OBJECTIVE: To understand various morphologic types and locations of the sural nerve (SN) that are important for nerve conduction studies or nerve grafting procedures. The aim of this study was to describe the course and variations of the SN based on ultrasonographic findings for an adequate nerve conduction study. METHODS: A total of 112 SNs in 56 volunteers with no history of trauma or surgery were examined by ultrasonography. The location and formation of the SNs in relation to the medial and lateral sural cutaneous nerve were investigated. We measured the horizontal distance between the SNs and the midline of the calf at the level of 14 cm from the lateral malleolus, and the distance between the SNs and the most prominent part of the lateral malleolus. RESULTS: SN variants was classified into four types according to the medial and lateral sural cutaneous nerve; type 1 (73.2%), type 2 (17.9%), type 3 (8.0%), and type 4 (0.9%). The mean distance between the SN and the midline of the calf was 1.02+/-0.63 cm, the SN and the most prominent part of the lateral malleolus was 2.14+/-0.15 cm. CONCLUSION: Variations in the location and formation of the SN was examined by ultrasonography, and the results of this study would increase the accuracy of the SN conduction study.
Neural Conduction* ; Sural Nerve* ; Transplants ; Ultrasonography ; Volunteers

Local ablation has been accepted in many treatment guidelines as a good alternative to curative resection or transplantation for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The main advantage of local ablative therapy is minimal invasiveness, guaranteeing low morbidity even for the patient with poor hepatic reserve. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of local ablation, especially radiofrequency ablation (RFA), has been shown to be as effective as surgical resection for early-stage (smaller than 3 cm, less than 4 in number) HCC. The long-term outcome after radiofrequency ablation for HCC reported in large series studies were overall survival of 50% to 60% at 5 years and 27 to 32% at 10 years. Major complication rates are 0% to 2.4%. However, controversy remains regarding whether local ablation can replace surgical resection because many retrospective comparative studies have produced conflicting results. Only a well-designed randomized study will be able to clearly answer this long-standing question. During the past decade, many technical advancements in local ablation have been reported, including novel electrodes, thermal protection (i.e., artificial ascites), fusion image guidance, Sonazoid-enhanced ultrasound guidance, and emerging energy sources (i.e., microwaves, High internsity focused ultrasound, Irreversible electroporation). Local ablation is still an evolving technique in the era of minimally invasive treatment for HCC. Many more technical advances are ongoing to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of local ablation. In summary, local ablation will remain a mainstay of non-surgical treatment early stage HCC and play an important role in multidisciplinary approach for HCC management.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Electrodes ; Humans ; Microwaves ; Retrospective Studies ; Transplantation ; Transplants ; Ultrasonography

The management of nonunion with severe bone loss is a challenging task to both surgeons and patients. It often requires prolonged and potentially painful treatments. Moreover, it also represents serious socioeconomic issues for patients. Inadequate fracture stability, disrupted biology, such as blood supply and soft tissue, as well as severe bone loss or presence of infection are possible reasons for nonunion. Several different treatment modalities are available, including nail dynamization, plate osteosynthesis, exchange nailing, and adjuvant alternatives, such as electrical or ultrasound stimulation. Autogenous bone graft remains the standard method to reconstruct small defects. Distraction osteogenesis and induced membrane techniques are contemporary strategies of choice for the reconstruction of larger bony defects. Herein, we attempt to describe the key techniques that may be employed in treating nonunion with severe bone loss.
Biology ; Humans ; Membranes ; Methods ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; Surgeons ; Transplants ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the thickness and diameter of a lamellar graft with microkeratome and to determine its usefulness as a donor lamellar graft for microkeratome-assisted lamellar keratoplasty. METHODS: Thirty-six porcine eyes were randomly assigned to three groups according to the microkeratome (Automated Corneal Shaper(R)) depth plate: group 1 (#300 micrometer plate, 13 eyes), group 2 (#400 micrometer plate, 12 eyes), and group 3 (#450 micrometer plate, 11 eyes). Free corneal buttons were made with the corneal shaper after a uniform suction duration of 10 seconds. Central corneal thicknesses were measured with an automated ultrasound pachymeter prior to the procedure. After the lamellar graft was made, the remaining corneal thickness was measured with the same method. The difference between the two values was hypothesized to be the lamellar graft thickness. In addition, the diameter of lamellar graft was measured by calipers. RESULTS: The mean lamellar graft thicknesses in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 218.2+/-26.6 micrometer (72.7%), 312.3+/-26.7 micrometer (78.1%) and 345.7+/-36.7 micrometer (76.8%), respectively. There were no significant differences between the three groups according to the results brought by the microkeratome depth plates (p=0.239). The mean lamellar graft diameters in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 8.49+/-0.28 mm, 8.43+/-0.26 mm and 8.58+/-0.28 mm, respectively. There were no significant differences between the three groups (p=0.368). No relationship was found between lamellar graft thickness and diameter (r=-0.009, p=0.480). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in forming donor lamellar grafts with microkeratome plates, thicker resection depth is needed because the actual lamellar graft were shown to be thinner than the target values. However, lamellar grafting is thought to be unsuitable for lamellar keratoplasty because it results in considerable thickness variability.
Corneal Transplantation ; Humans ; Suction ; Tissue Donors* ; Transplants* ; Ultrasonography

Aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm of the dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) are rare vascular entities. Pseudoaneurysms of the DPA are commonly due to blunt trauma, sharp penetrating injury, fracture, or iatrogenic injury. Herein, we report the case of a patient with a rare iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm that occurred after blood sampling. The diagnosis was suspected based on palpitation of a pulsatile mass on the dorsal foot and confirmed by color Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography angiography. Surgical treatment was successfully performed by reconstruction with an autologous venous graft. The patient recovered well, with no ischemic complications.
Aneurysm ; Aneurysm, False* ; Angiography ; Arteries* ; Diagnosis ; Foot ; Humans ; Transplants ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported the clinical outcomes of medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) reconstruction of the elbow joint in throwing athletes, including the rate of return to sports. However, little has been known about the imaging outcomes after MUCL reconstruction. The aim of this study is to report the clinical and imaging outcomes after MUCL reconstruction using figure of eight fashion in the elite and professional baseball players. METHODS: This study included 17 baseball players, who underwent MUCL reconstruction between July 2007 and May 2010. The average follow-up period was 48.6 months. Imaging assessment consisted of preoperative plain and stress radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and postoperative serial ultrasonography. The clinical assessments were composed of visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion, and the Conway scale. RESULTS: The mean VAS score was 6.4 (range, 3 to 8) preoperatively and 2.2 (range, 0 to 4) postoperatively (p < 0.05). There were nine players (53%) classified as excellent who returned to sports at the same or higher level compared to preinjury. Serial ultrasonography revealed well-maintained grafts at 3 and 12 months in all of the players. Five out of 17 players showed decreased echogenecity in the common flexor tendon at 3 months, which was considered as remaining tissue swelling and resolved completely at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: All grafts are well-maintained until 12-months based on the ultrasonographic findings, although only 53% of the players returned to preinjury level.
Adolescent ; Athletic Injuries/*surgery/ultrasonography ; Baseball/*injuries ; Collateral Ligaments/injuries/*surgery/ultrasonography ; Elbow Joint/injuries/*surgery/ultrasonography ; Humans ; Male ; *Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Recovery of Function ; Transplants/ultrasonography ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Clinical validation is required to determine whether Doppler measurements are comparable before and after administering ultrasound contrast agent (USCA). The purpose of this study is to explore whether the use of USCA affects spectral Doppler analysis in recipients of liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: For this study, 36 patients were examined using Doppler ultrasonography (US) along with a contrast-enhanced US for surveillance of vascular complications after LT. The following spectral Doppler US parameters were measured before and after administration of USCA: peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, resistive index, and systolic acceleration time of the graft hepatic artery; peak flow velocity of the graft portal vein; and peak flow velocity and venous pulsatility index of the graft hepatic vein. RESULTS: The mean peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities of the hepatic artery and the peak flow velocity of the portal and hepatic veins were increased after intravenously administration of the USCA, ranging from 10% to 13%. However, the changes were not statistically significant (P=0.097, 0.103, 0.128, and 0.190, respectively). There were no significant differences in other measured parameters, including the resistive index (P=0.205) and systolic acceleration time (P=0.489) of the hepatic artery and venous pulsatility index (P=0.494) of the hepatic vein. CONCLUSIONS: The measured velocities of graft hepatic vessels tended to increase after administration of USCA, but without statistical significance. The comparison of serial Doppler parameters with or without injection of USCA is valid during Doppler surveillance in recipients of LT.
Acceleration ; Contrast Media* ; Doppler Effect ; Hepatic Artery ; Hepatic Veins ; Humans ; Liver Transplantation* ; Liver* ; Microbubbles ; Portal Vein ; Transplants ; Ultrasonography* ; Ultrasonography, Doppler

