Scar Excision Research Articles

Preparation and characterization of Pistacia atlantica oleo-gum-resin-loaded electrospun nanofibers and evaluating its wound healing activity in two rat models of skin scar and burn wound

BackgroundA growing body of research is dedicated to developing new therapeutic agents for wound healing with fewer adverse effects. One of the proceedings being taken today in wound healing research is to identify promising biological materials that not only heal wounds but also vanish scarring. The effectiveness of nanofibers like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), in improving wound healing can be related to their unique properties. Pistacia atlantica Desf. subsp. kurdica (Zohary) Rech. f. (PAK) [Anacardiaceae], also known as “Baneh” in traditional Iranian medicine, is one of the most effective herbal remedies for the treatment of different diseases like skin injuries due to its numerous pharmacological and biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial effects.PurposeOur study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing activity of nanofibers containing PVA/PAK oleo-gum-resin in two rat models of burn and excision wound repair.Material and MethodsPVA/PKA nanofibers were prepared using the electrospinning method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and mechanical properties of nanofibers were explored. Diffusion and releasing experiments of nanofibers were performed by the UV visible method at different time intervals and up to 72 h. The animal models were induced by excision and burn in Wistar rat’s skin and the wound surface area was measured during the experiment for 10 and 21 days, respectively. On the last day, the wound tissue was removed for histological studies, and serum oxidative factors were measured to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the PVA/PKA. Data analysis was performed using ImageJ, Expert Design, and statistical analysis methods.Results and discussionPVA/PKA nanofibers were electrospun at different voltages (15, 18, and 20 kV). The most suitable fibers were obtained when the nozzle was positioned 15 cm away from the collector, with a working voltage of 15 kV, and an injection rate of 0.5 mm per hour, using the 30:70 w/v PKA gum. In the SEM images, it was found that the surface tension of the polymer solution decreased by adding the gum and yield thinner and longer fibers at a voltage of 15 kV with an average diameter of 96 ± 24 nm. The mechanical properties of PVA/PKA nanofibers showed that the presence of gum increased the tensile strength and decreased the tensile strength of the fibers simultaneously. In vivo results showed that PVA/PKA nanofibers led to a significant reduction in wound size and tissue damage (regeneration of the epidermal layer, higher density of dermal collagen fibers, and lower presence of inflammatory cells) compared to the positive (phenytoin and silver sulfadiazine) and negative control (untreated) groups. Wound contraction was higher in rats treated with PVA/PKA nanofibers. Additionally, antioxidative serum levels of catalase and glutathione were higher in the PVA/PKA nanofiber groups even in comparison to positive control groups.ConclusionPistacia atlantica oleo-gum-resin-loaded electrospun nanofibers potentially improve excision and burn models of skin scars in rats through antioxidative and tissue regeneration mechanisms.

Paradigms in periorbital scar management

Periocular scarring following surgery or trauma is of great aesthetic and functional concern and is difficult to predict. In today’s era, with increasing scientific knowledge and technological advances, both physicians and their patients are highly concerned with minimizing scar appearance as a rising number of patients feel disappointed with their scars and are frequently seeking help for functional and aesthetic improvement. Although various non-surgical and surgical treatment strategies are available it is still difficult to improve excessive scarring. Thus, the importance of thorough knowledge of eyelid anatomy and heal­ing mechanisms along with appreciation of wound closure techniques like placing the sutures at natural cosmetic subunit junctions and along relaxed skin tension lines (RSTLs) in order to achieve scar camouflage and to ensure decreased tension on the wound cannot be more emphasised. Periorbital area should be tackled by the oculoplasty surgeons in view of their distinct anatomy and close proximity to the eye.Scars are commonly treated with a combination of non-surgical techniques, including watchful waiting, scar massage, pressure therapy, silicone gel sheeting, topical or intralesional injections, cryotherapy, laser therapy or radiotherapy. Surgical approaches include pincushioning debulking, direct scar excision, broken line closure techniques, scar lengthening procedures (Z plasty, V-Y/Y-V advancement) and scar excision with lid reconstruction. Mastery of this content is essential for consistent operative success. For good cosmetic and functional outcomes, scar revision techniques should be thoughtfully tailored to the individual and scar subtype.

