Blepharoptosis in Behçet's Disease

Behçet's disease is a systemic chronic disease that occurs in tissues such as eyes, joints, organs and nerves, and it has been noted that symptoms may be observed in a variety of tissues. In previous studies, reports of blepharoptosis observed in patients with Behçet's disease have been rare. We would like to report a case where a patient among those who visited our hospital with blepharoptosis had a history of Behçet's disease. This patient had been diagnosed with Behçet's disease, and complained of bilateral blepharoptosis even at the time of diagnosis. He complained of dysfunctions in vision and hearing, and upon eye examination, an eye movement disorder was found in his left eye. From the symptoms, neuro-Behçet's disease was diagnosed. The oculomotor and levator palpebrae superioris muscles are both controlled by cranial nerve III, which may suggest that Behçet's disease in this patient occurred in cranial nerve III. The patient received an oral steroid, and the symptoms have improved without surgery. Since we could identify the correlation between Behçet's disease and blepharoptosis, we considered that sharing this case and its outcome would be helpful for plastic surgeons who treat eyelids.

The Clinical Analysis of the Nasal Septal Cartilage by Measurement Using Computed Tomography

BACKGROUND: The nasal septal cartilage is often used as a donor graft in rhinoplasty operations but can vary widely in size across the patient population. As such, preoperative estimation of the cartilaginous area is important for patient counseling as well as operating planning. We aim to estimate septal cartilage area by using facial computed tomography (CT) studies. METHODS: The study was performed using facial CT images taken from 200 patients between January 2012 to July 2015. Using the mid-sagittal image, the boundary of cartilaginous septum was delineated from soft tissue using the mean difference in signal intensity (or brightness). The area within this boundary was calculated. The calculated area for septal cartilage was then compared across age groups and sexes. RESULTS: Overall, the mean area of nasal septal cartilage was 8.18 cm² with the maximum of 12.42 cm² and the minimum of 4.89 cm². The cartilage areas were measured to be larger in men than in women (p<0.05). The area decreased with advancing age (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Measuring the size of septal cartilage using brightness difference is more precise and reliable than previously reported methods. This method can be utilized as the standard for prevention of postoperative complication.

Postaxial Polydactyly of the Hands and Feet in Monozygotic Twins

Polydactyly is the most common congenital difference of the hand and foot presenting as a range of defects from minor soft tissue duplications to major bony abnormalities. Although polydactyly of the hand is reported to occur among approximately 1 in 1,000 live births, the co-occurrence of hand polydactyly on hands and polydactyly on feet is as rare as one out of 100,000 persons. We report a case of hand and foot polydactyly in twins. One of the twins had polydactyly on both hands and feet, the other had polydactyly on the right hand and both feet. Postaxial polydactyly in monozygotic twins appears on both hands and feet in a different form shows that polydactyly is caused by multiple factors. It has been reported that the mother's infection and drug in addition to hereditary factors are the causes for polydactyly, but since they are unknown yet, it is necessary to conduct a study of them.

Improvement of Infraorbital Rim contour Using Medpor

BACKGROUND: Asymmetry of the infraorbital rim can be caused by trauma, congenital or acquired disease, or insufficient reduction during a previous operation. Such asymmetry needs to be corrected because the shape of the infraorbital rim or midfacial skeleton defines the overall midfacial contour. METHODS: The study included 5 cases of retruded infraorbital rim. All of the patient underwent restoration of the deficient volume using polyethylene implants between June 2005 and June 2011. The infraorbital rim was accessed through a subciliary approach, and the implants were placed in subperiosteal space. Surgical outcomes were evaluated using preoperative and postoperative computed tomography studies. RESULTS: Implant based augmentation was associated with a mean projection of 4.6 mm enhancement. No postoperative complications were noted during the 30-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Because of the safeness, short recovery time, effectiveness, reliability, and potential application to a wide range of facial disproportion problems, this surgical technique can be applied to midfacial retrusion from a variety of etiologies, such as fracture involving infraorbital rim, congenital midfacial hypoplasia, lid malposition after blepharoplasty, and skeletal changes due to aging.

