The survival of skin flap has vital importance in plastic surgery. Many clinical and experimental researches have been carried out to increase the survival of skin flap. As a result of these researches, many drugs have been used clinically and experimentally for increasing the survival of skin flap, and prostaglandin E1 is known to be used for improving peripheral circulatory disturbance. The pharmacophysiologic mechanisms of the effect of prostaglandin E1 are 1) increasing blood flow by dilatation of smooth muscle of small sized vessels, 2) inhibition of aggregation of platelets, 3) increasing arteriolar blood flow by improving fluidity of erythrocytes, 4) preclusion of free-radical formation, 5) decreasing the endothelial cell damage by down- regulation of sensitivity for eosinophils, 6) making the endothelial cell be refractory to adrenergic stimulation, and 7) promotion of secretion of erythropoietin in the kidney. In this terms, in order to validate effectiveness of preoperative administration of prostaglandin E1 as a pharmacological flap delay, following experimental study was performed. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups and caudally based 2x8 cmsized flap was elevated on dorsal surface. In group 1, normal saline (0.25 ml/kg) was injected intraperitoneally as control, in group 2, 1 microgram/kg of prostaglandin E1 was injected intraperitoneally for preoperative seven days, in group 3, 1 microgram/kg of prostaglandin E1 was injected intraperitoneally for seven preoperative days, and in group 4, 1 microgram/kg of prostaglandin E1 was injected intraperitoneally for seven days preoperatively and for seven postoperative days. On the seventh postoperative day, the animals were sacrificed and the flap survival area was measured. The following results were obtained. 1. On the seventh postoperative day, the flap survival rates of group 2, 3, 4 were higher than that of group 1 with a statistical significance. 2. On the seventh postoperative day, the flap survival rate of group 3 was higher than group 2, but there was no statistical significance. 3. On the seventh postoperative day, the flap survival rate of group 4 was higher than that of group 2 and 3 with a statistical significance.In conclusion, preoperative administrations of prostaglandin E1 increase flap survival equally as when it is administrated postoperatively, and the improvement in flap survival can be enhanced by continuous administration of prostaglandin E1 in preoperative and postoperative period. So it is expected that surgical flap delay procedure is replaced by pharmacological flap delay by the use of prostaglandin E1 preoperatively.
Alprostadil* ; Animals ; Dilatation ; Endothelial Cells ; Eosinophils ; Erythrocytes ; Erythropoietin ; Humans ; Kidney ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth ; Postoperative Period ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skin ; Surgery, Plastic ; Surgical Flaps ; Survival Rate

Intussusception is the most common cause of acquired intestinal obstructions during infancy and early childhood. Barium reduction and pneumoreduction have been sued widely as nonsugical method of treatment in radiologic department. In the past, attempts at barium reduction of intussusception were contraindicated in the presence of frank intestinal obstruction, shock, fever, dehydration, bowel perforation, peritonitis and longstanding symptoms. At present, however, there is no agreement on the contraindications, except for shock, peritonitis and bowel perforation. Especially, there is no consensus regarding its application on patient presenting with sign of frank intestinal obstruction. The authors analyzed the effect of pneumoreduction in the intussusception with sign of frank intestinal obstruction. Pneumoreduction was attempted in 53 cases of intussusception with sign of frank intestinal obstruction. Reduction was successful in 43 cases(81%). The mean fluroscopic time was 15.1 minutes and mean maximal pressure was 121.8mmHg in successful reduction. As complications, two cases of bowel perforation were observed, but could be treated surgically without any significant problem. In conclusion, pneumoreduction is a useful substitute for barium reduction in the management of pediatric intussusception with sign of frank intestinal obstruction.
Barium ; Consensus ; Dehydration ; Fever ; Humans ; Intestinal Obstruction* ; Intussusception* ; Methods ; Peritonitis ; Shock

Scrub typhus (Tsutsugamushi disease)is an acute febrile systemic illness caused by Rickettsia tsutsugamushi that is transmitted to humans by the bite of larval-stage trombiculid mites (chiggers). The authors analyzed chest radiographic findings of scrub typhus in 160 patients in Ulsan area. One hundred and eight (67.5%) of160 patients showed abnormal findings which included lung lesions in 108 patients (67.5%), cardiomegaly in 37 patients (23.1%), lymphadenopathy in 25 patients (15.6%) and pleural effusion in 11 patients (6.9%). Among the lung lesions, interstitial patterns were seen in 107 patients (66.9%), mostly fine or medium reticulonodular, and air-space patterns in 14 patients(8.8%) and combined interstitial and air-space patterns in 13 patients (8.1%). Sixty-four patients(40%) had combined chest radiographic findings. The typical chest radiographic findings of scrub typhus would be helpful in evaluation of the causes of acute febrile illness that occur during late fall in the endemic area.
Cardiomegaly ; Humans ; Lung ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Orientia tsutsugamushi ; Pleural Effusion ; Radiography, Thoracic* ; Scrub Typhus* ; Thorax* ; Trombiculidae ; Ulsan*

