Frontonasal dysplasia: A case report

Frontonasal dysplasia is an uncommon congenital anomaly with diverse clinical phenotypes and highly variable clinical characteristics, including hypertelorism, a broad nasal root, median facial cleft, a missing or underdeveloped nasal tip, and a widow's peak hairline. Frontonasal dysplasia is mostly inherited and caused by the ALX genes (ALX1, ALX3, and ALX4). We report a rare case of a frontonasal dysplasia patient with mild hypertelorism, a broad nasal root, an underdeveloped nasal tip, an accessory nasal tag, and a widow's peak. We used soft tissue re-draping to achieve aesthetic improvements.

Anatomical Characteristics and Surgical Treatments of Pincer Nail Deformity

BACKGROUND: Pincer nail deformity is a transverse overcurvature of the nail. This study aimed to define the anatomical characteristics of pincer nail deformity and to evaluate the surgical outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 20 cases of pincer nail deformity of the great toe. Thirty subjects without pincer nail deformity or history of trauma of the feet were selected as the control group. Width and height indices were calculated, and interphalangeal angles and base widths of the distal phalanx were measured with radiography. We chose the surgical treatment methods considering perfusion-related factors such as age, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, and peripheral vascular disease. The zigzag nail bed flap method (n=9) and the inverted T incision method (n=11) were used to repair deformities. The outcomes were evaluated 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The interphalangeal angle was significantly greater in the preoperative patient group (14.0degrees+/-3.6degrees) than in the control group (7.9degrees+/-3.0degrees) (P<0.05). The postoperative width and height indices were very close to the measurements in the control group, and most patients were satisfied with the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the width and height indices are useful for evaluating the deformity and outcomes of surgical treatments. We used two different surgical methods for the two patient groups with respect to the perfusion-related factors and found that the outcomes were all satisfactory. Consequently, we recommend taking into consideration the circulatory condition of the foot when deciding upon the surgical method for pincer nail deformity.

A Retrospective Analysis of 303 Cases of Facial Bone Fracture: Socioeconomic Status and Injury Characteristics

BACKGROUND: The incidence and etiology of facial bone fracture differ widely according to time and geographic setting. Because of this, prevention and management of facial bone fracture requires ongoing research. This study examines the relationship between socioeconomic status and the incidence of facial bone fractures in patients who had been admitted for facial bone fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed for all patients admitted for facial bone fracture at the National Medical Center (Seoul, Korea) from 2010 to 2014. We sought correlations amongst age, gender, fracture type, injury mechanism, alcohol consumption, and type of medical insurance. RESULTS: Out of the 303 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 214 (70.6%) patients were enrolled in National Health Insurance (NHI), 46 (15.2%) patients had Medical Aid, and 43 (14.2%) patients were homeless. The main causes of facial bone fractures were accidental trauma (51.4%), physical altercation (23.1%), and traffic accident (14.2%). On Pearson's chi-square test, alcohol consumption was correlated significantly with accidental trauma (p<0.05). And, the ratio of alcohol consumption leading to facial bone fractures differed significantly in the homeless group compared to the NHI group and the Medical Aid group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We found a significant inverse correlation between economic status and the incidence of facial bone fractures caused by alcohol consumption. Our findings indicate that more elaborate guidelines and prevention programs are needed for socioeconomically marginalized populations.

Development of an Integrated Reporting System for Verifying Hemolysis, Icterus, and Lipemia in Clinical Chemistry Results

BACKGROUND: Hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia (HIL) cause preanalytical interference and vary unpredictably with different analytical equipments and measurement methods. We developed an integrated reporting system for verifying HIL status in order to identify the extent of interference by HIL on clinical chemistry results. METHODS: HIL interference data from 30 chemical analytes were provided by the manufacturers and were used to generate a table of clinically relevant interference values that indicated the extent of bias at specific index values (alert index values). The HIL results generated by the Vista 1500 system (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, USA), Advia 2400 system (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics), and Modular DPE system (Roche Diagnostics, Switzerland) were analyzed and displayed on physicians' personal computers. RESULTS: Analytes 11 and 29 among the 30 chemical analytes were affected by interference due to hemolysis, when measured using the Vista and Modular systems, respectively. The hemolysis alert indices for the Vista and Modular systems were 0.1-25.8% and 0.1-64.7%, respectively. The alert indices for icterus and lipemia were <1.4% and 0.7% in the Vista system and 0.7% and 1.0% in the Modular system, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The HIL alert index values for chemical analytes varied depending on the chemistry analyzer. This integrated HIL reporting system provides an effective screening tool for verifying specimen quality with regard to HIL and simplifies the laboratory workflow.

