Search

Background The safety of gluteal fat grafting is a global concern in plastic surgery. Objective The goal of this study was to test whether fat grafting to the buttocks with Auto Stop Reach (ASR) technology prevents penetration from the subcutaneous space into the fascia and muscle layers of the buttocks. Methods Fat transfer simulation was performed with blue dye on 8 fresh tissue cadaver buttocks by 3 board-certified plastic surgeons (S.S.K., S.C., B.W.). An open control was utilized to visualize the process in the different anatomic layers, and all of the other procedures were performed blindly, akin to live surgery. After blue dye transfer reached maximum capacity (ranging from 400-800 mL per buttock), dissection of the anatomical layers of the buttocks was performed to determine the plane(s) of injection. Results Blue dye fat transfer injection to the buttocks did not penetrate the gluteal fascia or muscle layers from the subcutaneous space while using ASR. Conclusions Auto Stop Reach technology supports the safety of gluteal fat transfer in the subcutaneous space by board-certified plastic surgeons. Level of Evidence: 4 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Split‐thickness skin grafts (STSG) are widely used in wound reconstruction. However, donor site wounds are created as a result. Traditionally, moist wound healing and transparent film dressings have been used to promote donor site wound healing. This retrospective study evaluated the use of oxidised regenerated cellulose (ORC)/collagen/silver‐ORC dressing (ORC/C/Ag‐ORC) with an absorptive silicone adhesive border dressing and transparent film dressing (treatment) compared with petrolatum‐based gauze dressing (control) over donor site wounds. Patients underwent an STSG procedure between January and December 2020. Donor sites received treatment (n = 10) or control (n = 10) dressings. Dressing changes occurred as necessary. Time to epithelialisation, narcotic pain medication requirements, and the number of office/hospital visits were examined. Twenty patients were managed (9 males, 11 females, average age: 49.7 ± 13.9 y). Patient comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Wound types included traumatic and cancer excision. Time to epithelialisation was significantly reduced in the treatment group (11.1 ± 1.4 d vs 18 ± 2.4 d, P < 0.0001). The number of office visits for dressing changes was significantly lower in the treatment group (0.1 ± 0.3 vs 2 ± 0.7, P < 0.0001). No patients in the treatment group required a hospital visit, compared with 3 patients in the control group. One patient in the treatment group required narcotic pain medication, compared with 5 in the control group. In this patient population, the use of ORC/C/Ag‐ORC, an absorptive silicone adhesive border dressing, and transparent film dressing resulted in a shorter time to epithelialisation and less analgesic requirement compared with petrolatum‐based gauze dressing use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidised regenerated cellulose (ORC)/collagen dressings help maintain physiologically moist wound environments conducive to wound healing. While evidence supporting ORC/collagen dressing use exists, comprehensive assessment is needed. This systematic review/meta‐analysis evaluated the performance of ORC/collagen dressings compared with standard dressings. A systematic literature search was performed using PUBMED, EMBASE, and QUOSA Virtual Library. Published studies and conference abstracts were assessed between 1 January 1996 and 27 July 2020. Comparative studies in English completed by 31 December 2019, with a study population ≥10 were included. Patient demographics, wound healing, and protease concentrations were extracted. A random‐effect model was used to assess the effect of ORC/collagen dressings. Twenty studies were included following removal of duplicates and articles not meeting inclusion criteria. A statistically significant effect in favour of ORC/collagen dressings was found for wound closure (P = 0.027) and percent wound area reduction (P = 0.006). Inconclusive evidence or limited reporting prevented assessment of time to complete healing, days of therapy, number of dressing applications, pain, matrix metalloproteinase, elastase, plasmin, and gelatinase concentration. Statistically significant increase in wound closure rates and percent wound area reduction were observed in patients receiving ORC/collagen dressings compared with standard dressings in this systematic review/meta‐analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Large wounds, regardless of etiology, can be difficult to close and often require advanced treatment. The complexity of healing these wounds increases when underlying structures such as tendon and muscle are exposed. These structures are difficult to granulate tissue over, and successful wound closure, whether through secondary intention or via a split-thickness skin graft or flap, is dependent on sufficient coverage of the exposed bone or tendon. Given these challenges, new treatment options should be explored to achieve successful outcomes in this patient population. A resorbable synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix, with a structure similar to that of native human extracellular matrix, is gaining popularity in the treatment of soft tissue defects. Methods. A retrospective case series was conducted via review of medical charts. Patients included in this review were treated with the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix to manage large, deep wounds with exposed structures. Twenty-two patients with deep surgical wounds of various etiologies were treated with the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix to granulate the wound bed in preparation for a split-thickness skin graft or flap closure or until complete re-epithelialization of the wound. Results. The average patient age was 59.3 years old, and the average initial wound size was 210.3 cm². All wounds had exposed structures, which included muscle, fat, fascia, or tendon. Wounds were closed utilizing healing by secondary intent (23%), bridging to a split-thickness skin graft (63%), or bridging to a flap closure (14%). All wounds achieved total closure within an average of 41.4 days with no reported complications. Conclusions. The synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix demonstrated efficacy encouraging granulation tissue over exposed structures and should be considered as a novel treatment option for complex soft tissue reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy involving the upper extremity. As such, various nonoperative techniques have been developed to aid in management of mild to moderate disease, including local steroid injection. However, definitive guidelines for needle/injection location have not been defined, especially in relation to diminishment of iatrogenic injury to the median