Efficacy of Nd:YAG Laser and Intralesional Triamcinolone Injection Combination Therapy in the Postoperative Management of Keloids.

Keloids, characterized by protruding scars that extend beyond the original skin damage site, cause significant emotional stress and reduced quality of life. Their exact pathogenesis remains unclear, with various hypotheses including growth factor imbalances and extracellular matrix changes. No single treatment is universally accepted, but multiple modalities like triamcinolone acetonide injection (TAC), laser therapies, and surgery are commonly used. This retrospective study involved East Asian patients who underwent keloid scar excision between March 2019 and June 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: one receiving only TAC injections and the other a combination of TAC and Nd:YAG laser therapy. The efficacy of treatments was evaluated using the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), with follow-ups at six and twelve months after operation. The study involved 111 patients. Both treatment groups showed significant improvements in mVSS and POSAS scores, but the combination therapy group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in POSAS scores and lower recurrence rates at 12months compared to the TAC-only group. However, there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction between the groups. Dual therapy involving TAC injection and Nd:YAG laser treatment was more effective than TAC injection alone for managing keloid scars after surgery. This combination therapy showed better outcomes in preventing keloid recurrence and improving scar status at 12months after operation, along with significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Immediately Injections of Botulinum Toxin A After Surgical Excision for Ear Keloids: A Retrospective Study.

Ear keloids are pathologic scar hyperplasia in the ear region. The most therapeutic approach was surgical shave excision with radiation therapy. However, radiation therapy is easily delivered to healthy surrounding tissues. In the last years, injections with botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) have been proven to improve surgical scars effectively in clinical trials. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of immediate injections of BTX-A after surgical excision for ear keloids. From January 2020 to January 2023, 33 consecutive patients with ear keloids were enrolled. All patients underwent scar excision and revision at the same time when they needed BTX-A. It was injected into surgical wound closure immediately after surgery. The results of this study were evaluated at follow-up from 7 to 18 months using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). From January 2020 to January 2023, 33 patients received concomitant therapy of immediate injections of BTX-A after surgery for ear keloids. The patients were evaluated at follow-ups lasting 7 to 18 months. Only one case recurred within the follow-up period, and no adverse effects were reported. This study demonstrates that significant cosmetic outcomes in ear keloid treatment were achieved after early postsurgical BTX-A injections. The patients reported high satisfaction and few complications.

Strategic Use of Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) in Wound Healing: A Case Series in Asian Patients.

Skin and soft tissue reconstruction has long been based on the reconstructive ladder. However, a skin substitute has become popular due to its predictable outcomes, without donor-site morbidity. The biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM; NovoSorb, PolyNovo Ltd., Port Melbourne, Australia) is a synthetic skin substitute that has recently gained its clinical application. Compared with those of other dermal templates, the clinical efficacy and performance of the BTM are not well established, especially among the Asian population. This study aims to share our experience and strategy of using BTM in various wound conditions. The data of patients who underwent skin and soft tissue reconstruction with BTM at a single institution between January 2022 and December 2023 were reviewed. The patient demographics, wound characteristics, surgical details, secondary procedures, and complications were recorded and analyzed. Postoperative 6-month photographs were collected and independently evaluated by two plastic surgeons and two wound care center nurses using the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS). This study included 37 patients, consisting of 22 males and 15 females with a mean age of 51.8 years (range, 18-86 years old). The wound etiologies included trauma (67.6%), necrotizing soft tissue infection (16.2%), burns (10.8%), toe gangrene (2.7%), and scar excision (2.7%). The average wound area covered by BTM was 50.6 ± 47.6 cm2. Among the patients, eight received concomitant flap surgery and BTM implantation, 20 (54.1%) underwent subsequent split-thickness skin grafts (STSG), and 17 had small wounds (mean: 21.6 cm2) healed by secondary intention. Infection was the most common complication, affecting six patients (n = 6 [16.2%]), five of whom were treated conservatively, and only one required debridement. Thirty-three patients (89.2%) had good BTM take, and only four had BTM failure, requiring further reconstruction. At the last follow-up, 35 out of the 37 patients (94.6%) achieved successful wound closure, and the total MSS score was 10.44 ± 2.94, indicating a satisfactory scar condition. The patients who underwent BTM grafting without STSG had better scar scores than those who received STSG (8.71 ± 2.60 vs. 11.18 ± 2.84, p = 0.039). In conclusion, the BTM is effective and feasible in treating various wounds, with relatively low complication rates, and it can thus be considered as an alternative for skin and soft tissue reconstruction. When combined with adipofasical flap reconstruction, it achieves a more comprehensive anatomical restoration.

