BackgroundTemporal hollowing is inevitable after decompressive craniectomy. This complication affects self-perception and quality of life, and various techniques and materials have therefore been used to restore patients’ confidence. Autologous fat grafting in postoperative scar tissue has been considered challenging because of the hostile tissue environment. However, in this study, we demonstrate that autologous fat grafting can be a simple and safe treatment of choice, even for postoperative depressed temporal scar tissue.MethodsAutologous fat grafting was performed in 13 patients from 2011 to 2016. Fat was harvested according to Coleman’s strategy, using a tumescent technique. Patient-reported outcomes were collected preoperatively and at 1-month and 1-year follow-ups. Photographs were taken at each visit.ResultsThe thighs were the donor site in all cases for the first procedure. The median final volume of harvested fat was 29.4 mL (interquartile range [IQR], 24.0–32.8 mL). The median final volume of fat transferred into the temporal area was 4.9 mL on the right side (IQR, 2.5–7.1 mL) and 4.6 mL on the left side (IQR, 3.7–5.9 mL). There were no major complications. The patient-reported outcomes showed significantly improved self-perceptions at 1 month and at 1 year.ConclusionsDespite concerns about the survival of grafted fat in scar tissue, we advise autologous fat grafting for patients with temporal hollowing resulting from a previous craniectomy.

Background: Many wound assessment systems including the Wagner classification and University of Texas (UT) grading system have been previously described. The authors of this study applied the DIRECT (Debridement of necrosis, Infection control, Revascularization, Exudate control, Chronicity, and Top surface) wound coding system for initial assessment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) to predict limb salvage and prognosis.<br/>Methods: From January 2016 to February 2020, a total of 169 first-time DFU patients were retrospectively evaluated using the DIRECT wound coding assessment system. DFUs were followed up for at least 6 months, and scores in each component of the coding system according to final limb status were statistically evaluated. The coding assessment’s ability to predict major amputation was compared to those of the Wagner classification and the UT grading system.<br/>Results: Subjects were divided into complete healing (n=80, 47.3%), not healed (n=71, 42%), and amputation (n=18, 10.7%) groups. The mean values of each component of DIRECT assessment for the complete healing/amputation groups were D 0.86/1.56 (P<0.001), I 0.46/0.89 (P=0.001), R 0.65/0.94 (P=0.014), E 1.15/1.56 (P=0.049), C 0.69/0.89 (P=0.086), T 0.53/0.72 (P=0.13) and the sum was 3.140/4.741 (P<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the DIRECT, Wagner, and UT grading systems was 0.722, 0.603, and 0.663, respectively.<br/>Conclusion: The DIRECT coding system shows a greater association with prediction of amputation or complete healing, compared with the Wagner and UT wound classification systems. This more accurate wound assessment system will be helpful in predicting prognosis and planning treatments.

Background Hand fractures can be treated using various operative or nonoperative methods. When an operative technique utilizing fixation is performed, early postoperative mobilization has been advocated. We implemented a protocol involving controlled active exercise in the early postoperative period and analyzed the outcomes.Methods Patients who were diagnosed with proximal phalangeal or metacarpal fractures of the second to fifth digits were included (n=37). Minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation procedures were performed. At 3 weeks postoperatively, controlled active exercise was initiated, with stress applied against the direction of axial loading. The exercise involved pain-free active traction in three positions (supination, neutral, and pronation) between 3 and 5 weeks postoperatively. Postoperative radiographs and range of motion (ROM) in the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints were analyzed.Results Significant improvements in ROM were found between 6 and 12 weeks for both proximal phalangeal and metacarpal fractures (P<0.05). At 12 weeks, 26 patients achieved a total ROM of more than 230° in the affected finger. Postoperative radiographic images demonstrated union of the affected proximal phalangeal and metacarpal bones at a 20-week postoperative follow-up.Conclusions Minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation minimized periosteal and peritendinous dissection in hand fractures. Controlled active exercise utilizing pain-free active traction in three different positions resulted in early functional exercise with an acceptable ROM.

Background: Keloids are benign fibro-proliferative lesion, related to excessive inflammatory reactions in certain anatomical areas, including the auricles. Their specific etiology remains unclear; nonetheless they exhibit tumor-like characteristics of significant recurrence and cause emotional distress, even with various treatment strategies. We applied intermittent magnetic pressure therapy on ear keloids in combination with surgical excision, and present its effectiveness herein. Methods: Ear keloid patients were treated with surgical excision followed by magnetic pressure therapy. The keloid tissues underwent excision and keloid marginal flaps were utilized for wound closure. Intermittent magnetic pressure therapy was applied 2 weeks after the surgical procedure. The pressure therapy consisted of a 3-hour application and 2-hour resting protocol (9 hr/day), and lasted for 6 months. The results were analyzed 6 months after the therapeutic procedures, using the scar assessment scale. Results: Twenty-two ear keloids from 20 patients were finally reviewed. Among the keloids that completed the therapeutic course, 20 ear keloids out of 22 in total (90.9%) were successfully eradicated. Two patients (2 keloids) exhibited slight under-correction. Postoperative complications such as wound dehiscence or surgical site infection were not noted. The scar assessment scale demonstrated a significant improvement in each index. The intermittent pressure therapy led to patient compliance, and avoided pressure-related pain and discomfort. Conclusion: Excision followed by intermittent pressure application using a magnet successfully reduced the burden of fibro-proliferative keloids, and had good patient compliance. The role of intermittent pressure application and resting should be studied with regard to keloid tissue remodeling.

These results may be used to establish the precise locations and the courses of the important midface structures, and represent valuable data that may help to prevent complications during surgery for face lifting and reconstruction of the facial nerve and PD.