The effect of biphasic calcium phosphate and demineralized bone matrix on tooth eruption in mongrel dogs

Background: Bone grafts can provide an optimal environment for permanent tooth to erupt and enhance the stability of the alveolar maxilla. Although autologous bone is an optimal source for osteogenesis, its inevitable donor site morbidity has led to active research on bone substitutes. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP; Osteon) as a bone substitute in dogs. Methods: Bilateral third and fourth premolars of four 15-week-old mongrel dogs were used. All teeth were extracted except the third premolar of the right mandible, which was used as a control. After extraction of the premolars, each dog was administered BCP (Osteon), demineralized bone matrix (DBM; DBX), and no graft in the hollow sockets of the right fourth premolar, left fourth premolar, and left third premolar, respectively. Radiographs were taken at 2-week intervals to check for tooth eruption. After 8 weeks, each dog was sacrificed, and tooth and bone biopsies were performed to check for the presence of tooth and bone substitute particle remnants. Results: Four weeks after the operation, permanent tooth eruptions had started at all the extraction sites in each dog. Eight weeks after the operation, all teeth had normally erupted, and histological examination revealed BCP particles at the right fourth premolar. Conclusion: In all four dogs, no delay in the eruption of the teeth or shape disfigurement of permanent teeth was observed on gross inspection and radiologic evaluation. On histological examination, most of the BCP and DBM were replaced by new bone. Bone substitutes can be used as graft materials in patients with alveolar clefts.

Changes in maximum lip-closing force after extraction and nonextraction orthodontic treatments / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE@#The aims of the present study were to evaluate the changes in the maximum lip-closing force (MLF) after orthodontic treatment with or without premolar extractions and verify the correlation of these changes with dentoskeletal changes.@*METHODS@#In total, 17 women who underwent nonextraction orthodontic treatment and 15 women who underwent orthodontic treatment with extraction of all four first premolars were included in this retrospective study. For all patients, lateral cephalograms and dental models were measured before (T0) and after (T1) treatment. In addition, MLF was measured at both time points using the Lip De Cum LDC-110R® device. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate changes in clinical variables and MLF and their correlations.@*RESULTS@#Both groups showed similar skeletal patterns, although the extraction group showed greater proclination of the maxillary and mandibular incisors and lip protrusion compared to the nonextraction group at T0. MLF at T0 was comparable between the two groups. The reduction in the arch width and depth and incisor retroclination from T0 to T1 were more pronounced in the extraction group than in the nonextraction group. MLF in the extraction group significantly increased during the treatment period, and this increase was significantly greater than that in the nonextraction group. The increase in MLF was found to be correlated with the increase in the interincisal angle and decrease in the intermolar width, arch depth, and incisor–mandibular plane angle.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study suggests that MLF increases to a greater extent during extraction orthodontic treatment than during nonextraction orthodontic treatment.

Clinical Features and Treatment Outcome of Soft Tissue Clear Cell Sarcoma / 임상소아혈액종양

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue clear cell sarcoma is a rare tumor which originates from neural crest cells. Due to its rarity and lack of established treatment, the prognosis of clear cell sarcoma is poor. Here, we reviewed the clinical data and outcome of patients diagnosed with soft tissue clear cell sarcoma in our institution.METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on pediatric patients who were treated for pathologically confirmed soft tissue clear cell sarcoma at the Seoul National University Hospital, between January 2000 and July 2017.RESULTS: Six patients (3 boys and 3 girls) were diagnosed with soft tissue clear cell sarcoma at a median age of 14 years 4 months (range 11 years 7 months - 19 years 3 months). The median size of the tumor was 5.6 cm (range, 0.6 cm to 7.9 cm). The most frequent symptom was pain (67%), and the most common primary site was the lower limb (67%). Three patients (50%) presented with metastases at diagnosis. Four patients underwent chemotherapy with various therapeutic combinations. Four patients received surgical resection. Only one patient received local radiotherapy. One patient died of primary refractory disease, three patients relapsed, while the remaining two survive event-free.CONCLUSION: Soft tissue clear cell sarcoma is a rare and highly aggressive tumor, for which there is no established treatment. All surviving patients received surgery, indicating that surgery is a key treatment modality. Further genetic studies of soft tissue clear cell sarcoma are needed to find a better treatment strategy.