Pediatric Facial Burn Reconstruction.

Contrary to prior pediatric burn treatment philosophies, we now know that early burn excision and grafting for non life-threatening burns can compromise future reconstruction. Extensive scar excision should be minimized and scar rehabilitation maximized, as secondary iatrogenic deformities can become even more difficult to fix. Scar remodeling with local tissue rearrangement can relieve tension and soften scars over time. The majority of facial burns often only involve skin and can be adequately treated without the need for complex flap reconstruction. Facial burn scars are a different problem than facial burn scar contracture. The former needs scar rehabilitation, whereas the latter needs the addition of skin. Laser therapy has transformed the treatment of burn scars and is an incredibly valuable adjunct to local tissue rearrangement and grafting. The most favorable functional, aesthetic, and psychological outcomes require a long-term multidisciplinary effort and customized protocol utilizing the vast armamentarium of reconstructive tools described below.

Bilateral reconstruction of palmar soft tissues defects of the hands after thermal injury

Introduction Thermal injury to the palmar surface of the hand is usually complicated by flexion desmogenic contracture of the finger joints. This condition is more complicated with significant wound areas and depths of soft tissue destruction. Conventional surgical methods and soft tissue reconstructions may fail to provide full restoration of the hand function.The objective was to present the optimal treatment strategy for patients with scar flexion contractures of the fingers after thermal injury to the palmar surface of both hands using a pediatric case report.Material and methods A child aged 2 years and 4 months underwent surgical treatment to include excision of scars, skin grafting of both hands with a vascularized fasciocutaneous flap raised with the radial artery.Result The patient could regain all types of hand grip on both sides 12 years after surgical treatment. Both hands were aesthetically acceptable.Discussion Treatment of patients with thermal injury and substantial soft tissue damage is a complex disease process. Conservative treatment and surgical procedures using non-vascularized skin flaps are normally used for the condition. These approaches are associated with cicatricial and arthrogenic flexion contracture of the finger joints. The radical treatment includes thorough wound debridement and early flap coverage and wound closure using a flap with an axial-pattern blood supply, free flaps and reverse-flow flaps. The surgical approach helps to avoid flexion contracture of the fingers initiating early restoration of professional, social stereotypes and stereotypes in everyday life.Conclusion The clinical observation has shown the possibility of one-stage organ-preserving surgical treatment using flaps with an axial blood supply.

Application of fractional carbon dioxide laser monotherapy in keloids: A meta-analysis.

There is no evidence-based guidance on the use of fractional CO2 laser in the excision of scars. To explore the effectiveness and safety of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of keloids. In this meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to April 2023. We only included studies reporting fractional CO2 laser treatment of keloids. We excluded duplicate published studies, incomplete studies, those with incomplete data, animal experiments, literature reviews, and systematic studies. The pooled results showed that the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) parameters of height weighted mean difference (WMD) = -1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.46 to -0.74), pigmentation (WMD = -0.61, 95% CI: -1.00 to -0.21), and pliability (WMD = -0.90, 95% CI: -1.17 to -0.63) were significantly improved after fractional CO2 laser treatment of keloids. However, vascularity did not significantly change. Additionally, the total VSS was significantly improved after treatment (WMD = -4.01, 95% CI: -6.22 to -1.79). The Patient Scars Assessment Scale was significantly improved after treatment (WMD = -15.31, 95% CI: -18.31 to -12.31). Regarding safety, the incidences of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, pain, telangiectasia, and atrophy were 5%, 0%, 11%, 2% (95% CI: 0%-6%), and 0% (95% CI: 0%-4%), respectively. Fractional CO2 laser is effective in the treatment of keloids and can effectively improve the height, pigmentation, and pliability of scars, and patients are satisfied with this treatment. Further studies should explore the role of combination therapy.

