The use of the extensor indicis proprius as a vascularised tendon graft. A preliminary report.

The use of the extensor indicis proprius tendon as a vascularised tendon graft is described. It is supplied by the second dorsal metacarpal artery in a distally-based manner. We report two cases in which we used this tendon for flexor tendon reconstruction.

"Conchal show" measurements: a new idea in prominent ear correction.

The average "conchal show" has been determined in a series of patients and a device is described to measure conchal show in prominent ears. By measuring the conchal show preoperatively, the surgeon can determine exactly how much to reduce the concha.

[The treatment of heel skin defects using a medial plantar skin flap].

The instep neurovascular flap, based on the medial plantar artery and innervated by the medial plantar nerve, is in our opinion the treatment of choice for resurfacing heel skin defects. The flap is usually raised as an island flap in the non weight-bearing surface of the foot. It provides heel cover with thick skin combined with a perfectly adapted texture.

[Reconstruction of the retracted eye socket].

The various methods of treatment of the contracted eyesocket are discussed according to the severity of the disease and are illustrated by examples of treated patients. A method to keep the newly grafted cavity expanded by means of a conformer, stabilised by external fixation to the frontal bone, is described.

[Zygomatic fractures].

In this article, the authors relate their experience in the management of zygomatic fractures, based on 168 cases treated in the Plastic Surgery Unit of Bruges between January 1971 and August 1980. The symptomatology and treatment of those fractures are discussed according to the type of fracture. The importance of the early treatment and the necessity of osteosynthesis when the fronto-zygomatic suture is distracted are stressed.