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Biomedical subjects

Kazuma Sawabe

Publications and source records attributed to Kazuma Sawabe.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Temporal skin grafts following straight incision for syndactyly correction.

For syndactyly correction, combined use of zigzag incision and full-thickness free skin grafts and many modifications have been reported. However, postoperative scars produced by this method on the dorsum and palm are conspicuous, and pigmentation of the grafts can be distressing for patients. In syndactyly correction, not only functional but also esthetic improvement is required. Therefore, we devised a new method, consisting of a straight incision and free skin grafts that are serially excised afterward. The scars after the serial excision are placed on the midlateral lines. Although this method necessitates at least 2 operations, the final scars are minimal, and functionally and cosmetically good results are obtained.

Humans↗

Application of the palmar pocket method for total nail reconstruction without vascular anastomoses.

We present a case of a nail defect, which was reconstructed by free composite nail combined with the palmar pocket method without vascular anastomoses. A 40-year-old man lost his nail of the right middle finger by trauma 1 year ago. A total nail composite graft, composed of germinal and sterile matrices, and proximal nail fold, from which the nail plate was removed, was harvested from the ipsilateral first toe and was grafted on the right middle fingertip. The grafted nail was inserted into the palmar subcutaneous pocket. Fourteen days after the first operation, the grafted part was removed from the pocket, and active bleeding was noted on the sterile matrix. Seven months after the second surgery, the nail had grown and had an almost normal appearance. There was no conspicuous scar at either the recipient or the donor site.

Adult↗

Osteosynthesis in digital replantation using bioabsorbable rods.

There are several fixation techniques for osteosynthesis in digital replantation. Kirschner wire fixation is used commonly but the wires protrude and disturb mobilization. Moreover, it requires removal. Since February 1995, the authors have been using a bioabsorbable rod made of poly-L-lactide as an intramedullary nail for osteosynthesis in digital replantation. The advantages of this technique include the absence of protruding hardware that would require removal and technical simplicity. This method has been applied for 15 arthrodeses (12 distal interphalangeal joints, 1 proximal interphalangeal joint, and 2 interphalangeal joints of the thumb) and for 11 diaphysis fractures (5 proximal, 5 middle, and 1 distal phalanx). All patients were observed until there was clinical and radiographic evidence of fusion (average interval to fusion, 8.4 wk). Bone resorption occurred in one patient. There were no cases of nonunion or infection. Poly-L-lactide rod fixation is a simple and effective technique.

Absorbable Implants↗