Lower Lid Orbicularis Oculi Myocutaneous Transposition Flap for Orbital Radiation Induced Scars

PURPOSE: Reconstruction for post-radiation scar on periorbital area including upper eyelid takes consider of eyelid function and cosmetic results. It is a challenging procedure to reconstruct the severe radiation induced scars deformities on face around the orbital area in terms of its complicated anatomy and restoration of cosmetic social function. The authors report a reconstruction case of radiation induced severe facial deformities with scars including upper lid and periorbital area using evidence based plastic surgical techniques such as newly designed lower lid orbicularis oculi myocutaneous transposition flap, lateral canthopexy, skin graft, composite graft, fat graft, acellular dermal matrix graft, Z-plasty focusing on cosmetic and functional result. METHODS: A 18 year-old female patient had right upper facial deformities caused by radiation induced wide scars around the right periorbital, upper lid and temporal area after treatment for hemangioma at age of 1. She also showed right facial palsy on forehead, and hypoplasia of left ala nasi. The patient suffered from skin atrophy, wide scar formation, scar contractures on right periorbital area, severe lagophthalmos on right eye, right frontal facial palsy, and small hypoplastic left ala nasi. At the first operation, release of scars and full thickness skin graft, reposition of asymmetric right eyebrow caused by facial palsy using Z-plasty, correction of temporal depression using acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm(R)) graft, and auricular composite graft for left ala nasi reconstruction were performed. And after 4 months follow-up, the second operations were performed including lower orbicularis oculi muscle transposition flap for upper lid lagophthalmos, lateral canthopexy, and fat graft. RESULTS: Lower lid orbicularis oculi muscle transposition flap and all grafts were successfully survived. After 3 weeks follow-up, she showed good looking facial appearance and facial symmetry, and there were no complications. CONCLUSION: For post-radiation facial scar reconstruction, it showed a better cosmetic outcome using flap transfer rather than skin graft. The newly designed lower eyelid orbicularis oculi muscle transposition flap, canthopexy, fat graft give a good result for reconstruction of radiation induced scars of upper eyelid and periorbital deformities.

Bilateral Circular Xanthelasma Palpebrarum

No abstract available.

Thickness of Rectus Abdominis Muscle and Abdominal Subcutaneous Fat Tissue in Adult Women: Correlation with Age, Pregnancy, Laparotomy, and Body Mass Index

BACKGROUND: Rectus abdominis muscle and abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue are useful for reconstruction of the chest wall, and abdominal, vaginal, and perianal defects. Thus, preoperative evaluation of rectus abdominis muscle and abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue is important. This is a retrospective study that measured the thickness of rectus abdominis muscle and abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue using computed tomography (CT) and analyzed the correlation with the patients' age, gestational history, history of laparotomy, and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: A total of 545 adult women were studied. Rectus abdominis muscle and abdominal subcutaneous fat thicknesses were measured with abdominopelvic CT. The results were analyzed to determine if the thickness of the rectus abdominis muscle or subcutaneous fat tissue was significantly correlated with age, number of pregnancies, history of laparotomy, and BMI. RESULTS: Rectus abdominis muscle thicknesses were 9.58 mm (right) and 9.73 mm (left) at the xiphoid level and 10.26 mm (right) and 10.26 mm (left) at the umbilicus level. Subcutaneous fat thicknesses were 24.31 mm (right) and 23.39 mm (left). Rectus abdominismuscle thickness decreased with age and pregnancy. History of laparotomy had a significant negative correlation with rectus abdominis muscle thickness at the xiphoid level. Abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness had no correlation with age, number of pregnancies, or history of laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Age, gestational history, and history of laparotomy influenced rectus abdominis muscle thickness but did not influence abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness. These results are clinically valuable for planning a rectus abdominis muscle flap and safe elevation of muscle flap.

Pseudocyst of Auricle after Soft Tissue Filler Injection

A pseudocyst of the auricle is a rare disease with an unknown cause. We report a female patient who had auricular pseudocyst after a soft tissue filler injection in that area. The cyst was excised under local anesthesia. The entire cyst wall was removed and some portion of the surrounding cartilage was also resected. A silastic drain was inserted and the compressive dressing was maintained for 5 days. The swelling subsided gradually and no recurrence was noted after a 1-year follow up. Histopathology confirmed that the cyst has no epithelial lining on its inner surface. Patients and doctors should be aware that a soft tissue filler can cause a pseudocyst when injected into the auricle.

