ASPS Reconstructive Surgery Principles & Techniques 3

Question 1

Which type of skin graft provides the best color and texture match for facial reconstruction?

Accepted Answer

Full-thickness graft from post-auricular or supraclavicular region

Answer

Full-thickness grafts from facial-adjacent donor sites like post-auricular or supraclavicular skin best replicate facial skin characteristics.

Question 2

The 'delay phenomenon' in flap surgery works by:

Accepted Answer

Inducing sympathetic denervation and adrenergic receptor upregulation to improve perfusion

Answer

Surgical delay triggers ischemic preconditioning, causes sympathetic denervation, and redirects blood flow along the flap axis, extending the zone of reliable perfusion.

Question 3

In lower extremity reconstruction, which anatomical zone is considered most challenging due to poor local tissue availability and high infection risk?

Accepted Answer

Distal third of the leg

Answer

The distal third of the leg has sparse local soft tissue, poor vascularity, and proximity to the distal tibial bone, making free flap transfer often necessary.

Question 4

Which outcome measure is most specific for assessing functional recovery after peripheral nerve repair?

Accepted Answer

Static two-point discrimination

Answer

Static two-point discrimination specifically measures cutaneous sensory reinnervation density, the most direct functional outcome after digital nerve repair.

Question 5

When performing a V-Y advancement flap, the flap advances because:

Accepted Answer

Subcutaneous tissue attachments allow forward movement when the triangular skin island is advanced

Answer

The V-Y flap advances on its subcutaneous pedicle; cutting the skin in a V and advancing the island forward closes the defect, converting the donor site to a Y.

(ASPS) American Society of Plastic Surgeons Practice Test

(ASPS) American Society of Plastic Surgeons Practice Test

ASPS Reconstructive Surgery Principles & Techniques 3