Free Flap Transplantation in Open Tibial Fracture with Vessel Injury in the Elderly

Two aged patients who had open tibial fractures with arterial injury caused by high energy accidents underwent emergency arterial reconstruction using a greater saphenous vein and soft tissue repair using free flaps. In the patients, soft tissue necrosis developed and tibias were exposed at postoperative third week. Follow-up angiography through the superficial femoral artery showed occlusion of the anterior tibial artery. The anterior tibial artery was reconstructed using the contralateral greater saphenous vein graft and the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous and rectus abdominis muscle free flaps were transplanted for repair of necrotic soft tissue. The reconstructed arteries showed good perfusion to the new free flaps until union of the tibias occurred. The patients were followed-up for 21 years and 17 years postoperatively, respectively. In management of open comminuted fracture of the tibia, injury of the arterial system must be ruled out by angiography in addition to evaluation of the degree of soft tissue injury.

The Functional Results of Forearm and Upper Arm Replantation: Report on Two Cases

Upper extremity replantation is relatively less commonly performed than finger or hand replantation. We have experienced one case of forearm replantation and one case of upper arm replantation. After the replantation, limb volume at the biceps brachii muscle level below the replantation level appeared to be appropriate, however, the motor function of the muscles and the sensitivity were disappointing. For replantation of forearm and upper arm, restoration of the motor function and sensitivity of the extremity below the amputation level as well as the morphologic reconstruction have to be considered.

Ipsilateral Dorsalis Pedis Vascularized Pedicle Flap in the Distal Leg and Foot

PURPOSE: We had proceeded seven iIpsilateral dorsalis pedis vascularized pedicle flaps in the distal leg and foot to cover the restricted size defects and followed-up average for 5 years and 9 months to evaluate the survival rate, neurosensory function and cosmesis in final results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1999 through October 2012, we have performed iIpsilateral dorsalis pedis vascularized pedicle flaps in the distal leg and foot to cover the restricted size defect (average around 3.6x2.4 cm) in 7 cases and average age was 41.6 years (21.5 to 59.0 years). Lesion site was posterior heel in 4 cases, distal anterior leg in 3 cases. Donor structure was the dorsalis pedis artery and the first dorsal metatarsal vessel and deep peroneal nerve in 3 cases and the dorsalis pedis artery and the first dorsal metatarsal vessel in 4 cases. RESULTS: Seven cases (100%) were survived and defect area was healed with continuous dressing without skin graft. The sensory function in the neurovascular flap was restored to normal in 3 cases. Cosmesis was good and fair in 7 cases (85.7%). CONCLUSION: Ipsilateral dorsalis pedis vascularized pedicle flap in the distal leg and foot is one of the choice to cover the exposed bone and soft tissues without microsurgical procedure.

Outcomes of Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma Originating as a Marjolin's Ulcer / 대한골관절종양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of treatment and prognosis of Marjolin's ulcer compared with primary squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients treated for Marjolin's ulcer were analyzed. Twenty patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma treated during the same time period was the control group. Mean age was 61.2 years. There were 24 males and 10 females. The locations, TNM stages, histological grades, recurrence, metastasis, and survival rate were analyzed and compared between two groups. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 54.8 months (range, 12-168 months). Local recurrences were found in 6 cases, 5 ones in Marjolin's ulcer patients, and one case in primary squamous cell carcinoma patients. The mean time interval between the initial presentation and occurrence of local recurrences was 9 months (range, 2-20 months). There were 6 metastases. 2 (14.3%) metastases were found in Marjolin's ulcer patients, and 4 (20.0%) metastases in primary squamous cell carcinoma patients. Total events (metastasis or local recurrence) were found in 10 pateients, 6 of them in Marjolin's ulcer group, and the remaining four in primary group. 5-year disease-free survival rate was 64.3% in Marjolin's ulcer group and 95.0% in primary squamous cell carcinoma group. CONCLUSION: Squamous cell carcinomas originating as Marjolin's ulcers revealed higher recurrence rate and lower survival rate despite of aggressive treatment. Therefore, new treatment modalities should be developed for improving outcomes.

Gracilis Muscle Free Flap Transplantation Followed Up Over 10 Years

PURPOSE: Gracilis muscle free flap transplantation is chosen in the medium sized soft tissue defect and bone exposure from trauma and chronic osteomyelitis in the lower extremity. We set a study to search for gracilis free flaps to know whether symptoms were cured or recurred in patients that have passed over 10 years from flap transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 1995 through September 2010, we have performed 28 cases of gracilis muscle free flap in the lower extremities. Ever since no case visited to demand any discomfort, breakdown or recurrence in the flap site on outpatient basis. We made a telephone call to patients or relatives documented in the medical record and only 2 cases visited outpatient department and 9 cases postponed the visit who satisfied with the final result but 17 cases had wrong telephone numbers. Causes, area of lower extremity, recipient vessels in the lower extremity, condition of the donor thigh and overall satisfaction of the flap transplantation in activities of daily living were investigated and written down in the medical record. RESULTS: 11 cases were reviewed after average postoperative 13.7 years. Gracilis muscle flaps were not break down at the recipient site in all cases. The wound of donor thigh wound healed good and overall activities of daily living was satisfied in all cases. CONCLUSION: Gracilis muscle flaps which had performed and followed up average 13.7 years revealed confident in the medium sized soft tissue defect and bone exposure from trauma and chronic osteomyelitis in the lower extremity.