Growing skull fracture of the orbital roof: case report and literature review

Growing skull fracture (GSF) of the orbital roof is a rare complication of head injury in infancy and early childhood. Analysis of the Medline database between 1983 and 2023 identified 17 articles describing 63 children after surgical treatment of GSF of the orbital roof. We present a 2-year-old child with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) complicated by GSF of the orbital roof. Neuroimaging and literature data are described. Severe ophthalmological symptoms in acute period of TBI subsequently partially regressed with persistent swelling of the upper eyelid and hypophthalmos. CT and MRI revealed a linear fracture of the frontal bone extending to superior orbital wall and intraorbital collection of cerebrospinal fluid (pseudomeningocele) mixed with blood. MR signs of GSF of the orbital roof with pseudomeningocele shrinkage were found in 5 weeks after injury. After 6 months, CT and MRI revealed signs of more severe GSF. Surgical treatment implied craniotomy, excision of scars, arachnoid membrane and abnormal brain matter, resection of deformed fracture edges, dura mater sealing and orbital roof reconstruction with bone autograft. Ophthalmological symptoms regressed after 6 months. The follow-up period was 6 years. There were no signs of fracture recurrence. In this case, acute intraorbital pseudomeningocele led to GSF of the orbital roof in 5 weeks after injury. Incomplete regression of ophthalmological symptoms, their aggravation or delayed appearance in children with orbital roof fracture requires a thorough examination including high-resolution CT and MRI, and orbital roof GSF should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

РЕКОНСТРУКТИВНО-ПЛАСТИЧЕСКАЯ ХИРУРГИЯ ОТДАЛЕННЫХ ПОСЛЕДСТВИЙ ОЖОГОВ НИЖНИХ КОНЕЧНОСТЕЙ

The study aims to comparatively assess long-term results of surgical treatment of burns aftereffects using local tissues and free flaps from 2005 to 2022. The surgical treatment was performed on 84 patients with aftereffects of lower limbs burns. The mean age of the patients was 9.2 ± 1.7 years. The patients were divided into two clinical groups: group I included 51 patients (60.7 %) with local tissue grafting, group II included 33 patients (39.3 %) with the author’s method of free flap grafting using tissue from the groin area, which allowed for reducing the occurrence of relapses to a minimum. Two patients who repeatedly underwent unsuccessful surgeries required an additional surgical intervention. Moreover, it can be considered successful, given that prior to the surgical intervention, there were practically no movements in the joints. Thue, the available data show the effectiveness of plastics with a free flap of defects remaining during excision of postburn tightening scars in the lower limbs. However, in individuals under 18 years of age, future bone growth should be taken into account, as well as the proximity of the lesion to the joints, in order to avoid tension and the need for reoperations.

The use of the dura mater at the final stage of reconstructive plastic surgical treatment of cicatricial stenosis of the larynx and trachea

