The anterolateral thigh flap is a classic flap used for various reconstruction defects. However, the flap viability of extended large skin paddles (ie, 240 cm2) was doubted by many surgeons. This study reports successful experience of reconstructing extensive soft tissue defects of lower extremity using extended large skin paddles. Twelve consecutive patients who had undergone reconstruction of defects using an extended anterolateral thigh flap were identified. Patient characteristics (age, sex, defect location, injured structures, and type of flap) and outcome data were analyzed retrospectively. One artery and 2 accompanying veins were anastomosed to vascularize each flap. Follow-up periods ranged from 10 to 91 months postoperatively. The average size of the flaps was 268.75 cm2 (range = 220-391 cm2). All flaps were perforator flaps with one perforator except that 2 perforators were used in 3 patients. Two patients suffered partial flap necrosis of the distal portion with delayed healing. In conclusion, the extended anterolateral thigh flap is a considerable option for massive defects requiring composite tissue coverage. This flap is advantageous for reconstructing various complex defects in the lower extremities, providing a pliable and vascularized tissue to cover exposed extensive defects including tendons, nerves, and bones.

Background Self-cutting is a special type of emergency in hand surgery. Despite its low mortality rate, it is clinically significant because there is a possibility of permanent disability and repeated suicide attempts are likely to occur. Therefore, we aim to understand the characteristics of self-inflicted wrist injuries and share the perspectives from a hand surgeon in order to inform those who face these patients primarily in the emergency room. Methods We reviewed 17 patients with self-inflicted wrist injuries who were referred to the Department of Hand surgery from the Emergency Medicine Department from 2013 to 2017. We investigated the differences in demographic features (age, gender, psychological diagnosis, alcohol consumption, prior suicide attempts) and clinical features (injury side, injury pattern, anatomical structures, distance from wrist crease). Results Among the patients, 4 were female and 13 were male. 70.6% of patients (12/17) had injuries on the left wrist and 94.1% of patients (16/17) had injuries on the flexor side. The average distance from the wrist crease to the injured site was 3.43 cm and 90.5% (19/21) of total injuries had an average distance of was less than 5 cm. The most frequently injured structures were palmaris longus tendon (58.5%, 10/17). 52.9% (9/17) of patients, among which 6 of the 8 patients with deep injuries and 3 of the 9 patients with superficial injuries, had a history of a psychiatric disorder. Conclusions We conclude that a male with a previously diagnosed psychiatric disorder has a higher chance of inflicting a deeper injury. In addition, self-cutting injuries are highly predictable because most of these injuries occur on the flexor side of the left wrist and are limited to a distance of 5 cm from the wrist crease. In terms of the implements used in self-inflicted injuries, we can predict the type of damage to some degree depending on the type of implement used. In view of these characteristics, more appropriate evaluation can be implemented in the emergency room and those who deal with these patients primarily can cope more effectively for better long-term results.

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Background. Successful reconstruction of the feet and ankles remains challenging due to limited quantities of soft tissue and laxity. The free lateral arm flap (LAF) is an alternative to conventional flaps and has been widely used due to advancements in its flap characteristics. This study is aimed at utilizing the advantages of this flap to validate its increased applications for foot and ankle defects. Methods. Twenty patients with various LAF types between May 2011 and May 2020 were enrolled. Clinical data was retrospectively collected, and defect sites were classified according to the subunit principle. We utilized various LAF types, such as LAFs with sensate, extended, osteomyocutaneous, or myocutaneous flaps, as necessary. A two-point discrimination test was performed, and results were statistically compared between flaps. Results. Among the diverse etiologies of skin defects, chronic inflammation was the most common cause of defects. Various LAF types, including LAFs with fasciocutaneous, extended fasciocutaneous, musculocutaneous, and osteomyocutaneous flaps, were used. The versatility of free LAF helped successfully cover various defects in all cases. Results of the two-point discrimination test were statistically significant between groups. Conclusions. Free LAF is a unique soft tissue free flap that is more versatile than other flaps, allowing flaps to be continuously modified and applied to various foot and ankle defects under different clinical conditions.

Heterotopic ossification is defined as the development of mature bone tissue outside normal bone. Osteomyelitis is an infection-related inflammatory disorder of the bones. Although pressure sores accompanied by heterotopic ossification have been reported, there have been no reports of osteomyelitis occurring in proximity to heterotopic ossification. Herein, we report a rare case of osteomyelitis in heterotopic ossification after trochanteric pressure sore reconstruction. We also emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and surgical approach for this infected heterotopic ossification lesion.