Oligomeric Procyanidins (OPCs) Inhibit Procollagen Type I Secretion of Fibroblasts

Wound healing is composed of a complex process that requires harmonies of various cell populations where fibroblasts play the main role. Oligomeric procyanidins (OPC) are main components of grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extracts, and recent studies showed OPC's effects on inflammation, cell migration, and proliferation. We investigated the effect of OPC on fibroblasts to regulate wound healing process. Human dermal fibroblast known as Hs27 cells were treated with various concentrations of OPC (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 µg/µl). Cell cytotoxicity was evaluated by the Cell Counting Kit assay, and the expression levels of secreted procollagen were analyzed. Procollagen levels in OPC treated cells exposed to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) or ascorbic acid were evaluated using Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Relative mRNA expressions of procollagen, molecular chaperone such as HSP47, P4H were determined by real-time PCR in OPC treated cells. OPC showed no cytotoxicity on Hs27 cells at every concentration but inhibited procollagen secretion in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect also appeared under TGF-β1 induced collagen overproduction. Immunocytochemistry showed that higher levels of intracytoplasmic procollagen were accumulated in TGF-β1 treatment group, whereas ascorbic acid induced a release of accumulated procollagen under OPC treatment. The mRNA expressions of procollagen, molecular chaperone were not affected by OPC, but procollagen level was increased when exposed to TGF-β1. OPC inhibits procollagen secretion from fibroblasts with no effects on cell proliferations even under the environment of TGF-b1-induced collagen overproduction. OPC could regulate the diseases and symptoms of abnormal overabundant collagen production.

Serial Tissue Expansion at the Same Site in Pediatric Patients: Is the Subsequent Expansion Faster?

BACKGROUND: Serial tissue expansion is performed to remove giant congenital melanocytic nevi. However, there have been no studies comparing the expansion rate between the subsequent and preceding expansions. In this study, we analyzed the rate of expansion in accordance with the number of surgeries, expander location, expander size, and sex. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in pediatric patients who underwent tissue expansion for giant congenital melanocytic nevi. We tested four factors that may influence the expansion rate: The number of surgeries, expander location, expander size, and sex. The rate of expansion was calculated by dividing the ‘inflation amount’ by the ‘expander size’. RESULTS: The expansion rate, compared with the first-time group, was 1.25 times higher in the second-or-more group (P=0.04) and 1.84 times higher in the third-or-more group (P < 0.01). The expansion rate was higher at the trunk than at other sites (P < 0.01). There was a tendency of lower expansion rate for larger expanders (P=0.03). Sex did not affect the expansion rate. CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive correlation between the number of surgeries and the expansion rate, a positive correlation between the expander location and the expansion rate, and a negative correlation between the expander size and the expansion rate.

Clinical Features and Treatment Outcome of Soft Tissue Clear Cell Sarcoma / 임상소아혈액종양

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue clear cell sarcoma is a rare tumor which originates from neural crest cells. Due to its rarity and lack of established treatment, the prognosis of clear cell sarcoma is poor. Here, we reviewed the clinical data and outcome of patients diagnosed with soft tissue clear cell sarcoma in our institution. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on pediatric patients who were treated for pathologically confirmed soft tissue clear cell sarcoma at the Seoul National University Hospital, between January 2000 and July 2017. RESULTS: Six patients (3 boys and 3 girls) were diagnosed with soft tissue clear cell sarcoma at a median age of 14 years 4 months (range 11 years 7 months - 19 years 3 months). The median size of the tumor was 5.6 cm (range, 0.6 cm to 7.9 cm). The most frequent symptom was pain (67%), and the most common primary site was the lower limb (67%). Three patients (50%) presented with metastases at diagnosis. Four patients underwent chemotherapy with various therapeutic combinations. Four patients received surgical resection. Only one patient received local radiotherapy. One patient died of primary refractory disease, three patients relapsed, while the remaining two survive event-free. CONCLUSION: Soft tissue clear cell sarcoma is a rare and highly aggressive tumor, for which there is no established treatment. All surviving patients received surgery, indicating that surgery is a key treatment modality. Further genetic studies of soft tissue clear cell sarcoma are needed to find a better treatment strategy.