The article presents an analysis of the plastic reconstructive surgery effectiveness for patients with an extended tracheal defect using an allograft based on the dura mater (DM) at the final stage of surgical treatment of laryngeal and tracheal cicatricial stenosis. The study included 20 patients with cicatricial stenosis of the larynx and trachea, who were previously performed plastic reconstructive treatment with scar tissue excision in the lumen of the respiratory tract and restoration of the supporting frame of the larynx and trachea using allografts based on costal allocartilage. The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 54 years, the duration of the disease was from 1 to 5 years. After a standard clinical and laboratory examination, with a mandatory video endoscopic examination of the larynx and trachea, multislice computed tomography of the larynx and trachea, patients underwent plastic closure of the tracheal defect using DM. Dynamic outpatient monitoring was carried out once a week for 1 month, once a month for 3 months, control examination was done 6 months after surgical treatment. The results of the study demonstrated a full-fledged social and labor rehabilitation of all 20 patients after the final stage of surgical treatment using DM, the absence of rejection reaction and migration of allo-implantation material, the preserved lumen of the larynx and trachea with a rigid supporting skeleton and the absence of anterior tracheal wall floatation. The use of DM as an additional strengthening of the anterior tracheal wall for patients with deficiency of muscular aponeurotic tissues and more than 2 cm size tracheal defect is highly effective at the final stage of surgical treatment for plastic closure of the tracheal defect.

Efficacy, Safety and Outcomes of the Laparoscopic Management of Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy as a Single Therapeutic Approach: A Case Series.

A standardized consensus for the management of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is lacking. The study objective is to evaluate the efficacy, safety and outcomes of the laparoscopic management of CSP as a single therapeutic surgical approach without being preceded by vascular pretreatment or vasoconstrictors injection. This is a retrospective bi-centric study, a case series. Eight patients with a future desire to conceive underwent the laparoscopic treatment of unruptured CSPs. Surgery consisted of "en bloc" excision of the deficient uterine scar with the adherent tissue of conception, followed by immediate uterine repair. The data collected for each patient was age, gestity, parity, number of previous c-sections, pre-pregnancy isthmocele-related symptoms, gestational age, fetal cardiac activity, initial β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels, intra-operative blood loss, blood transfusion, operative time and the postoperative complications, evaluated according to Clavien-Dindo classification. The CSP was successfully removed in all patients by laparoscopy. The surgical outcomes were favorable. All patients with histories of isthmocele-related symptoms reported postoperative resolution of symptoms. The median residual myometrium thickness increased significantly from 1.2 mm pre-operatively to 8 mm 3 to 6 months after surgery. The laparoscopic management seems to be an appropriate treatment of CSP when performed by skilled laparoscopic surgeons. It can be safely proposed as a single surgical therapeutic approach. Larger series and further prospective studies are needed to confirm this observation and to affirm the long-term gynecological and obstetrical outcomes of this management.

Treatment of a patient with chronic causalgia after surgical removal of the neuroma in the second interdigital space

BACKGROUND: Mortons neuroma is a common pathology of the forefoot. Etiopathologically, this disease can be attributed to nerve fibrosis, not a tumor. We now have various therapeutic options for neuromas, the most frequent of which is traction neurectomy. Recurrent pain affects up to 35% of patients with traction neurectomy, and one-third have recurrent stump neuroma produced by the proliferation of fibrous scar tissue around the remaining nerve elements. Conservative treatment methods are more commonly used to treat recurrent neuromas and residual pain, but surgical therapy is required in some cases. Despite the relatively high prevalence, the treatment of such patients is a challenging task for orthopedic traumatologists.
 CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: We show the effective treatment of a patient with stump neuroma and primary Mortons neuroma in two stages. The second interdigital space nerve was transposed, and the deep, transverse metatarsal ligament of the third interdigital space was dissected in the first stage. The second stage consists of removing the sensitive scar, resecting the plantar nerve of the third interdigital space, and performing a Weil osteotomy.
 CONCLUSION: Consistent use of conservative surgical procedures, appropriate revision of the subcutaneous nerve, and excision of a sensitive scar allows for a successful therapeutic outcome, pain alleviation, and the ability to wear normal shoes.