PURPOSE: To clarify the chracteristic sonographic features of benign soft tissue tumors and to evaluate the usefulness of sonographic imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed ultrasonographic images of 70 cases in 68 patients with histologically proved benign soft tissue tumors. RESULTS: The tumors included 33 lipomas, 11 hemangiomas. 11 lymphangiomas, 7 neurilemmomas, 4 epidermold cysts, 2 fibromas, 1 mesenchymoma, and 1 myxoma. The SOhographic appearances of the lesions were mainly solid in 53 cases(33 lipomas, 8 hemangiomas, 2 lymphangiomas, 7 neurilemmomas, 2 fibromas and 1 mesenchymoma), mainly cystic in 14 cases(1 hemangioma, 8 lymphangiomas, 4 epidermoid cysts, and 1 myxoma), and mixed in 3 cases(2 hemangiomas and 1 lymphangioma). Although an accurate histologic prediction could not be made in most cases, certain patterns appeared to be characteristic of specific tumor types. 26 cases(78%) of lipoma were seen as lentiform, iso- or hyperechoic, solid mass. Hemangioma had variable appearance and chacteristic calcifications were seen in 3 cases. Unicameral or multiseptated cystic mass with variable thickness of echogenic septa and solid portion was the characteristic finding of lymphangioma. Neurilemmoma showed Iobulated, oval to round, relatively hypoechoic mass with or without internal cystic portion. CONCLUSION: Sonographic evaluation of benign soft tissue tumros is useful in demonstrating the location, size, extent, and internal characteristics of the mass. A relatively confident diagnosis can be made when the characteristic features of the benign soft tissue tumor are present on sonographic imaging.
Diagnosis ; Epidermal Cyst ; Fibroma ; Hemangioma ; Humans ; Lipoma ; Lymphangioma ; Mesenchymoma ; Myxoma ; Neurilemmoma ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing fracture types and soft tissue injuries associated with tibial plateau fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI was performed in 38 patients with tibial plateau fractures, each of which was classified according to the Schatzker system. We evaluated MR images and assessed the prevalence of each fracture type and accompanying soft tissue injuries. We also assessed whether ligamentous injury correlated with the extent of articular depression, splitting, and comminution. In 24 patients, diagnosis was based on MRI and operative or arthroscopic findings, and in 14 patients, on MRI alone. RESULTS: The totals of fracture types I, II, III, IV, V and VI were 4 (11 %), 15 (39 %), 6 (16 %), 4 (11 %), 4 (11%), and 5 cases (13 %), respectively. In 30 cases (79 %), there were associated ligamentous or meniscal injuries. Medial collateral ligaments and lateral menisci were injured in 17 (45 %) and 14 cases (37 %), respectively. Type II and IV fracture patterns were associated with soft tissue injuries in 14 of 15 cases (93 %) and 4 of 4 cases(100 %), respectively. As the extent of articular depression increased and the extent of bony comminution decreased, there was an increased prevalence of accompanying ligamentous injuries. CONCLUSION: In tibial plateau fractures, MR imaging is a useful diagnostic modality for the evaluation of both fracture type and accompanying ligamentous or meniscal injuries.
Collateral Ligaments ; Depression ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Ligaments ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Menisci, Tibial ; Prevalence ; Soft Tissue Injuries*

BACKGROUND: The high incidence of operative complications in patients with jaundice is associated with an impaired immune system, an increased systemic and portal endotoxemia due to the decreased hepatic reticuloendothelial function, and increased immune inhibitory factors such as bilirubin and bile acids. This study was designed to evaluate the immune response and the histological changes in rats with obstructive jaundice induced by common bile-duct (CBD) ligation. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wister rats weighing 250-320 gm were enrolled in this study and divided into 2 groups: a control group and a CBD ligation group. Under general anesthesia, the CBD was ligated with silk and resected for the CBD ligation group, but it was only isolated for the control group. The rats were sacrificed at the lst, the 2nd, and the 3rd weeks after ligation, and we evaluated the chemistries of the liver function, the lymphocytes stimulation index, the serum immunoglobulin levels, and the histological changes in the bile-duct-ligated livers. RESULTS: 1. There was no statistical difference in the serum creatinine levels between the control and the CBD ligation groups. At the lst week in the CBD ligation group, the serum AST, ALT, and bilirubin levels were statistically higher than those of the control group (p<0.05), which were slightly increased thereafter. 2. The lymphocyte stimulation index (LSI) of peripheral lymphocytes in the CBD ligation group was significantly decreased with the passing of time, but that of the control group was not. The LSI of splenocytes was statistically higher than that of peripheral lymphocytes in the control group, and the LSI of splenocytes was significantly decreased at the lst and the 2nd weeks, but was only slightly decreased, without statistical significance, at the 3rd week, in the CBD ligation group. 3. The serum immunoglobulin G (Ig G) level was significantly decreased at the lst week in the CBD ligation group compared with that of the control group and was slightly decreased, without statistical significance, at the 2nd and the 3rd weeks in the CBD ligation group. The serum immunoglobulin A (Ig A) level was extremely low in all groups, but this result had no statistical significance. 4. After CBD ligation, livertissues showed progressive bile ductular proliferation in the portal tract and an infarct with inflammatory infiltration into the central vein area and cholestatic change. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that derangement of the liver functions, suppresed lymphocytes function, and decreased immunoglobulin production might be associated with impairment of the immune response in bile-duct-ligated rats.
Anesthesia, General ; Animals ; Bile ; Bile Acids and Salts ; Bilirubin ; Creatinine ; Endotoxemia ; Humans ; Immune System ; Immunoglobulin A ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulins* ; Incidence ; Jaundice ; Jaundice, Obstructive ; Ligation ; Liver ; Lymphocyte Activation* ; Lymphocytes* ; Male ; Rats* ; Silk ; Veins

