• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.487-490
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• 2008

Purpose: The latissimus dorsi flap and the serratus anterior flap have been used as combined flaps to reconstruct extensive defects. Because these two muscles are usually supplied by the subscapular-thoracodorsal vessels, the two flaps can be based on vascular pedicle that is long and anatomically reliable. In this case, we reported that serratus anterior possessed an anomalous arterial supply totally independent from the subscapular pedicle while raising combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior flap. Methods: A 35-year-old male with extensive soft tissue defect in the left perineum and thigh visited. Muscle defects of the medial thigh were observed, and femoral nerve and vessels were exposed. Combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior free flap was raised to reconstruct defect. On raising flaps, artery supplying the serratus anterior muscle originated from the axillary artery directly, was lying on the undersurface of the serratus anterior muscle. Results: Because two flap pedicles had no communication and latissimus dorsi muscle was large enough to cover soft tissue defect, we transferred only latissimus dorsi free flap with 1 : 3 meshed skin graft. Patient had limb salvage and satisfactory functional outcome. Conclusion: There are many variations of arterial pedicles of flaps. However, most of these variations remain within known anatomical consistence, thus is an indicator in planning the dissection of the vessels. According to documents, arterial pedicle to the serratus muscle not originated from the thoracodorsal artery is rarely reported, and in most of these cases, the arteries are originated from the subscapular artery. Thus pedicle directly originated from the axillary artery to serratus muscle is a very rare variation in its vascular anatomy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.691-698
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• 2021

Background The reverse sural artery (RSA) flap is widely used for lower extremity reconstruction. However, patients sometimes suffer from donor site complications such as scar contracture and paresthesia, resulting in dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcomes. This study investigated the characteristics of donor site morbidity associated with RSA flaps and described our experiences of dealing with complications by performing resurfacing surgery using thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps. Methods From April 2008 to August 2018, a total of 11 patients underwent contracture release and resurfacing surgery using TDAP flaps due to donor morbidity associated with RSA flaps. All affected donor sites were covered with a skin graft, the most common of which was a meshed split-thickness skin graft (six cases). Results Eight of the 11 patients (72.7%) suffered from pain and discomfort due to scar contracture, and seven (63.6%) complained of a depression scar. The donor sites were located 6.3±4.1 cm below the knee joint, and their average size was 140.1 cm². After resurfacing using TDAP flaps, significant improvements were found in the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) scores and the active and passive ranges of motion (AROM and PROM) of the knee joint. The LEFS scores increased from 45.1 to 56.7 postoperatively (P=0.003), AROM increased from 108.2° to 118.6° (P=0.003), and PROM from 121.4° to 126.4° (P=0.021). Conclusions Planning of RSA flaps should take into account donor site morbidity. If complications occur at the donor site, resurfacing surgery using TDAP flaps achieves aesthetic and functional improvements.

• 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 Chest Surgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 1972

The recent development of cardiovascular surgery as well as aortoarteriogaphy has been established excellent operative result with great aid of limb-salvage. However, less consideration or less experience still exists on the regard of vascular accident and vascular disease, as well as vascular surgery in Korea. During the last 13 years, we experienced only two cases of aorto-iliac occlusion,acute and chronic, regardless of having had more than 300 cases of mitral valvotomy and gradual increasing tendency of arteriosclerosis and hypertension in Korea. Therefore it is noteworthy to report the cases in order to promote the consideration for vascular surgery. Case 1; 52 year old female who had 20 years history of mitral stenosis with uricular fibrillation and received medical treatment for recent 1 year in the medical department. 10 days before admission, acute saddle emboli developed and 15 days after the onset, embolectomy through both common femoral arteries on the groin and abdominal approach was made. The progression of emboll to the right popliteal bifurcation was found by arteriography on operating table and retrograde flushing with heparin solution by the polyethylene catheter inserted through posterior tibial artery. The operation was successful, but 9 hours after operation sudden death occurred. Considering this case, first, mitral valvotomy already before might prevent peripheral embolizatlon, secondarily, the more early detection and surgery might also prevent the progression of emboli. Thirdly, although preoperative or postoperatlve heparinization is controversial for mitraI stenosis, heparinization might prevent additional emboli to vital organs in this case Cases 2; 66 year old female who had 4 years history of left hip and calf intermittent claudication and has had rest pain, inability to walk and ischemic necrosis on the the left leg since last 3 months prior to admission to the orthopedic department under the suspicion of herniated disc. Absence of pulsation on the groin and aortography evidenced aortoillac occlusion predominantly on the left side. Thromboendarterectomy was made and the operative result was successful with absence of claudication, healing of ulcer and aortographic patency of occlusive site. This chronic occlusion is considered to result from arteriosclerosis in origin with the evidence of moderate hypertension, x-ray evidence of calcified plaque on the aortic knob and operative finding of palpable plaques.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.65-70
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• 1998