An insight into outbreak of atypical mycobacterial infection following percutaneous nephrolithotomy - Role of cleaning and sterilization techniques inspected

Background: Atypical wound infections following minimal access surgery continue to affect smooth recovery. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for renal stones involves various small-sized nephroscopes and accessories. Improper cleaning and disinfection of which may result in bacterial biofilms formation and infections. Aims and Objectives: We inspected an outbreak of atypical wound infection after PCNL to find the responsible factor. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study had three groups based on cleaning and sterilization methods. In group A, manual cleaning of instruments was done followed by high-level disinfection using glutaraldehyde 2% solution with 20 min submersion. In group B, manual cleaning was supplemented with multienzyme cleaning with 10 min submersion but disinfection method was same as in group A. In group C, manual and enzyme cleaning was combined with ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization. The outcome was assessed as wound infection occurrence at 1-month follow-up. Results: The study had 81 participants with 61 male and 20 females. The mean age was 36±16 years. Group A, B, and C had 32, 24, and 25 participants, respectively. Pre-operative parameters were comparable among the groups. Late wound infection (at 1-month follow-up) occurred in 11 cases from group A, but none from others (P=0.004). Culture-revealed atypical mycobacterial growth in four cases, while Staphylococcus in another. Rests were sterile. Six patients were relieved after clarithromycin course for 1–5 months. Three patients needed scar excision. Conclusion: Manual cleaning with high-level disinfection is not adequate against atypical mycobacterial infections. A combination of enzymatic cleaning and high-level disinfection with glutaraldehyde or ETO sterilization effectively minimizes these infections.

Biopsy tract seeding in musculoskeletal sarcomas: myth or reality?

Background: It is a common practice in oncology in general and musculoskeletal oncology that the biopsy tract must be resected together with the tumor while performing limb-sparing surgery. Our study aims to assess the need for routine excision of biopsy scars in musculoskeletal malignancies by analyzing the presence of tumor in the biopsy tracts. Methods: We conducted a prospective study from January 2021 to April 2023, including 48 soft tissue and bone sarcoma patients. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to all cases of Ewings sarcoma and osteosarcoma. All of them underwent surgical resection with appropriate reconstruction. Biopsy tracts were sent separately and analyzed for tumor infiltration. Results: Two of the 48 patients included in the study had tumor deposits in their biopsy tracts. One patient with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma and another patient with high-grade myxoid liposarcoma had tumor seeding in their biopsy tracts. Conclusions: The rate of biopsy tract seeding in our study was 4.2% (2 out of 48). Even though this might seem very less, it is still significant considering the rarity of bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Despite the low risk of tumor seeding, it is advisable to continue routinely excising the biopsy tract. Whether inappropriately placed biopsy tracts warrant an amputation instead of limb salvage is a question that will be best answered in the future with large-scale prospective randomized studies.

Vocal fold restoration after scarring: biocompatibility and efficacy of an MSC-based bioequivalent

BackgroundThere is growing interest to application of regenerative medicine approaches in otorhinolaryngological practice, especially in the framework of the therapy of vocal fold (VF) scar lesions. The used conservative and surgical methods, despite the achieved positive outcomes, are frequently unpredictable and do not result in the restoration of the VF’s lamina propria’s structure, which provides the mechanical properties necessary for vibration. In this connection, the aim of this study was to ascertain the safety and efficacy of a bioequivalent in the treatment of VF scars using a rabbit model of chronic damage.MethodsThe bioequivalent consisted of a hydrogel system based on a PEG-fibrin conjugate and human bone marrow-derived MSC. It was characterized and implanted heterotopically into rats and orthotopically into rabbits after VF scar excision.ResultsWe showed that the fabricated bioequivalent consisted of viable cells retaining their metabolic and proliferative activity. While being implanted heterotopically, it had induced the low inflammatory reaction in 7 days and was well tolerated. The orthotopic implantation showed that the gel application was characterized by a lower hemorrhage intensity (p = 0.03945). The intensity of stridor and respiratory rate between the groups in total and between separate groups had no statistically significant difference (p = 0.96 and p = 1; p = 0.9593 and p = 0.97…1, respectively). In 3 days post-implantation, MSC were detected only in the tissues closely surrounding the VF defect. The bioequivalent injection caused that the scar collagen fibers were packed looser and more frequently mutually parallel that is inherent in the native tissue (p = 0.018). In all experimental groups, the fibrous tissue’s ingrowth in the adjacent exterior muscle tissue was observed; however, in Group 4 (PEG-Fibrin + MSC), it was much less pronounced than it was in Group 1 (normal saline) (p = 0.008). The difference between the thicknesses of the lamina propria in the control group and in Group 4 was not revealed to be statistically significant (p = 0.995). The Young’s modulus of the VF after the bioequivalent implantation (1.15 ± 0.25 kPa) did not statistically significantly differ from the intact VF modulus (1.17 ± 0.45 kPa); therefore, the tissue properties in this group more closely resembled the intact VF.ConclusionsThe developed bioequivalent showed to be biocompatible and highly efficient in the restoration of VF’s tissue.

