A dual-phase scaffold produced by rotary jet spinning and electrospinning for tendon tissue engineering.

Tendon is a highly hierarchical and oriented tissue that provides high mechanical strength. Tendon injuries lead to loss of function, disability, and a decrease in quality of life. The limited healing capacity of tendon tissue leads to scar tissue formation, which can affect mechanical strength and cause a re-tear. Tissue engineering can be the solution to achieving complete and proper healing of tendon. The developed constructs should be mechanically strong while maintaining a suitable environment for cell proliferation. In this study, a dual-phase fibrous scaffold was produced by combining fibrous mats produced by rotary jet spinning (RJS) and wet electrospinning (WES), with the intent of improving the healing capacity of the construct. Dual-phase scaffolds were formed from aligned poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers (Shell) produced by RJS and randomly oriented PCL or PCL/gelatin fibers (Core) produced by WES systems. The scaffolds mimicked i) the repair phase of tendon healing, in which randomly-oriented collagen type III is deposited by randomly-oriented WES fibers and ii) the remodeling stage, in which aligned collagen type I fibers are deposited by aligned RJS fibers. In vitro studies showed that the presence of randomly-oriented core fibers inside the aligned PCL fiber shell of the dual-phase scaffold increased the initial attachment and viability of cells. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy analysis showed that the presence of aligned RJS fibers supported the elongation of cells through aligned fibers which improves tendon tissue healing by guiding oriented cell proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition. Tenogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on scaffolds was studied when supplemented with growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF-5). GDF-5 treatment improved the viability, collagen type III deposition and scaffold penetration of human adipose derived stem cells. The developed FSPCL/ESPCL-Gel 3:1 scaffold (FS = centrifugal force spinning/RJS, ES = wet electrospinning, Gel = gelatin) sustained high mechanical strength, and improved cell viability and orientation while supporting tenogenic differentiation.

Reconstruction of Tissue Defects Developing After Excision of Non-Melanoma Malignant Skin Tumors in Scalp and Forehead Regions.

AIM: The scalp and forehead are the anatomical regions where non-melanoma malignant skin tumors are commonly seen due to direct sun exposure. After surgery for non-melanoma malignant skin tumors located in the scalp and forehead, many complex defects can develop, ranging from sole skin defects to deep defects in which bone and dura mater are opened. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study examined 43 patients who presented to the Department of Plastic Surgery in Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital and were diagnosed with non-melanoma malignant tumors of scalp and forehead between 2006 and 2013. The number of operations, the operation techniques applied, the number and type of complications (if any) of free tissue transplantation were also investigated. Various techniques are used for reconstruction of scalp and forehead region following resection of non-melanoma skin tumors. RESULTS: In order to accomplish satisfactory results these patients have to be carefully assessed with specific parameters while performing the reconstruction of the defect and reconstruction should be planned. Patients with local invasion may need adjuvant radiotherapy postoperatively and reconstruction with free flaps is reliable in the prevention of the possible comorbid problems due to radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary approach is needed and the treatment should be managed with neurosurgical team, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists.

Treatment of migration and extrusion of the gold weight eyelid implant with fascia lata sandwich graft technique.

Gold weight implantation is generally considered a safe procedure for the treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos. The most frequently seen complications are extrusion, malpositioning, and migration of the implant. To decrease the rate of these complications, several modifications were defined in the composition and the shape of the implant as well as the surgical technique itself. Despite these precautions, implant revision rates are still as high as 8% to 14%. Nowadays, implant-covering or implant-wrapping procedures are becoming more popular to avoid implant-related problems. However, there is limited information in the literature regarding the management of these complications. In this study, we aimed to present the treatment of migration and extrusion of the gold weight implant in a patient with Moebius syndrome by wrapping the implant with autogenous fascia lata graft.

Hypothenar island flap: A safe and excellent choice for little finger defects.

Soft-tissue defects of the little finger are challenging especially when bone, tendon or vascular pedicle is exposed because of trauma. The hypothenar island flap is easy to harvest and has a good colour and texture match to the little finger pulp. We present nine clinical cases of soft tissue defects of the little finger covered using the reversed hypothenar fasciocutaneous island flap. This article intends to highlight the ease of elevation and good clinical results of the hypothenar flap which is rarely used.

A cutaneous angiosarcoma arising from the rhinophyma.

In this article, we report a 66-year-old male case of rhinophyma who had a persistent lesion on his nose for two-years. Despite steroid therapy, the lesion continued to grow. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with cutaneous angiosarcoma. Rhinophyma-like features should be considered as an unusual clinical manifestation of cutaneous angiosarcoma.

The intraneural hemangioma of the digital nerve: case report.

Intraneural Hemangioma of the digital nerve is rare and so far three cases have been reported in the literature. We present a case of 12- year- old boy with painless soft tissue mass in the right hand and numbness on the radial aspect of the index finger. Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed an isointense subcutaneous lesion without discrete borders in the first web space classically of hemangioma with the radial digital nerve extension. On exploration, the intraneural extension of the hemangioma was confirmed and total resection, microsurgical primary digital nerve repair was done. The patient became better and at 6 months follow up the index finger sensation improved. The patient had no reccurence and he is still under follow up.