Aesthetic Facial Correction of Cleidocranial Dysplasia

We report two cases of cleidocranial dysplasia, which was managed without significant craniofacial osteotomy. A mother and daughter, both of normal intelligence, presented with central forehead depression, mid-face hypoplasia, and blepharoptosis. The fact that they have an identically deformed face implied a genetic basis. In both patients, radiologic evaluation revealed the underdeveloped maxilla, persistent fontanelle opening, and cleidal aplasia. Clinical findings and radiologic studies were consistent with the diagnosis of cleidocranial dysplasia. Both patients underwent forehead plasty via bicoronal approach, augmentation rhinoplasty using tip plasty, and epicanthoplasty. In addition, the mother underwent malar augmentation using Medpor implantation and reduction genioplasty. The patients did not experience any postoperative complication and remained satisfied with the operation at 6-year follow-up.

Malignant Skin Tumor Misdiagnosed as a Benign Skin Lesion

Despite the fact that benign skin lesions can undergo malignant transformation, the necessity and timing of the surgical resection have yet to be established. In this study, we analyse three cases of benign-appearing skin lesions, which were found to be carcinomatous on histologic examination and review the literature regarding the importance of prophylactic removal of benign-appearing skin lesion. The first and second cases were female patients wishing for cosmetic surgery. The first patient had a benign-appearing lesion on dorsum nasi, and the second patient had an inconspicuous lesion right along the right nasolabial fold. The third patient was a middle-aged male with a pigmented lesion on the left cheek, who presented to the clinic only after having met the operating surgeon through an acquaintance outside the hospital setting. All of the lesions were suspected to be of benign nature and were excised for cosmesis only. However, histologic examination of these lesions showed that the first two tumors were basal cell carcinoma with the last tumor being squamouse cell carcinoma. Thus, it is considered that removal of benign like skin lesion will result in good prognosis of patients scheduled to undergo other surgery.

Cranioplasty with Methylmethacrylate in Plagiocephaly

No abstract available.

Clinical Analysis of Lobular Keloid after Ear Piercing

BACKGROUND: Lobular keloid appears to be a consequence of hypertrophic inflammation secondary to ear piercings performed under unsterile conditions. We wish to understand the pathogenesis of lobular keloids and report operative outcomes with a literature review. METHODS: A retrospective review identified 40 cases of lobular keloids between January, 2005 and December, 2010. Patient records were reviewed for preclinical factors such as presence of inflammation after ear piercing prior to keloid development, surgical management, and histopathologic correlation to recurrence. RESULTS: The operation had been performed by surgical core extirpation or simple excision, postoperative lobular compression, and scar ointments. Perivascular infiltration was noted in intra- and extra-keloid tissue in 70% of patients. The postoperative recurrence rate was 10%, and most of the patients satisfied with treatment outcomes. CONCLUSION: Histological perivascular inflammation is a prominent feature of lobular keloids. Proper surgical treatment, adjuvant treatments, and persistent follow-up observation were sufficient in maintaining a relatively low rates of recurrence.

Reduction of Nasal Bone Fracture using Ultrasound Imaging during Surgery

BACKGROUND: Most nasal bone fractures are corrected using non-invasive methods. Often, patients are dissatisfied with surgical outcomes following such closed approach. In this study, we compare surgical outcomes following blind closed reduction to that of ultrasound-guided reduction. METHODS: A single-institutional prospective study was performed for all nasal fracture patients (n=28) presenting between May 2013 and November 2013. Upon research consent, patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (n=14, blind reduction) or the experimental group (n=14, ultrasound-guided reduction). Surgical outcomes were evaluated using preoperative and 3-month postoperative X-ray images by two independent surgeons. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire survey. RESULTS: The experimental group consisted of 4 patients with Plane I fracture and 10 patients with Plane II fracture. The control group consisted of 3 patients with Plane I fracture and 11 patients with Plane II fracture. The mean surgical outcomes score and the mean patient dissatisfaction score were found not to differ between the experimental and the control group in Plane I fracture (p=0.755, 0.578, respectively). In a subgroup analysis consisting of Plane II fractures only, surgeons graded outcomes for ultrasound-guided reduction higher than that for the control group (p=0.007). Likewise, among the Plane II fracture patients, those who underwent ultrasound-guided reduction were less dissatisfied than those who underwent blind reduction (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: Our study result suggests that ultrasound-guided closed reduction is superior to blind closed reduction in those patients with Plane II nasal fractures.

The Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma Dosage on the Tendon Healing in Rabbits

PURPOSE: Autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been known to enhance tendon healing and improve tensile strength after tendon injury. This study investigated the dosage of PRP to increase the tensile strength. METHODS: PRP was harvested from peripheral bloods of the rabbits. Direct injury model was adopted using 60 achilles tendons in 30 rabbits. The autologous PRP was infiltrated into the Achilles tendon repair site of four groups (control, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 mL) with different dosages. Tendons were harvested at 2, 4 and 8 weeks and subjected to measuring mechanical tensile strength and dosage of collagen content. RESULTS: At 2, 4, and 8 weeks, PRP administration following experimental achilles tendon repair resulted in an overall higher average tensile strength and collagen content compared to these of the control. Also, the lengthen the time, tensile strength and collagen content was increased. CONCLUSION: Autologous PRP enhanced tendon healing in rabbits. Within the PRP dosage setted by the author, more dosage of the infiltrated PRP increases the strength of the tendon and the dosage of collagen content. Further studies will be essential to determine the optimal dosage of PRP in clinical practice.

Histological Changes in Levator Aponeurosis According to Blepharoptosis and Aging

BACKGROUND: Many studies about the levator aponeurosis complex of the blepharoptosis have already been presented. However, the studies about the changes of the levator aponeurosis are relatively insufficient. So, this study was performed to observe histological changes of levator aponeurosis that arise depending on the severity of blepharoptosis and the age. METHODS: Twenty patients who have undergone surgical treatment for blepharoptosis from 2013 to 2014 were analyzed in this study. Patients were categorized mild or severe group according to the severity of blepharoptosis, and the age. Through the blepharoplasty incision, we harvested the specimens of the levator aponeurosis on the upper border of tarsal plate. After staining the specimens with the Verhoeff-van Gieson technique, the changes of elastin was analyzed in a histopathological manner. RESULTS: Light microscopy of the levator aponeurosis stained positively for elastic fibers using the Verhoeff-van Gieson technique. Elastic fibers appear to have direct connections with the collagen fiber of the levator aponeurosis. The amount of the elastin was decreased in the old age group. And the amount of elastin was decreased markedly in severe blepharoptosis group. CONCLUSIONS: The elastin of the levator aponeurosis was decreased in old age and elastin tended to decreased markedly in severe levator function group. The levator aponeurosis plays a greater role in the eyelid ptosis. Therefore, knowledge about the histologic changes of the levator aponeurosis may give more help us to understand the high recurrence rate of the blepharoptosis in old age. Also, considering this information, will be helpful to the blepharoptosis surgery.

Soft Tissue Chondroma Presenting as a Dermal Mass in the Toe

No abstract available.

The Usability of Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of the Finger Defects

PURPOSE: Groin or abdominal flap, anterolateral thigh free flap, and radial forearm flap can typically be performed in large defects, however satisfactory results in functional recovery and aesthetic aspect have not been achieved using these methods. Medial sural artery perforator free flap is recommended as a complement to these disadvantages, therefore we report the functional and aesthetic results of this flap for reconstruction of large finger defects. METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2013, 10 patients with large soft tissue defect of the fingers were treated with medial sural artery perforator free flap. Six months after the final surgery, metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint range of motion was measured, and the circumference of the reconstructed finger was compared with that of the contralateral side. In addition, for assessment of the aesthetic satisfaction, the patients and three physicians compared the color of the reconstructed finger with that of adjacent skin on a five-point scale. RESULTS: The flaps survived without complications in all ten cases. Average flexion was 77 degrees in the metacarpophalangeal joint and 84 degrees in the proximal interphalangeal joints. The average circumference of the reconstructed finger was measured as 12 percent larger than contralateral. The patien's subjective satisfaction (4.1) and physicians' objective satisfaction (4.2) regarding aesthetic aspect were very good. CONCLUSION: Medial sural artery perforator free flap is a very thin, stable, fasciocutaneous flap which has a tendon gliding effect and produces aesthetically good results. Therefore we consider medial sural artery perforator free flap as the flap which can solve the drawbacks of other techniques associated with large finger defect reconstruction.