Application of indocyanine green angiography in repair of facial soft tissue defect using superficial temporal artery based forehead flap

To explore the feasibility of using indocyanine green angiography in mapping the superficial temporal vessels and assisting design and harvesting of the superficial temporal artery based forehead flap. A clinical data of 14 patients with facial soft tissue defects repaired with superficial temporal artery based forehead flaps between October 2015 and November 2022 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 5 females with a median age of 9.5 years (range, 3-38 years). The forehead flaps were used to reconstruct facial soft tissue defects following excision of facial scar (8 cases) or congenital melanocyte nevus (6 cases). The size of defects ranged from 3 cm×2 cm to 24 cm×9 cm. Before operation, the indocyanine green angiography was used to map the superficial temporal artery and vein, and to analyze the relationship of the arteries and veins. The forehead flaps with unilateral superficial temporal fascia as the pedicle was transferred to repair the small facial defect in 2 cases. The facial pedicle contained the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery and 2 cm of the superficial temporal fascia around the vessel, and the tiny accompanying vein of the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery was used as the outflow of the flap. The forehead flaps with the skin pedicle including bilateral or unilateral superficial temporal fascia and the overlying skin was pre-expanded and transferred to repair the large facial defect in 12 cases. The skin pedicle contained the frontal branch of superficial temporal artery and one of main branches of superficial temporal vein. Among the 12 cases, the frontal branch of superficial temporal vein was used as the outflow in 4 cases, and the parietal branch was used as the outflow in 8 cases. The size of the flaps ranged from 3 cm×2 cm to 30 cm×13 cm. The skin pedicles were divided at 3 weeks after the flap transfer. Indocyanine green angiography could clearly showed the course and branching of the superficial temporal artery and vein. Individual differences existed in the location where the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery entered the forehead. The superficial temporal vein had great variability and did not follow the artery. One patient had expander-related complication, which resulted in 3-cm flap necrosis. The necrotic tissue was debrided and repaired with skin grafting. The other flaps totally survived and the incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 2-24 months, with a median of 11.5 months. The color, texture, and thickness of the flaps matched well with those of recipient sites. Hypertrophic scar was not observed in recipient or donor site. All patients were satisfied with the reconstructive outcomes. Indocyanine green angiography can clearly visualize the course and the branches of the superficial temporal arteries and veins, which can help surgeons understand the position, distribution, and concomitant relationship of the superficial temporal vessels, and make a rational surgical plan of the forehead flap.

The keystone island perforator flaps: a new option in soft tissue management of plastic surgery

ABSTRACT Background: The keystone flap is an effective technique for reconstructive surgery that restores the natural contour of the affected area and provides superior aesthetic results. This technique involves taking healthy skin and subcutaneous tissue from a nearby area and transplanting it to the site of the defect, creating a new skin area that meets the patient’s ideal outcome. We conducted a research project to objectively examine and evaluate the effectiveness and practicality of keystone flaps in clinical settings. Our two objectives were to analyze the characteristics of skin abnormalities on the body and to assess the surgical outcomes of using keystone flaps to repair defects. Methods: 40 patients with soft tissue defects throughout the body who underwent surgical treatment using keystone flap coverage at the Orthopedic and Plastic Surgery Center, Hue Central Hospital - Viet Nam. Results: The most common causes of soft tissue defects are infectious necrosis (35.0%), chronic ulcerative lesions (32.5%), trauma (17.5%), scar excision (12.5%), and other factors (2.5%). Flaps are primarily designed in Type I and Type III fashion. Our follow-up evaluation of the flaps after 3 - 6 months showed that the majority of cases achieved good results, with 37 out of 40 cases (92.5%) and 3 out of 40 cases (7.5%) categorized as fair. No significant complications were reported. Conclusion: The keystone island perforator flap is a modern method in plastic surgery that has proven to be a useful tool. The authors strongly recommend the use of the keystone technique as a safe, reliable, and feasible approach to covering soft tissue defects that vary in clinical characteristics.

