Objective To expound the progress of the reparative and reconstructive surgery (RRS), especially in the recent 20 years, and the developmental direction in the future. Methods We reviewed the information from many books, journals, and conference compilations concerned with RRS. Results RRS emerged with modern surgery. After its development for 20 years, distinguished achievements were obtained in technologies, e.g., biological fixation of bone fracture, bioactive materials, stem cells, tissue engineering, bioactive factor, and induction/ derivation regeneration of tissues and organs. Moreover, ideas were continuously refreshed in RRS, such as emphasis on the equal importance of donor and recipient in autologous transplantation, and of structural and functional restoration in dentofacial surgery. Conclusion Further research programs should be conducted, especially in the fields of creative theories, innovative techniques, and rehabilitation engineering.
Objective To investigate the currently-used biomaterials in reparative and reconstructive surgery and to clarify the relationship between the development of biomaterials and the progress of reparative and reconstructive surgery. Methods Based on the author’s many years’ scientific researches and combined with the literature available at home and abroad, the biomaterials used in the clinical practice, and their kinds and application fields were summarized. Results Based on the sufficient knowledge of the component structure of biomaterials and the patient’s pathological status, the matching biomaterials could be designed and developed. According to the analysis on some common defects occurring in the skin, bone, cartilage, vocalcord, nerve, and drum membrane, the methods of repairing the defects with biomaterials that we had developed, such as collagen, chitosan, and hyaluronate, achieved good results. Conclusion The rapid development of biomaterials can greatly promote progress of reparative and reconstructive surgery andthere exists a dependence relationship between the two. The related histological responses and the importance of biological estimation after implantation of biomaterials should be emphasized.
Objective To summarize the latest development of the oral and maxillofacial reparative and reconstructive surgery. Methods The literature at home and abroad was reviewed and the main creative concepts in this field were summarized and analyzed. Results In the terms of the oral and maxillofacial reparative and reconstructive surgery, the significant achievements were made in the following aspects: transplantation of revascularized tissues, artificial materials, plateletrich plasma, distraction osteogenesis, microsurgery on fracture, arthroplasty, dynamic repair, and computerassisted design. Conclusion Based on the previous achievements, the oral and maxillofacial reparative and reconstructive surgery will have a further development, especially in the individualized treatment.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the pluripotential and possible clinical application of adult stem cells. METHODS: The original articles on adult stem cells were extensively reviewed and the recent advances were summed up. RESULTS: Adult stem cells were located at different tissues of human beings and had the pluripotentiality of self-renewal and differentiation. Some adult stem cells, such as in marrow, nerve, muscle, fat, skin, liver, tissues, had the ability to differentiate into the unrelated cell type. CONCLUSION: The pluripotential, ubiquitous distribution and plasticity of adult stem cells offered a new way in regeneration medicine, such as cell therapy and tissue engineering.