Clinical Characteristics of the Forehead Lipoma

BACKGROUND: Lipomas can be categorized into deep and superficial lipomas according to anatomical depth. Many cases of forehead lipomas are reported to be deep to the muscle layer. We analyze ultrasound in delineating depth of forehead lipomas. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent excision of forehead lipomas between January 2008 and March 2013 and for whom preoperative ultrasound study was available. Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound imaging was evalauted against depth finding at the time of surgical excision. RESULTS: The review identified 42 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Preoperative ultrasound reading was 18 as deep lipomas and 24 as superficial. However, intraoperative finding revealed 2 of the 18 deep lipomas to be superficial and 13 of the 24 superficial lipomas to be deep lipomas. Overall, ultrasonography turned out to be 69% (29/42) accurate in correctly delineating superficial versus deep lipomas. CONCLUSION: Lipomas of the forehead tend to be located in deeper tissue plane compared to lipomas found elsewhere in the body. Preoperative ultrasonography of lipomas can be helpful, but was not accurate in identifying the depth of forehead lipomas in our patient population. Even if a forehead lipoma is found to be superficial on ultrasound, operative planning should include the possibility of deep lipomas.

Microscopic Approach of Mass Involving Neurovascular Pedicle in the Hand

PURPOSE: Mass can compress around tissue and cause deviation of normal anatomical structures. Often, mass grows toward neurovascular pedicle and encircles depending on the nature of mature mass. Neglecting neurovascular involvement of the mass is a serious problem not to be overlooked. Authors have performed microscopic approach regarding mass involving the neurovascular pedicle in the hand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2007 through February 2012, retrospective analysis for nine cases of mass involving neurovascular pedicles was done. Patients were evaluated preoperatively by ultrasonography or MRI and checked intraoperative finding. Masses were evaluated by site, preoperative evaluation, involved neurovascular pedicle, histopathologic diagnosis, complication, and recurrence. RESULTS: The site of mass involving neurovascular pedicles was 4 cases on the wrist, 2 cases on the palm, 2 cases on the finger, 1 case on the hand dorsum. Involved neurovascular pedicles were 3 radial arteries and nerves, 3 proper digital arteries and nerves, 1 radial artery, 1 superficial branch of radial nerve, 1 common digital artery and nerve. The histopathologic diagnosis of mass were 3 ganglions, 2 giant cell tumors, 2 epidermal cysts, 1 fibroma, and 1 benign spindle tumor. There were 2 cases of recurrence and secondary excisions were performed. CONCLUSION: Neurovascular pedicle injury can lead to serious complication like sensory and motor disorders, distal part ischemia, and so on. In case of mass suspected neurovascular invasion, accurate preoperative evaluation such as ultrasonography or MRI is necessary. To prevent any neurovascular related complication during mass excision, delicate surgical technique using a microscope becomes essential.

Clinical Analysis of Pediatric Facial Laceration

PURPOSE: Pediatric facial laceration takes a huge part of patients visiting emergency room and generates social attention for its proper emergency care. So much more attention should be paid to the proper treatment at emergency care unit, and furthermore, thorough survey of background information of the pediatric facial laceration may offer more proper prevention. METHODS: According to annual reports of 2009 and 2010, out of 5149 facial laceration patients who were given primary medical care at our clinic, 1452 patients were aged under 15 years old. Retrospective analysis of each pediatric facial lacerations were evaluated according to gender, age, periodic table, cause of injury, place of injury, sites of injury and so on. RESULTS: Pediatric facial laceration was found to occur mostly at 1 year old as they learn to walk and explore their environment. Evaluated analysis revealed that pediatric facial accidents occurred mostly on forehead region (75%), on Sundays, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at home(61.5%). Most common cause of injury was collision(54.5%). CONCLUSION: In large group of pediatric facial laceration cases provided us with an surprising fact that accidents most commonly occur under parental supervision. This fact gives an actual understanding regarding pediatric facial laceration and more realistic approach in its prevention strategy.