Flistory and prospects of development of methods of osteosynthesis and osteosynthesis of the humerus diaphysis

Relevance. About 800 thousand people die every year as a result of injuries and their consequences, in the Russian Federation the frequency of injuries is 12 %. Fractures of the humerus diaphysis account for 1-5 % of the total number of traumatic injuries of the skeleton, at the same time, there is no tendency to reduce injuries in modern society, therefore, the number of surgical interventions aimed at restoring the integrity of the bone does not decrease. Among the reasons for the unsatisfactory results of osteosynthesis, iatrogenic ones are distinguished: inconsistency from a biomechanical point of view, the choice of an unsuitable metal structure, insufficiently correct comparison of the ends of bone fragments and neglect of contraindications to the use of submerged structures with increased contamination of the wound with open fractures. Non-infectious complications of primary osteosynthesis include false joints, improperly fused fractures, untenable osteosynthesis, as well as fractures and migrations of implanted metal structures. The described complications are the basis for repeated (revision) surgery, or rheosteosynthesis. The purpose of this study is to analyze the historical aspects of the development of osteosynthesis and rheosteosynthesis methods, as well as to determine the prospects for their further development.Materials and methods. In the process of writing the article, the analysis of data from literary sources published in the period from 2016 to 2023 was carried out.Results. Speaking about the choice of osteosynthesis technique, it should be noted that no recommended and maximally described techniques will be able to fully cover the variety of situations that arise during osteosynthesis operations, therefore, first of all, a positive outcome depends on the experience of the surgeon and his ability to make situational decisions. Each of the methods used has both advantages and disadvantages, and which treatment tactics the surgeon would not prefer - there is always a risk of complications and, as a result, an unsatisfactory result. In such cases, patients undergo revision operations of osteosynthesis (rheosteosynthesis), minimizing or completely eliminating bone defects. The complexity of correcting the consequences of injuries of the humerus diaphysis is due to the variety of conditions leading to the development of various kinds of bone defects or false joints, as well as in a limited number of techniques that can fully repair the damage in a short time. Taking into account the rather long periods of consolidation of fragments, rehabilitation of patients with this type of pathology implies the use of devices capable of providing stable fixation and the possibility of early restoration of upper limb functions for fastening bone fragments. As a rule, revision surgical interventions include excision of scars from the interfragmental area or corticotomy, removal of deformation (if present), rimming of the medullary cavity and intramedullary osteosynthesis, to which, in rare cases, fixation with a short plate may additionally be applied. The range of revision surgical interventions may include rheosteosynthesis in combination with: segment elongation and corrective osteotomies, bone alio- and autoplasty, with bone elongation on a nail in an external fixation device.Conclusion. The development of modern technologies of osteosynthesis and osteosynthesis of the diaphyses of long tubular bones in general, and the humerus in particular, has passed a serious evolutionary path. In recent decades, methods and technologies of osteosynthesis have been actively developing and improving. With the development of knowledge in the field of the mechanism of bone fusion, implant designs and installation technologies are changing, new modifications of operative accesses are being developed. When choosing the method of fixation of bone fragments, minimally invasive osteosynthesis techniques are becoming increasingly popular. Currently, combinations of different rheosteosynthesis methods are being actively introduced, which significantly expands their capabilities, in comparison with their application separately.

Scrofuloderma management with scar excision

Scrofuloderma management with scar excision