Acquired Palatal Fistula in Patients with Submucous and Incomplete Cleft Palate before Surgery

It is uncommon for a palatal fistula to be detected in individuals who have not undergone surgery, and only sporadic cases have been reported. It is even more difficult to find cases of acquired palatal fistula in patients with submucous or incomplete cleft palate. Herein, we present 2 rare cases of this phenomenon. Case 1 was a patient with submucous cleft palate who acquired a palatal fistula after suffering from oral candidiasis at the age of 5 months. Case 2 was a patient with incomplete cleft palate who spontaneously, without trauma or infection, presented with a palatal fistula at the age of 9 months.

KCl Mediates K+ Channel-Activated Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Signaling in Wound Healing

BACKGROUND: Wound healing is an interaction of a complex signaling cascade of cellular events, including inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. K+ channels modulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Here, we investigated whether K+ channel-activated MAPK signaling directs collagen synthesis and angiogenesis in wound healing. METHODS: The human skin fibroblast HS27 cell line was used to examine cell viability and collagen synthesis after potassium chloride (KCl) treatment by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and western blotting. To investigate whether K+ ion channels function upstream of MAPK signaling, thus affecting collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, we examined alteration of MAPK expression after treatment with KCl (channel inhibitor), NS1619 (channel activator), or kinase inhibitors. To research the effect of KCl on angiogenesis, angiogenesis-related proteins such as thrombospondin 1 (TSP1), anti-angiogenic factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pro-angiogenic factor were assayed by western blot. RESULTS: The viability of HS27 cells was not affected by 25 mM KCl. Collagen synthesis increased dependent on time and concentration of KCl exposure. The phosphorylations of MAPK proteins such as extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 increased about 2.5-3 fold in the KCl treatment cells and were inhibited by treatment of NS1619. TSP1 expression increased by 100%, bFGF expression decreased by 40%, and there is no significant differences in the VEGF level by KCl treatment, TSP1 was inhibited by NS1619 or kinase inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that KCl may function as a therapeutic agent for wound healing in the skin through MAPK signaling mediated by the K+ ion channel.

Evaluation of an Amniotic Membrane-Collagen Dermal Substitute in the Management of Full-Thickness Skin Defects in a Pig

BACKGROUND: To minimize the inflammatory reaction and improve healing, a new modified dermal substitute composed of an atelocollagen, chondroitin-6-sulfate, and amniotic membrane (AM) was applied to full-thickness skin defects in a pig. Atelocollagen was extracted from bovine skin, and two modified dermal substitutes were generated according to the cross-linking type. METHODS: The AM-collagen dermal substitutes were characterized and compared with currently used dermal substitutes in a pig skin defect model. There were five experimental groups: dehydrothermal (DHT) cross-linking atelocollagen with the AM on the top (AM-DHT), DHT and chemical cross-linking atelocollagen with the AM on the top (AM-DHT/chemical), Terudermis, Integra, and AlloDerm. After 3x3 cm full-thickness skin defects on the back of a pig were created, each dermal substitutes dermal substitutes was randomly grafted on the defects. Two weeks after grafting, autologous partial-thickness skin was over-grafted on the neodermis. The take rate of the dermal substitutes, skin, and histological sections were all assessed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: More rapid healing and a higher take rate were evident in the AM-DHT and Terudermis groups. Histological examination revealed fewer inflammatory cells and more fibroblast hyperplasia in these two groups. Four weeks after surgery, the amount of newly formed collagen was significantly more appropriate in the AM-DHT group. CONCLUSIONS: These observations provide supporting evidence that a newly developed amniotic-collagen dermal substitute may inhibit inflammatory reactions and promote wound healing.