The Efficacy and Safety of Ablative Fractional Resurfacing Using a 2,940-Nm Er:YAG Laser for Traumatic Scars in the Early Posttraumatic Period

BACKGROUND: Skin injuries, such as lacerations due to trauma, are relatively common, and patients are very concerned about the resulting scars. Recently, the use of ablative and non-ablative lasers based on the fractional approach has been used to treat scars. In this study, the authors demonstrated the efficacy and safety of ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) for traumatic scars using a 2,940-nm erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser for traumatic scars after primary repair during the early posttraumatic period. METHODS: Twelve patients with fifteen scars were enrolled. All had a history of facial laceration and primary repair by suturing on the day of trauma. Laser therapy was initiated at least 4 weeks after the primary repair. Each patient was treated four times at 1-month intervals with a fractional ablative 2,940-nm Er:YAG laser using the same parameters. Post-treatment evaluations were performed 1 month after the fourth treatment session. RESULTS: All 12 patients completed the study. After ablative fractional laser treatment, all treated portions of the scars showed improvements, as demonstrated by the Vancouver Scar Scale and the overall cosmetic scale as evaluated by 10 independent physicians, 10 independent non-physicians, and the patients themselves. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that ablative fractional Er:YAG laser treatment of scars reduces scars fairly according to both objective results and patient satisfaction rates. The authors suggest that early scar treatment using AFR can be one adjuvant scar management method for improving the quality of life of patients with traumatic scars.

A Giant Sebaceous Epithelioma on the Scalp: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Sebaceous epithelioma (sebaceoma) is a benign tumor with sebaceous differentiation. It presents primarily as a yellowish papule or nodule on the face and scalp. It must be differentiated from basal cell carcinoma and other appendageal tumors. We report a giant sebaceous epithelioma on the scalp and describe the immunohistochemical character of the cells in sebaceous epithelioma to epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). METHODS: A 55-year-old-man who presented with 5-cm-diameter 2-cm-height, round shape exophytic ulcerated tumor on his head presented for treatment. The patient had noticed the lesion 40 years prior as a small yellowish plaque and 18 months ago, the plaque started to grow progressively larger. We excised the lesion with 1 cm resection margin, considering the possibility of malignancy because this lesion grossly resembled basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The defect was repaired with the use of a split-thickness skin graft. RESULTS: When we excised the lesion, the margin was clear. Histology showed nodules that consisted of an admixture of basaloid cells and mature adipocytes lacking an organized lobular architecture. Strong expression of EMA on mature adipose cells confirmed the differential diagnosis from BCC with sebaceous differentiation because of the absence of a nuclear palisade pattern and cleft-like spaces on the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) section. CONCLUSION: We treated the giant sebaceous epithelioma on the scalp with surgical excision and a split-thickness skin graft. It is important to know that the diagnosis of sebaceous epithelioma should be made based on the histologic pattern of the H&E section. Immunohistochemistry with EMA can help to confirm the differential diagnosis between sebaceous epithelioma and BCC.

A Giant Sebaceous Epithelioma on the Scalp: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Sebaceous epithelioma (sebaceoma) is a benign tumor with sebaceous differentiation. It presents primarily as a yellowish papule or nodule on the face and scalp. It must be differentiated from basal cell carcinoma and other appendageal tumors. We report a giant sebaceous epithelioma on the scalp and describe the immunohistochemical character of the cells in sebaceous epithelioma to epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). METHODS: A 55-year-old-man who presented with 5-cm-diameter 2-cm-height, round shape exophytic ulcerated tumor on his head presented for treatment. The patient had noticed the lesion 40 years prior as a small yellowish plaque and 18 months ago, the plaque started to grow progressively larger. We excised the lesion with 1 cm resection margin, considering the possibility of malignancy because this lesion grossly resembled basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The defect was repaired with the use of a split-thickness skin graft. RESULTS: When we excised the lesion, the margin was clear. Histology showed nodules that consisted of an admixture of basaloid cells and mature adipocytes lacking an organized lobular architecture. Strong expression of EMA on mature adipose cells confirmed the differential diagnosis from BCC with sebaceous differentiation because of the absence of a nuclear palisade pattern and cleft-like spaces on the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) section. CONCLUSION: We treated the giant sebaceous epithelioma on the scalp with surgical excision and a split-thickness skin graft. It is important to know that the diagnosis of sebaceous epithelioma should be made based on the histologic pattern of the H&E section. Immunohistochemistry with EMA can help to confirm the differential diagnosis between sebaceous epithelioma and BCC.