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor except for multiple myeloma. Hematogenous spread of osteosarcoma presents the t1susal route of dissemination. Lung metastasis is the most common, however the lymph node involvement is quite rare. In addition, according to Mirra, radiologically detectable involvement of lymph node is an extremely rare manifestation of osteosarcoma. The authors had experienced a patient with an osteosarcoma of the right distal femur which spread to the right inguinal lymph node and lung. After preoperative chemotheraphy, a limb salvage operation was performed around the lesion of right distal femur and the right inguinal lymph nodes were dissected. A adjuvant postoperative chemotheraphy was performed. After the treatment, there was no recurrence of osteosarcoma or any other metastatic evidence for two years and 8 months.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.74-81
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• 2001

Purpose: We analyzed 35 patients of malignant tumors of the foot and ankle to evaluate clinical manifestation. result of treatment and prognosis. Materials and Methods: Thirty five patients who were histologically confirmed for malignant tumors of the foot and ankle from September 1984 to May 1999 were investigated. Results: There were 16 males and 19 females. with an average age 38.3 years. Ten tumors were originated from bone and 25 from soft tissue; osteosarcoma (8) was the most common bone tumor and synovial sarcoma (8) and malignant melanoma (6) were common in soft tissue tumors. Surgical procedures included; marginal resection (2), limb salvage procedure after wide resection (5) for bone tumors, and amputation (12), wide resection (4), marginal resection (5) for soft tissue tumors. In some cases, perioperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy were given. There were 2 local recurrences and 11 metastases; 5 metastases were found at the time of initial diagnosis. Average follow-up was 3.5 years. Conclusion: We conclude that suspicion and early diagnosis are important in malignant tumors of the foot and ankle, and the resection margin must be obtained more thoroughly during surgery with perioperative adjuvant therapy, if necessary.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.95-105
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• 2008

