plantar artery fasciotaneous flap(n=1). In all cases, contralateral posterior tibial artery and vein were used as recipient pedicle. Results: All flaps survived without additional operative procedures. There were no complications such as hematoma or Infection. Sometimes patients needs further therapeutic exercise for fast movement recovery. Conclusion: Although cross leg free flaps require long period of bed resting and rehabilitation after pedicle cutting, It can be practical alternative for soft tissue defect on lower distal extremity with inadequate recipient vessels for free flap on affected leg.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.50-56
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• 2014

Background The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of lateral intercostal artery perforator-based adipofascial free flaps for facial reconstruction in patients with facial soft tissue deficiency. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of five consecutive patients diagnosed with facial soft tissue deficiency who underwent operations between July 2006 and November 2011. Flap design included the area containing the perforators. A linear incision was made along the rib, which had the main intercostal pedicle. First, we dissected below Scarpa's fascia as the dorsal limit of the flap. Then, the adipofascial flap was elevated from the medial to the lateral side, including the perforator that pierces the serratus anterior muscle after emerging from the lateral intercostal artery. After confirming the location of the perforator, pedicle dissection was performed dorsally. Results Dominant perforators were located on the sixth to eighth intercostal space, and more than four perforators were found in fresh-cadaver angiography. In the clinical case series, the seventh or eighth intercostal artery perforators were used for the free flaps. The mean diameter of the pedicle artery was 1.36 mm, and the mean pedicle length was 61.4 mm. There was one case of partial fat necrosis. No severe complications occurred. Conclusions This is the first study of facial contour reconstruction using lateral intercostal artery perforator-based adipofascial free flaps. The use of this type of flap was effective and can be considered a good alternative for restoring facial symmetry in patients with severe facial soft tissue deficiency.