A Case of Scar Sarcoidosis

PURPOSE: Sarcoidosis is a systemic noncaseating granulomatous disease of an unknown origin, and can involve any organ including the skin. The infiltration of sarcoid granuloma in an old cutaneous scar is an uncommon cutaneous manifestation of sarcoidosis. This paper reports a 35-year old female who presented with cutanesous nodules in previous facial scars. METHODS: A 35-year-old female presented with cutaneous nodules for 2 months in previous scars of the forehead and lower lip that she had acquired in the childhood. An excisional biopsy of the lower lip mass, serologic examinations and radiologic studies were performed. RESULTS: The excisional biopsy revealed noncaseating granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis. Chest CT revealed both hilar and paratracheal lymphadenopathy with nodular densities in both lung fields. Routine laboratory tests, serologic tests, serum angiotensin converting enzyme level, sputum for acid-fast bacilli, ophthalmoscopic examination, TB-PCR and NTM-PCR showed normal findings. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. The patient refused fiberoptic bronchoscopy and medication with oral steroid. Currently, the clinical manifestation and progress are being monitored closely, and treatment is expected to start with oral steroid according to the progress. CONCLUSION: For the proper management of cutaneous sarcoidosis, particularly scar sarcoidosis, plastic surgeons should be aware of the many clinical and histopathological features of sarcoidosis and recommend a systemic evaluation for early diagnosis and proper treatment.

A Case of Endometrioma at the Abdominal Scar

PURPOSE: Plastic surgeon can easily misdiagnose the mass on the postoperative scar as hypertrophic scar. We present a case of endometrioma at abdominal scar after cesarean section. METHODS: A 36 year-old female visited with a protruding, rubbery hard mass on her abdominal scar. The mass grew slowly after cesarean section performed 7 years ago. She has felt intermittent pain, not with menstrual cycle, for 2 months. The ultrasonography showed a solid irregular, ill defined mass with heterogenous echogenicity. The MRI finding is suggestive of malignant soft tissue tumor with deep fascial invasion. Incisional biopsy showed acanthosis, melanophage, lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. So we excised mass elliptically, we could see chocolate-like discharge from the mass, adhering to external oblique muscle fascia. The mass confirmed histologically as an endometrioma. RESULTS: The mass was completely removed and did not recurr. The patient does not complain more about pain or any discomfort. CONCLUSION: Plastic surgeons should be aware of the possibility of endometrioma when the patient present with mass on her abdominal scar after surgery of the pelvis and abdomen.

Reconstruction of Lower Eyelid Defect using Neighboring Remnant Skin

PURPOSE: Facial tumor excision is a common cause of lower eyelid defect in old patients. Many methods have been introduced for the reconstruction of lower eyelid. However, conventional surgical method can cause various complications like scar, ectropion and unnatural color matching. Thus, we introduce a simple and aesthetically acceptable method for the reconstruction of lower eyelid defect. METHODS: Three elderly patients with skin cancer in the unilateral lower eyelid were operated by the new method. Following a wide excision of skin cancer, subcilliary incision of lower blepharoplasty was carried out. Elevated skin flap of lower eyelid was redrapped for the correction of defect and the remnant skin from lateral portion of lower eyelid was used for full thickness skin graft(FTSG) to correct the remaining defect. RESULTS: All grafts survived and color match of the graft was excellent without ectropion. Furthermore, wrinkles of the lower eyelid were improved after the blepharoplasty. CONCLUSION: Lower eyelid defect resulting from wide excision of malignant tumor in old patients could be reconstructed successfully by modifying the conventional lower eyelid blepharoplasty along with FTSG using the remnant skin.