Purpose: To identify which is the best procedure in recycling autograft according to the resection & reconstruction type and recycling methods, and so when the recycling autograft is used in limb salvage surgery. Materials and Methods: We have treated fifty-eight patients (34 male, 24 female; age range 5 to 74 years, mean age 36.5 years), who had the malignant musculoskeletal tumors, with recycling autograft (47 patients with extracoporeal irradiation, 11 patients with pasteurization) from December 1995 to February 2006. The resection and reconstruction type was 3 cases with fragmentary, 8 intercalary, 23 rAPC (recycling-Autograft-Prosthesis composite), 18 osteoarticular, 5 total joint and 1 soft tissue (achilles tendon). The result was evaluated by the radiologic union at junctional site, the functional score by musculoskeletal tumor society score and complications according to the resection & reconstruction type and recycling methods. Results: The junctional union was obtained at 15.0 months in extracoporeal irradiation and 12.6 months in pasteurization. Also the mean radiologic union was shown at 6.0 months in fragmentary, 12.8 months in intercalary, 10 months in rAPC, 23.3 months in osteoarticular and 15.6 months in total joint. The functional score was 65.5% in fragmentary, 60.8% in intercalary, 62.8% in APC (except pelvis), 66.0% in osteoarticular and 66.6% in total joint. We have experienced 1 infection, 1 prutrusio acetabuli in pasteurization (18.1%) and other 22 complications (3 deep infections, 8 nonunions, 2 fractures, 2 epiphyseal problems, 5 joint instabilities, 2 local recurrence) in extracoporeal irradiation (46.8%). Also we have experienced 3 complications (3 nonunions) in intercalary (37.5%), 9 complications (4 nonunions, 1 deep infection, 1 periprosthetic fracture, 1 epiphyseal problem, 1 local recurrence, 1 protrusio acetabuli) in rAPC (50.0%), 6 complications (2 deep infections, 2 nonunions, 1 epiphyseal problem, 1 pathologic fracture) in osteoarticular (33.3%), 5 complications (5 joint instabilities) in total joint (100%) and 1 complication(1 local recurrence) in soft tissue (100%). Conclusion: In our experience, according to the resection & reconstruction type fragmentary and intercalary may have several advantages such as good radiologic and functional result and low rate of complication. And it seems that rAPC was available in case which have no sufficient residual bone stock. Also the pasteurization may have more advantages than that of the extracorporeal irradiation.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.216-220
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• 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) below the knee as a treatment in diabetic foot gangrene. Materials and Methods: Between May 2003 and May 2006, angiography was performed in 35 diabetic foot gangrene classified as either Wagner grade IV or V. Infrapopliteal PTA was performed in 10 patients among them. Clinical success was defined as prevention of major amputation. Results: Among 25 patients who did not receive infrapopliteal PTA, the major amputation rate is 22% (in one arterial occlusion cases), 50% (in two arterial occlusion cases), 63% (in three arterial occlusion cases), respectively. Infrapopliteal PTA was successfully performed in 8 among 10 patients. Two patients were failed and undergone below-knee amputation. Toe amputation were performed in 2 patients with one arterial occlusion. Out of 6 patients with three arterial occlusions, toe amputations were performed in 4 patients and the other 2 patients were healed through debridement. Conclusion: As a first choice revascularization procedure for limb salvage in diabetic foot gangrene, infrapopliteal PTA can be one of treatment options.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.120-123
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• 2004

Benign and malignant bone tumors occur most commonly around the knee. The proximal tibia is the most technically demanding site for limb salvage surgery. The most difficult problem using an endoprothesis for proximal tibial resection has been reconstruction of the extensor mechanism. After excision of proximal tibia, we resected distal femur and made a composite with resected distal femur, low heat treated autogenous proximal tibia and endoprothesis. Patella was fixed into the resected down-loaded distal femur. This article shows the new technique and the results of reconstruction of extensor mechanism after prosthetic replacement of the proximal tibia.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.417-426
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• 2021

Background Soft tissue coverage plays a vital role in replacing the vascularity of the underlying bone in Gustilo type IIIB fractures. The aim of this article was to evaluate the feasibility of local pedicled flaps in type IIIB fractures at a tertiary care center. Methods We included all cases of open Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB fractures of the tibia treated with local flap coverage from January 2017 to February 2019. We carried out a retrospective analysis to investigate the relationships of complications, hospital stay, and cost-effectiveness with the choice of flap, infective foci, site and size of the defect, and type of fixation. Results Out of 138 Gustilo type IIIB fractures analyzed in our study, 27 cases had complications, of which 19 (13.76%) involved flap necrosis, four (2.89%) were infections, three (2.17%) involved partial necrosis, and one (0.72%) was related to bone spur development. Flap complications showed a statistically significant association with the perforator flap category (propeller flaps in particular) (P=0.001). Flap necrosis showed a significant positive correlation with cases treated within 3 weeks after trauma (P=0.046). A significant positive correlation was also found between defect size and the duration of hospital stay (P=0.03). Conclusions Although local flaps are harvested from the same leg that underwent trauma, their success rate is at least as high as microvascular flaps as reported from other centers. Amidst the local flaps, complications were predominantly associated with perforator flaps.