Simultaneous Rhabdoid Tumor of the Chin and an Adrenal Gland in a Neonate / 임상소아혈액종양

Herein, we report a neonatal case of an extra-renal non-cranial malignant rhabdoid tumor with simultaneous tumor in the adrenal gland, which was initially diagnosed with hemangioma. The patient showed a soft tissue mass on the chin at birth which grew rapidly with invasion of lower lip. Despite multimodal treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation, the patient died of disease progression at the age of 20 months finally. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, pathology, treatment, and prognosis for this case are discussed.

Simultaneous Rhabdoid Tumor of the Chin and an Adrenal Gland in a Neonate / 임상소아혈액종양

Herein, we report a neonatal case of an extra-renal non-cranial malignant rhabdoid tumor with simultaneous tumor in the adrenal gland, which was initially diagnosed with hemangioma. The patient showed a soft tissue mass on the chin at birth which grew rapidly with invasion of lower lip. Despite multimodal treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation, the patient died of disease progression at the age of 20 months finally. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, pathology, treatment, and prognosis for this case are discussed.

Comparison of the 3D Digital Photogrammetry and Direct Anthropometry in Unilateral Cleft Lip Patients

BACKGROUND: In cleft lip patients, the necessity of a thorough preoperative analysis of facial deformities before reconstruction is unquestioned. The surgical plan of cleft lip patient is based on the information gained from our preoperative anthropometric evaluation. A variety of commercially available three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging systems are currently introduced to us in plastic surgery for these use. However, few studies have been published on the soft tissue morphology of unrepaired cleft infants described by these 3D surface imaging systems. METHODS: The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of facial anthropometric measurements obtained through digital 3D photogrammetry and to compare with direct anthropometry for measurement in unilateral cleft lip patients. We compared our patients with three measurements of dimension made on both sides: heminasal width, labial height, and transverse lip length. RESULTS: The preoperative measurements were not significantly different in both side of labial height and left side of heminasal width. Statistically significant differences were found on both side of transverse lip length and right side of heminasal width. Although the half of preoperative measurements were significantly different, trends of results showed average results were comparable. CONCLUSION: This is the first study in Korea to simultaneously compare digital 3D photogrammetry with traditional direct anthropometry in unilateral cleft lip patients. We desire this study could contribute the methodological choice of the many researchers for proper surgical planning in cleft lip reconstruction field.

Aspiration Pneumonia caused by Povidone-iodine (Betadine) in Cleft Palate Patient

Povidone-iodine (PVP-I, Betadine) has many advantages as a disinfectant solution for preoperative preparations, especially for oral surgery. It is widely used because of its low toxicity and excellent bactericidal effect. The authors report a case of pneumonia secondary due to the aspiration of PVP-I, which was used as an oral disinfectant. We present a case of aspiration pneumonia that resulted from the careless use of PVP-I during preoperative preparation. The patient was a 10-month-old female scheduled for elective surgery to correct a complete cleft of secondary palate. During the preparation of the oral cavity for that cleft palate patient, PVP-I was incidentally aspirated to the airway. The lung resistance was noted with positive pressure and pneumonic infiltration on chest radiograph was seen. The operation was postponed and the patient underwent respiratory care. Three months later, elective palatoplasty under general anesthesia was performed without complication. Based on the experiences of this case, the authors advise that throat-packing should be placed before oral preparation to prevent serious pulmonary complications.

Reconstruction of Defects after Removal of a Kissing Nevus of Eyelids using a Tissue Expander

The kissing nevus is a rare form of congenital melanocytic nevus. We present a case of a 4-year-girl with kissing nevus on the right eyelids. As a treatment, we used a tissue expander. In the first operation, The 16 cc sized rectangular-shape tissue expander was inserted within the subcutaneous layer at the right zygomatic area. After expansion for 5 months, local advancement flap was performed for lower eyelid reconstruction, and interpolation flap was carried for the upper eyelid. The remnant interpolation flap was removed and trimmed after 3 weeks. We report here a rare case of the kissing nevus on the eyelids that showed good results after reconstruction using a tissue expander.

