Comparison of subdermal and perforator delay techniques on a rat flap model.

Background: In this study, we investigated the subdermal and perforator delay phenomena as a method to improve flap survival.

Materials And Methods: In this experimental study, we used 24 rats in three groups. In the control group, the dorsal flaps were elevated and reinserted back to their place.

Prelaminated extended temporoparietal fascia flap without tissue expansion for hemifacial reconstruction.

Background: Disfigurement of the face caused by postburn scars, resected congenital nevi and vascular malformations has both functional and psychological consequences. Ideal reconstruction of the facial components requires producing not only function but also the better appearance of the face. The skin of the neck, supraclavicular or cervicothoracic regions are the most commonly used and the most likely source of skin for facial reconstruction in those techniques which prefabrications with tissue expansion are used.

A Novel and Alternative Treatment Method for Diabetic Heel Ulceration Exposing the Calcaneus Which Is Not Suitable for Flap Surgery: Vacuum Assisted Sandwich Dermal Matrix.

Background: Currently, free flaps and pedicled flaps are the first treatment choices for large heel ulcer reconstruction. However, flap reconstruction of heel ulcerations cannot be performed in all diabetics especially with concurrent severe peripheral vascular disease because of higher flap failure rate. In recent years, the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has emerged as an alternative treatment option for extremity ulcers.

A new limb-salvaging technique for the treatment of late stage complicated Charcot foot deformity: Two-staged Boyd's operation.

Background: Depending on the stage of disease, several operative and non-operative treatment options exist for diabetic patients with Charcot foot deformity. In the early stages of the disease, the most effective treatment is total-contact cast application. In patients with multiple bone fractures and deformations, surgical interventions are generally required for the reconstruction of foot architecture.

A reliable method for treatment of nonhealing ulcers in the hindfoot and midfoot region in diabetic patients: reconstruction with abductor digiti minimi muscle flap.

The foot has a unique anatomic composition and a perfect architecture, which is necessary for mobilization. However, this complex structure is also responsible for healing problems in foot reconstruction. After 25 years of experience in diabetic foot surgery practice, we observed that some hindfoot ulcers are like an iceberg in that they have much more involvement in the plantar fat pad than the skin, and the lateral midfoot region is a common site for ulcer formation.

The epidemiology of foot wounds in patients with diabetes: a description of 600 consecutive patients in Turkey.

Epidemiological studies describing demographic, clinical, and surgical characteristics of diabetic foot wounds are lacking in Turkey. To further describe the epidemiology of diabetic foot wounds in Turkey, we developed an evaluation form and performed a retrospective cohort study that entailed 600 diabetic patients who were admitted to the hospital for treatment of their foot wound(s). The mean age of the cohort was 62.

A reliable surgical approach for the two-staged amputation in unsalvageable limb and life threatening acute progressive diabetic foot infections: tibiotalar disarticulation with vertical crural incisions and secondary transtibial amputation.

Background: If all efforts to treat acute progressive diabetic foot infection remain insufficient, the decision of major amputation should be undertaken. For this purpose, guillotine amputation is usually performed first. However, guillotine amputation below the knee level may cause the corresponding infection to spread to preserved anatomical spaces.

The prefabricated temporal island flap for eyelid and eye socket reconstruction in total orbital exenteration patients: A new method.

Anophtalmic socket reconstruction is a challenging problem in plastic surgery. We had described a prefabricated superficial temporal fascia island flap and used this technique in >50 enucleation patients with severe socket contraction ending in excellent or good results for 28 years (Altindas- 1 procedure). However, the flap was not suitable for the exenteration patients with complete eyelid loss.

Is Boyd's operation a last solution that may prevent major amputations in diabetic foot patients?

We had several difficulties in dealing with diabetic foot lesions and infections at the level of midfoot and hindfoot. At this level of the foot, bone and joint involvement is quite common. We had to perform major amputations in most of these patients.

Promoting primary healing after ray amputations in the diabetic foot: the plantar dermo-fat pad flap.

Background: Amputation of the toe at the level of the distal metatarsal head (ray amputation) is a common surgical procedure in diabetic foot ulcers. The aim of this study was to introduce a new technique promoting primary healing by minimizing the dead space with the plantar dermo-fat pad flap after central ray amputation in diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods: Thirty-eight patients who had undergone central ray amputation and closure with the plantar dermo-fat pad flap between 1996 and 2003 were incorporated into the study.