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Da-Jeng Chen

Publications and source records attributed to Da-Jeng Chen.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

The classification and treatment algorithm for post-burn cervical contractures reconstructed with free flaps.

Neck contractures after burn produce restrictions in motion and unacceptable aesthetic outcomes. Proper planning and tissue selection is essential to minimize donor site morbidity while optimizing outcomes. A classification system and treatment algorithm aids in achieving this goal. Between December 1999 and January 2003, 40 burn patients underwent release and reconstruction with free perforator flaps. Neck extensibility and zone of injury were evaluated. Choice of reconstruction was based on available tissue, restriction degree and zones involved. Cervical territories were classified according to movement restrictions and amount of improvement. Reconstructive territories were classified as central above (CA), central below (CB), central above and below (CAB) and lateral (L). Single, split, double and preexpanded free flaps were used for the reconstructions. Maximal gain in motion was noted at 4 weeks and maintained for the average 11 months follow-up. Types of reconstructive territories showed significant effects on range of motion while etiology and time between injury and reconstruction showed no impact on the functional outcome. Classification of neck territories aids in improving outcomes while minimizing donor morbidity. The central above territory, when reconstructed with free flaps, yielded the most rewarding improvement. A classification and treatment algorithm aids in achieving significant improvements in range of neck motion while taking into consideration the donor sites.

Adolescent↗

Lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve with long-term follow-up.

Lipofibromatous hamartoma is a rare, benign tumor that most often involves the median nerve. A 16-year-old male with lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve at the wrist level is described. This patient was a child when the mass was first noted. Although there were no symptoms or signs of carpal tunnel compression, the growth of the tumor was progressing. In addition to the release of the carpal tunnel, microsurgical intraneural dissection was done to preserve the thenar motor branch. Then segmental excision of the residual sensory component with sural nerve grafting was performed. Subjectively the patient did not notice the minor motor deficit, however, the patient did experience numbness of fingertips after surgery. There were no scars or trophic ulcers on fingertips at 3 years of follow-up regardless of the inadequate sensory return. Treatment of this benign tumor is still controversial. The relevant reports in the literature are reviewed.

Adolescent↗

Endoscopically assisted repair of frontal sinus fracture.

BACKGROUND: Classic approaches to frontal sinus fracture involve bicoronal or direct forehead incisions. However, these incisions cause paresthesia, scarring, and even alopecia. In the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, endoscopically assisted surgery is now widely accepted, particularly for esthetic surgery. It also is applied for the management of midface and lower-face fractures, but rarely for treatment of the frontal area. The authors present their experience with the repair of frontal sinus fractures using the endoscopically assisted method. METHODS: The surgery was performed with the patients under general anesthesia. Two slit incisions were placed in the hair-bearing area, through which a 4-mm 30 degrees endoscope was inserted. The subperiosteal dissection was performed toward the fracture site using an endoscopic periosteal elevator. The depressed fracture segments of the anterior table of the frontal sinus were reduced and fixed with microplates to restore the contour of the forehead. Seven consecutive patients received endoscopic correction of frontal sinus depressed fractures. RESULTS: No patients required conversion conventional bicoronal incisions. Good anatomic reduction of the fracture sites, acceptable surgical scar, and esthetic recontour were obtained in all the patients. The postoperative course was uneventful, without any complications. CONCLUSION: The endoscopically assisted method allows feasible reduction and fixation of a frontal sinus fracture. It avoids the complications of traditional methods and yields improved convalescence and esthetic results. It also helps in the diagnosis of unsuspected cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Thus, for anterior table fractures with an intact nasofrontal duct, endoscopically assisted surgery provides an alternative option of treatment.

Adult↗

Arteriovenous malformation involving the thumb and hand: radical excision and reconstruction of multiple components.

Arteriovenous malformation of the fingers is not an uncommon presentation in daily practice. The lesions may or may not become clinically evident from birth to adulthood. Treatment of the arteriovenous malformation includes conservative treatment, selective embolization, partial excision, and radical excision. However, recurrence, repeat operations, and even deformity requiring amputation are common problems. The excision is difficult because it is easy to damage the nutrient vessels of the digit, and ischemia or necrosis develop subsequently. Embolization and partial excision are prone to recurrence as well. Radical excision and flap reconstruction are beneficial for some patients, as demonstrated by the authors. In the treatment of digital arteriovenous malformation, it is always important to maintain a balance of cure, function, and aesthetic result.

Adult↗