A Case of Giant Nonlipidized Juvenile Xanthogranuloma / 대한피부과학회지

Juvenile xanthogranuloma, which is the most common non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis of childhood, presents characteristic histopathologic features including abundant foamy macrophages and Touton giant cells. Generally, juvenile xanthogranuloma shows clinical features of less than 20 millimeters in size, butrarely, some lesions called giant juvenile xanthogranuloma exceed 20 millimeters. We report a case of a 5-month-old boy with solitary giant juvenile xanthogranuloma on his postauricular area with the histologic feature of nonlipidized form. The patient received simple excision. No evidence of local recurrence or systemic involvements have been observed during 4 months of follow up.

Effectiveness of 124I-PET/CT and 18F-FDG-PET/CT for Localizing Recurrence in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Although the prognosis of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is generally encouraging, a diagnostic dilemma is posed when an increasing level of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is noted, without detection of a recurrent tumor using conventional imaging tools such as the iodine-131 whole-body scanning (the [131I] scan) or neck ultrasonography (US). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of [124I]-PET/CT and [18F]-FDG-PET/CT in terms of accurate detection of both iodine- and non-iodine-avid recurrence, compared with that of conventional imaging such as the [131I] scan or neck ultrasonography (US). Between July 2009 and June 2010, we prospectively studied 19 DTC patients with elevated thyroglobulin levels but who do not show pathological lesions when conventional imaging modalities are used. All involved patients had undergone total thyroidectomy and radioiodine (RI) treatment, and who had been followed-up for a mean of 13 months (range, 6-21 months) after the last RI session. Combined [18F]-FDG-PET/CT and [124I]-PET/CT data were evaluated for detecting recurrent DTC lesions in study patients and compared with those of other radiological and/or cytological investigations. Nine of 19 patients (47.4%) showed pathological [18F]-FDG (5/19, 26.3%) or [124I]-PET (4/19, 21.1%) uptake, and were classed as true-positives. Among such patients, disease management was modified in six (66.7%) and disease was restaged in seven (77.8%). In particular, the use of the described imaging combination optimized planning of surgical resection to deal with locoregional recurrence in 21.1% (4/19) of patients, who were shown to be disease-free during follow-up after surgery. Our results indicate that combination of [18F]-FDG-PET/CT and [124I]-PET/CT affords a valuable diagnostic method that can be used to make therapeutic decisions in patients with DTC who are tumor-free on conventional imaging studies but who have high Tg levels.

The Reharvesting of Iliac Crest Cancellous Bone for the Repair of the Alveolar Cleft

PURPOSE: The anterior iliac crest is a common source for autologous cancellous bone graft. For patients who have previously received cancellous bone grafts from bilateral anterior iliac crests, there may be concerns of whether a sufficient quantity of autologous cancellous bone remains for additional grafts without harvesting it from other sites, such as the posterior iliac crest. METHODS: We experienced 3 cases of reharvesting in 2 patients. The diagnosis of the first patient was bilateral facial cleft number 3. This patient received bilateral side cleft alveoloplasty with corticocancellous bone graft from the both anterior iliac crest respectively by a previous surgeon. This patient then needed reharvesting of the anterior iliac crest cancellous bone to correct an ongoing skeletal problem for the bilateral cleft. The other patient had bilateral incomplete cleft of the primary palate. This patient received left side cleft alveoloplasty with cancellous bone graft from the right anterior iliac crest. Before the patient could receive the alveoloplasty on the other side, a radial head osteotomy and cancellous bone graft was performed by orthopedic surgeons who then used the remaining left iliac crest in order to treat a pulled elbow. For the completion of the right side cleft alveoplasty, the anterior iliac crest cancellous bone needed to be reharvested. Prior to the reharvesting, a preoperative computed tomography scan of the pelvis was obtained to assess the maturity of the donor site regeneration. The grafts were then taken from site where a greater amount of regeneration was evident. RESULTS: Long term follow ups showed that the grafts were successfully taken. This sufficient volume was obtainable 14 months after the first harvest. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory results were achieved after the reharvesting of iliac cancellous bone. Thus, it appears that the reharvesting of the iliac bone is a possible alternative to multiple site grafting, use of allograft or bone substitute materials.