Incidence of Polydactyly and Triphalangism of Thumb

PURPOSE: Preaxial polydactyly is the most common congenital anomaly of upper extremities. In this study, we classified 112 patients of preaxial polydactyly for investigation of recent incidences of each types. METHODS: We reviewed 120 cases of preaxial polydactyly diagnosed at university hospitals of Incheon and Bucheon from 2000 to 2008. All cases were grouped using simple radiographs and all cases were classified according to the Upton modified Iowa system. RESULTS: Among the 120 cases of preaxial polydactyly, 7 cases(6%) were in type I polydactyly, 35 cases(29%) type II, 1 case(1%) type III, 48 cases(40%) type IV, 12 cases(10%) type V, 5 cases(4%) type VI, 12 cases(10%) type VII, respectively. All cases in type VII polydactyly were triphalangism. CONCLUSION: Comparing with Wassel's study and Upton's study, our study showed similar distribution of each types of preaxial polydactyly.

Steatocystoma Multiplex Localized on the Neck: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Steatocystoma multiplex is a hamartomatous malformation of the pilosebaceous duct junction. It is not common and inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. But numerous non-hereditary cases have been reported. The neck is an unusual site in steatocystoma multiplex. METHODS: A 23-year-old woman was found to have multiple yellowish papules, which had developed on anterior surface of her neck for 10 years. RESULTS: There was no similar lesions on any other parts of the body. Histopathological examination revealed an intricately folded cyst wall consisting of several epithelial layers and flattened sebaceous gland lobules close to the cyst wall, which were typical of steatocystoma multiplex. CONCLUSION: We describe an unusual case of steatocystoma multiplex localized on the neck.

Steatocystoma Multiplex Localized on the Neck: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Steatocystoma multiplex is a hamartomatous malformation of the pilosebaceous duct junction. It is not common and inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. But numerous non-hereditary cases have been reported. The neck is an unusual site in steatocystoma multiplex. METHODS: A 23-year-old woman was found to have multiple yellowish papules, which had developed on anterior surface of her neck for 10 years. RESULTS: There was no similar lesions on any other parts of the body. Histopathological examination revealed an intricately folded cyst wall consisting of several epithelial layers and flattened sebaceous gland lobules close to the cyst wall, which were typical of steatocystoma multiplex. CONCLUSION: We describe an unusual case of steatocystoma multiplex localized on the neck.

Development and Enforcement of Short Case Test Items for Evaluation in Undergraduate Course of Plastic Surgery: 3 Years Experience

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical competence of medical student using short case test items. Development of short case test items with definition of an assessment of subject, choice of clinical stations sampling, identification of components of clinical competence to be evaluated, and assessment of practicability and results exploitation. For the last three years 28, 48 and 30 topics were developed annually. Among them 20, 23 and 23 topics were selected. About 50 students were examined annually. The mean score was 72.7, 57.1, 64.3 respectively. The mean preparation time of the students for the examination was 9.8 hours. About 60% of the students prepared the test in small group activity. Our experience suggests that short case test items be feasible for evaluation of student learning in Plastic Surgery. This method should be considered as a useful tool to assess medical student's competence or even an examination for board certification.

Rehabilitation after Miniplate Fixation of High-Condylar Fracture

We introduce a simple rehabilitation program after the miniplate fixation of high-condylar fracture of mandible. Intermaxillary fixation with arch bar is used. The length of the fixation period is about 14 days after surgery. At the end of this period, the bracket is applied to maxillary incisor, the occlusion becomes stable and reproducible and then aggressive jaw opening excercise begins. From postoperative day 15 to 21, elastics are applied 24 hours a day. They are placed lightly during the daytime to assist guiding protrusion of the mandible. The patient is instructed to protrude the mandible and to open the mouth simultaneously. From postoperative day 22 to 28, the exercise is modified to lateral movement. After the bracket is removed on postoperative day 29, the patient excercised the chin laterally without any guiding elastic fixation for approximately 1 week. This regimen can be widely used in ostectomy-osteosynthesis cases.

Evaluation of Clinical Competence in Plastic Surgery using OSCE(Objective Structured Clinical Examination): 3-Year Experience

This is the evaluation report of clinical competence of undergraduate medical students in Plastic Surgery field using OSCE(Objective Structured Clinical Examination) executed in three years. OSCE comprises of assessment of subject, choice of clinical stations sampling, identification of components of clinical competence to be evaluated, the level of performance required, development of specification table, editing of OSCE presentation page and assessment of practicability and results exploitation. About fifty students were examined annually. Seven station stimuli with simulated patient participation were carried out. The mean OSCE score was 82.3+/-6.19. The reliability of the total station was 0.72. The examination shows a positive response to the OSCE. Our experience shows OSCE's feasibility for Plastic Surgery during the initial course of education. Referring to our experiences, the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KPRS) applied the OSCE test for Korean Plastic Surgery Board Certification.