Proposed treatment protocol for frostbite: a retrospective analysis of 17 cases based on a 3-year single-institution experience.

Background: This paper discusses the treatment protocol for patients with frostbite.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a series of 17 patients with second- and higher-degree frostbite who had been treated at our medical institution between 2010 and 2012.

Results: Our clinical series of patients (n=17) included 13 men and four women, whose mean age was 42.

Elbow reconstruction using island flap for burn patients.

Background: Deep burns of the elbow lead to soft tissue necrosis and infection, with exposure of deep structures. Adequate wound coverage of this area requires thin, pliable, and durable tissue, while optimal functional recovery requires early coverage and functional rehabilitation. We have found 3 types of island flaps that provide reliable coverage for the elbow.

Algorithm for Primary Full-thickness Skin Grafting in Pediatric Hand Burns.

Background: Pediatric hand burns are a difficult problem because they lead to serious hand deformities with functional impairment due to rapid growth during childhood. Therefore, adequate management is required beginning in the acute stage. Our study aims to establish surgical guidelines for a primary full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) in pediatric hand burns, based on long-term observation periods and existing studies.

One stage reconstruction of skull exposed by burn injury using a tissue expansion technique.

Background: An area of the skull exposed by burn injury has been covered by various methods including local flap, skin graft, or free flap surgery. Each method has disadvantages, such as postoperative alopecia or donor site morbidities. Due to the risk of osteomyelitis in the injured skull during the expansion period, tissue expansion was excluded from primary reconstruction.