Effect of Platelet-rich Plasma on Burn Wounds according to Time of Application: An Experimental Study on Rats

PURPOSE: One of the main subjects that burn researches are focused on is saving the zone of stasis. Platelet-rich plasma stimulates angiogenesis, promoting vascular in-growth and fibroblast proliferation. In addition, platelet-rich plasma functions as haemostatic agent by forming a fibrin clot. Also application of platelet-rich plasma enhances wound-healing in both soft and hard tissue. In this study, the effect of the platelet-rich plasma on the zone of stasis was evaluated. METHODS: Sixteen F344/N Slc Inbred Rats were used and randomly separated into four groups. Autologous platelet-rich plasma was harvested and applied to each group of burn wound model at different times. RESULTS: After 20 days, burn wounds of each group healed well. However, healing speed was different in each group. The group to which platelet-rich plasma was applied 4 hours after burn injury had healed about 1.38 times faster than control group. CONCLUSION: The results showed that platelet-rich plasma is an effective substance for saving the zone of stasis. It is not only well-known, but also easy to harvest and easy to use. Thus autologous platelet-rich plasma could be a valuable addition to existing burn treatment methods.

Correction of Asymmetric Crying Facies with Botulinum Toxin A Injection: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Asymmetric crying facies is caused by agenesis or hypoplasia of the depressor anguli oris muscle and is often associated various anomalies. Several static and dynamic surgical interventions have been reported, but their effects are unreliable. We report on the successful use of botulinum toxin A in an asymmetric crying facies patient. METHODS: A 4-year-old girl presented with a facial asymmetry on crying or smiling. Physical examination revealed that her face had no asymmetry at rest. However, the patient showed characteristic asymmetry when smiling, crying, and with other normal facial movements. Asymmetric crying facies was clinically suspected and the weakness of left depressor anguli oris was present on electrophysiology study. Fifteen units of botulinum toxin type A were injected to the right depressor anguli oris muscle. RESULTS: The patient showed the prominent improvement in the facial symmetry without significant complication and the effect persisted until 3 months post injection. CONCLUSION: Asymmetric crying facies was treated successfully with botulinum toxin A and this method was easy and noninvasive.

Oribicularis Oris Muscle Defects in Philtral Deformities in the Repaired Cleft Lip

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to estimate muscle defect by ultrasonography in the patients with secondary deformities of the lip. We investigated the association between the muscle defect in the repaired cleft lip and the philtral appearance not only at resting state but also maximal puckering. METHODS: From December 2006 to November 2007, 52 children were evaluated after primary or secondary cheiloplasty. Digital photographs were taken both from the front and both three quarter views in repose and at maximal pucker. Video clips were also taken in repose and at maximal pucker. A panel of four, scored the philtral ridge and dimple seen on these photographs and videos by using two visual analog scales. Eminence of the philtral ridge was scored by a 5 point grading scale, from "conspicuous groove" to "normal philtral ridge" and the philtral dimple was scored by 3 point grading scale, from "no dimple" to "prominent dimple". Ultrasound images of the upper lip were made using a linear array transducer at the resting position of the lip and evaluated by a single radiologist. RESULTS: The philtral ridge eminence scored 2.79+/-0.54 and 1.40+/-0.53 at resting and maximal pucker, correlating with "flat" and "conspicous groove". The philtral dimpling scored 1.44+/-0.53 and 2.27+/-0.66 at resting and maximal pucker, correlating with "no dimple" and "slight dimple". Ultrasound imaging showed the average muscle dehiscence to be 3.78+/-2.14mm at resting position. Correlation between the muscle defect in ultrasound imaging and philtral ridge eminence at rest was statistically significant (p<0.050), but was not significant(p=0.756) at maximal pucker using Spearman's rank correlation. Correlation between the muscle defect in ultrasound imaging and philtral dimpling was not statistically significant both at rest (p=0.920) and at maximal pucker(p=0.815) using Spearman's rank correlation. CONCLUSION: Quantitative assessment of the muscle defect using ultrasonography correlates with the static philtral appearance, but does not correlate with the dynamic appearance. Also, the size of the muscle defect does not show any correlation with the philtral dimpling. Our findings reveal that ultrasound imaging partially reflect static appearance of philtrum but cannot reflect dynamic appearance and suggest the need for further research to evaluate dynamic appearance.