Split-thickness Skin Graft on the Face from the Medial Arm Skin

PURPOSE: Full-thickness skin grafts are usually used in facial reconstruction, but on occasion, split-thickness skin graft is also used from the scalp due to the limitation of donor site. However, there were complications, such as alopecia, folliculitis and blood loss. In addition, it can not be used in patients with baldness. Under the circumstances, we used medial arm skin as split-thickness skin graft donor site in lieu of scalp. We investigated the efficacy of the medial arm skin as a donor site of facial skin graft in comparison with scalp. METHODS: From 2000 to 2005, the split-thicknesss skin grafts were performed using the medial arm skin in 10 patients and the scalp in 10 patients. We inspected the skin color match, texture match by the visual analogue scale. Scar contracture was estimated by the Visitrak grade(R)(Smith & Nephew). The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 12.0. RESULTS: There was a more satisfaction in color match, texture, and scar contracture in medial arm skin than in scalp. CONCLUSION: According to these results, medial arm skin may be used efficiently as an alternative donor site of scalp in the facial reconstruction.

Split-thickness Skin Graft on the Face from the Medial Arm Skin

PURPOSE: Full-thickness skin grafts are usually used in facial reconstruction, but on occasion, split-thickness skin graft is also used from the scalp due to the limitation of donor site. However, there were complications, such as alopecia, folliculitis and blood loss. In addition, it can not be used in patients with baldness. Under the circumstances, we used medial arm skin as split-thickness skin graft donor site in lieu of scalp. We investigated the efficacy of the medial arm skin as a donor site of facial skin graft in comparison with scalp. METHODS: From 2000 to 2005, the split-thicknesss skin grafts were performed using the medial arm skin in 10 patients and the scalp in 10 patients. We inspected the skin color match, texture match by the visual analogue scale. Scar contracture was estimated by the Visitrak grade(R)(Smith & Nephew). The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 12.0. RESULTS: There was a more satisfaction in color match, texture, and scar contracture in medial arm skin than in scalp. CONCLUSION: According to these results, medial arm skin may be used efficiently as an alternative donor site of scalp in the facial reconstruction.

The Reliability of 3-Dimensional Scanner in Plastic Surgery

The accurate measurement is essential in evaluating the patients in the aesthetic plastic surgery. So many plastic surgeons would have increased the accuracy of photograph. But the results of the efforts are not satisfactory. Now, we can use the 3-D scanner possibly. We want to investigate the reliability of the 3-D scanner by comparing real measurements with the 3-D scanner measurements. Between Apr, 2003 and Nov, 2005, the Korean agency for technology and standards(ATS) investigates the size of 15,576 Korean by real measurements and 5,186 Korean by the 3-D scanner measurements. We selected the measurements of female aged from 20 to 24. These measurements divide into the sections of height, width, thickness, circumference, and compared in each sections. The statistical analysis was performed by STATA 9.0. If the datum points were fixed, unstable and the data was easily measured by the measuring devices such as height, the 3-D scanner measurements were almost coincident with the real measurements. The p-value was statistically not significant. Otherwise, If the datum points were unfixed and the data was measured by a measuring tape, the 3-D scanner measurements were not coincident with the real measurements. The p-value was statistically significant. According to these results, the height can be measured by the 3-D scanner instead of real measurements. But the circumference, thickness and width by the 3-D scanner is almost incompatible with that of the real measurements. The new paradigm of anthropometry is needed.

A Simple Corrective Method for Prominent Ear

Various methods have been used to correct the prominent ear, in which the deformity is due to lack of formation of the normal antihelix. In 1963, Mustard presented a method which creates the antihelical fold by placing permanent mattress sutures through the cartilage without using any actual cartilaginous incisions. However, the main disadvantage of this method is difficulty in accurate full- thickness transcartilaginous suture without an injury to the anterior auricular skin. To solve this problem, the authors separated the anterior auricular skin from the cartilage by a subcision method using a 21-gauge needle without making a skin incision. Between 2001 and 2002, a total of 16 prominent ears in 12 patients were corrected by this method. Eight patients underwent unilateral correction and four patients underwent bilateral correction. Seven were female and 5 were male. Patients' age at operation ranged from 5 to 24 years(mean 9.7 years). Patients were followed up from 5 to 14 months(mean 8.6 months). No major complications were observed while using this method and good aesthetic result was achieved in all cases, except one recurrence case that needed revision procedure. This method is a simple and safe technique with reliable aesthetic results and no scar on the anterior auricular skin.

Which are Risk Factors developing Renal Cortical Defects on 99 mTc - DMSA Scintigraphy in Children with Acute Urinary Tract Infections?

PURPOSE: To determine (1) the relationship between the cortical defects seen on 99 mTc-DMSA renal scans and age, and (2) the presence and degree of vesicoureteral reflux, and then to depict the risk factors for cortical defects in children with acute urinary tract infection (UTI). Furthermore, to assess the diagnostic value of VCUG in predicting a defect on 99 mTc-DMSA renal scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 134 kidneys in 67 children aged 15 days-10 years (M:F=39:28) in whom symptomatic UTI was present. In all these children, both DMSA renal scans and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) were performed. Scanning took place within 7 days of diagnosis and VCUG was performed after one month of diagnosis. Scintigraphic findings were graded according to the extent and number of cortical defects. We evaluated the relationships between the cortical defects seen on DMSA scans and age, and the grade of vesicoureteral reflux. The diagnostic value of VCUG in predicting cortical defects was analysed. Results: The prevalence of cortical defects was greater in patients older than two years (38/54, 70%) than in those aged less than two (38/80, 48%). The frequency of cortical defects was related to vesicoureteral reflux (p or =2yrs) at the time of acute UTI, and high grade of vesicoureteral reflux. The specificity of VCUG in predicting cortical defects is relatively high but the sensitivitiy is low, and a significant proportion of cortical defects therefore occurred in the absence of vesicoureteral reflux.