PURPOSE: A native vessel is preferable to an artificial graft for dialysis access. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is noninvasive, cost-effective modality to evaluate the vessels for dialysis. The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of utilization of native vessels after preoperative imaging with DUS and contrast venography (CV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients who received an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or arteriovenous graft (AVG) between June 2006 and July 2010. Patients were classified into 3 groups. In group 1, CV was used to evaluate the vessel. Both DUS and CV were used in group 2. In group 3, only DUS was used. The frequency of utilization of a native vessel was analyzed in each group. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: During the study period, 173 patients received an AVF or AVG. Eighty-nine patients were male. The mean age was 60.6±14.6 years. A native vessel was used in 56/81 patients (69.1%) and 74/81 patients (91.4%) in groups 1 and 3, respectively (P<0.001). In group 2, all patients underwent access procedures using native vessels. AVG was initially planned for 2 patients in group 2 after vessel evaluation using CV, but a native vessel was successfully used because DUS identified optimal vessels for AVF. The 1-year primary patency rate was similar in 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Preoperative DUS is safe and easy to use for vessel evaluation, and can be used as a primary imaging modality for creation of access.
Arteriovenous Fistula ; Dialysis ; Humans ; Male ; Phlebography ; Renal Dialysis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Transplants ; Ultrasonography*

Four patients with soft tissue defects around the ankle joint were covered with peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flaps. Using color Doppler sonography, the flap was designed by considering the location of the perforator and soft tissue defects. The procedure was then performed by rotating the flap by 180o. Additional skin graft was required in a patient due to partial necrosis, and delayed wound repair was performed in another patient with poor blood circulation at the distal part of the flap. The remaining patients did not have any complications and results were considered excellent. Good outcomes were eventually obtained for all patients.
Ankle Joint* ; Arteries* ; Blood Circulation ; Humans ; Necrosis ; Skin ; Transplants ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color ; Wounds and Injuries

BACKGROUND: The patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) recently emerged as a promising method, reflecting both observer's and patient's opinions in evaluating scar. This tool was shown to be consistent and reliable in burn scar assessment, but it has not been tested in the setting of skin graft scar in skin cancer patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate facial skin graft scar applied to POSAS and to compare with objective scar assessment tools. METHODS: Twenty three patients, who diagnosed with facial cutaneous malignancy and transplanted skin after Mohs micrographic surgery, were recruited. Observer assessment was performed by three independent rates using the observer component of the POSAS and Vancouver scar scale (VSS). Patient self-assessment was performed using the patient component of the POSAS. To quantify scar color and scar thickness more objectively, spectrophotometer and ultrasonography was applied. RESULTS: Inter-observer reliability was substantial with both VSS and the observer component of the POSAS (average measure intraclass coefficient correlation, 0.76 and 0.80, respectively). The observer component consistently showed significant correlations with patients' ratings for the parameters of the POSAS (all p-values<0.05). The correlation between subjective assessment using POSAS and objective assessment using spectrophotometer and ultrasonography showed low relationship. CONCLUSION: In facial skin graft scar assessment in skin cancer patients, the POSAS showed acceptable inter-observer reliability. This tool was more comprehensive and had higher correlation with patient's opinion.
Burns ; Cicatrix* ; Humans ; Methods ; Mohs Surgery ; Self-Assessment ; Skin Neoplasms ; Skin* ; Transplants* ; Ultrasonography