In view of the problems with infection, traditional orthopedic teaching has held that the use of metalic fixation in open fractures is contraindicated. But the bone shortening and internal fixation of amputated limb is a principle for replantation. The authors experienced 23 patients of replanted limbs including femur, tibia, humerus, radius and ulnar among total 142 replantations and also analysed them in the respect of the relationship among soft tissue injury, fixatives, bone union and infection rate from February, 1975 to July, 1981 in this department. The rate of delayed union, nonunion and infection were 22.6%, 6.5% and 25.8% respectively. It seems that the union process of bone in replanted limbs is similar to that of the open fracture and also rigid internal fixation is the most useful for bony union.
Extremities ; Femur ; Fixatives ; Fractures, Open ; Humans ; Humerus ; Orthopedics ; Radius ; Replantation ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; Tibia

Eleventh heel pad reconstruction with neurovascularized dorsalis pedis free flap or rotation flap have performed during recent three years in department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyung Hee University Hospital. Neurovascularized dorsalis pedis free flaps were seven and neurovascularized dorsalis pedis rotation flaps were four. All patients had complained of painful limping and ulceration in grafted heel. In 5 months to 34 months follow up study, the following results were obtained. The success rate of dorsalis pedis flap was 100% except one partial peripheral necrosis. The weight bearing function and tactile protective sensation on reconstructed heel pads were excellent. Neurovascularized dorsalis pedis free flap or rotation flap is recommended to satisfactory methods in heel pad reconstruction. Neurovascularized dorsalis pedis rotation flap easier and safer technique than neurovascularized dorsalis free flap.
Follow-Up Studies ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Heel ; Humans ; Necrosis ; Orthopedics ; Sensation ; Transplants ; Ulcer ; Weight-Bearing

PURPOSE: To evaluate injury patterns of facet joints and associated soft tissue injuries in patients withacute traumatic cervical facet joint injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From among patients with cervical spinetrauma, 27 with facet joint injuries, as seen on CT and MRI, were chosen for this study. CT scans were analyzedwith regard to the location of facet joint injury, the presence or absence of facet dislocation or fracture, andother associated fractures. MR images were analyzed with regard to ligament injury, intervertebral disc injury,intervertebral disc herniation, and spinal cord injury. RESULTS: The most common location of facet joint injurywas C6-7 level(n=10), followed by C5-6(n=8). Among these 27 patients with facet joint injuries, 12(44%) hadbilateral injuries and 15(56%) unilateral injuries. Facet fractures were present in 17 cases(63%) and the fractureof inferior facet was more frequent than superi-or. Patterns of fracture were vertical, transverse, or comminuted,but vertical fracture was the most common. Various degrees of dislocation were observed in patients with facetfractures. Fractures other than facet includ-ed pillar(n=11), lamina(n=6), transverse process(n=14), body(n=13),and spinous process(n=3). On MR im-ages, anterior longitudinal ligament injury was found in 8 patients(30%),posterior longitudinal ligament injury in 4(15%), and interspinous ligament injury in 20(74%). Twelvepatients(44%) had spinal cord injuries includ-ing edema(n=8) and hemorrhage(n=4). Among patients with discabnormalities, 11(41%) had intervertebral disc injuries, and traumatic disc herniations were found in nine. CONCLUSION: Traumatic cervical facet joint injuries were manifested as various patterns and frequentlyassoci-ated with other fractures or soft tissue injuries. Analysis of CT and MR findings of these injury patternshelped formulate a therapeutic plan and determine of prognosis.
Dislocations ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc ; Ligaments ; Longitudinal Ligaments ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Prognosis ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; Spine* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Zygapophyseal Joint*

Coronary stent dislodgement is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. We report a case of stent dislodgement in the ascending thoracic aorta. The stent was mechanically distorted in the left circumflex artery (LCX) while being delivered to the proximal LCX lesion. The balloon catheter was withdrawn, but the stent with the guide wire was remained in the ascending thoracic aorta. The stent was unable to be retrieved into the guide catheter, as it was distorted. A goose neck snare was used successfully to catch the stent in the ascending thoracic aorta and retrieved the stent externally via the arterial sheath.
Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary/*adverse effects/*instrumentation ; *Aorta, Thoracic/radiography ; Cardiac Catheterization/*adverse effects/*instrumentation ; Coronary Angiography ; Device Removal/*instrumentation ; Foreign Bodies/etiology/radiography/*therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography, Interventional ; *Stents ; Treatment Outcome