nerve. Methods: A cadaveric study was designed to determine the average width of the median nerve, as well as its location specifically in relation to the palmaris longus (if present), the flexor carpi radialis, and the midpoint of the wrist. All measurements were obtained at the radial tip of the interstyloid line. Results: Data demonstrated that the average width of the median nerve was 7.85 mm and that it lies ulnar in location to the palmaris longus (3 mm), as well as the midpoint of the wrist at the radial tip of the interstyloid line (0.43 mm). Furthermore, the distance between the median nerve and the flexor carpi radialis was measured to be 9.57 mm. Outcomes: Therefore, injection location should be radial with respect to the palmaris longus and the midline of the wrist. It can be just ulnar to the flexor carpi radialis tendon or between 8 and 10 mm radial to the midpoint of the wrist in order to prevent median nerve injection and direct trauma to the nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Combined liposuction and abdominoplasty, or lipoabdominoplasty, is particularly helpful in sculpting a more aesthetically pleasing abdominal contour, particularly in the supraumbilical midline groove. This groove, coined the "champagne groove" by one of our patients, is a frequently sought-after attribute by patients. However, liposuction adds time and cost to an already costly abdominoplasty. We sought to create this groove without the addition of liposuction, utilizing what we call a champagne groove lipectomy. This study reports on our champagne groove lipectomy technique and compares our complication rates with those reported in the literature for standard abdominoplasty techniques. Methods: This is a retrospective review of a single surgeon's experience at our institution over a 6-year period (2007-2012). A total of 74 patients undergoing consecutive abdominoplasty were studied, all female nonsmokers. Two groups were recognized: 64 of 74 patients underwent abdominoplasty, partial belt lipectomy, and champagne groove lipectomy, while 10 of 74 patients underwent fleurde- lis abdominoplasty without champagne groove lipectomy. Results: Overall, 10 of 74 patients (13.5%) suffered some type of complication, which compares favorably with reported rates in the literature. The majority of complications were related to delayed wound healing or superficial wound dehiscence. Among those patients who underwent champagne groove lipectomy, complications occurred in 6 of 64 patients (9.3%), versus 4 of 10 (40%) patients undergoing fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. Conclusions: Champagne groove lipectomy is a cost-effective alternative to lipoabdominoplasty for achieving an aesthetically pleasing upper midline abdominal contour, with complication rates comparing favorably with those reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reduction mammoplasty techniques have evolved considerably. Today, aesthetically pleasing results and preservation of nipple sensation and vascularity are emphasized. Achieving the aforementioned goals for the patient with pseudoptosis remains challenging. Objective: We present 270° pedicle reduction mammoplasty as a safe and direct technique for treatment of pseudoptosis to reduce size and improve breast shape. Methods: Circumareolar subcutaneous dissection of 10 breasts (5 cadavers) was performed to identify the nerves from the chest wall to the nipple. The trajectory of the nerves to the nipple was identified and dissected to their origin of penetration of the chest fascia. This information provides the basis for lateral chest wall tissue preservation for preserved nipple-areolar innervation, which is incorporated into this technique. Retrospective review of a single surgeon's experience with the 270° pedicle technique for reduction mammoplasty over a 1-year period was performed. Results: Anatomic dissection identified 3 to 5 branches of the fourth intercostal nerve to primarily innervate the nipple on 8 of 10 breast dissections. Accessory innervation from the fifth intercostal nerve provided lateral branches to the nipple in 5 of 10 specimens. Five patients underwent reduction mammoplasty with the 270° pedicle technique. No complications were identified. Excellent aesthetic outcomes were achieved on the basis of patient-reported satisfaction and the surgeon's judgment. All patients demonstrated normal nipple sensation at postoperative follow-up. Follow-up at 1 year did not demonstrate recurrence of ptosis/pseudoptosis or change in nipple position. Conclusions: The 270° technique for pedicle reduction mammoplasty yields aesthetically pleasing results and symptomatic relief from macromastia and preserves nipple sensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Osteomyelitis of the skull is a rare condition that can lead to systemic illness, bone loss, intracranial complications, and mortality. Osteomyelitis of the skull typically presents as the boney invasion of an overlying infection of the scalp or sinuses, and it is typically treated with antibiotics and proper wound care. Surgical debridement of the affected bone in the form of a craniectomy may be initiated to stop the progression of the infection when antibiotics fail and the underlying bone becomes grossly eroded. Method: The authors present the case of a 54-year-old woman who required a total craniectomy after developing full-thickness osteomyelitis. A free omental flap along with dermal grafts and split-thickness skin grafts were utilized for soft tissue coverage. A semi-rigid helmet was used to provide durable protection to the brain. Results: Omental free flap with skin graft coverage provided this patient with durable and long-term soft tissue coverage for a total craniectomy defect, as well as the ability to regain mental status. Conclusions: Many factors must be analyzed when approaching composite defects of the scalp. Modality of treatment must be customized to the individual, and the decisions should be based on whether the defect is composed of soft tissue, bone or both, its size, etiology, and presence of a cerebral spinal fluid leak. The goals of treatment are restoration of durable soft tissue coverage, protection of vital underlying structures and control of cerebral spinal fluid leaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast reconstruction techniques have focused increasingly on using autologous tissue, with emphasis being placed on employing muscle sparing adipocutaneous flaps to reduce abdominal wall complications such as hernias, bulges, weakness, and length of hospital stay. The result has been the emergence of the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for breast reconstruction. Isolating perforator vessels challenges most surgeons. We describe surface anatomical landmarks to predict the location of the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) and its perforators to aid in the efficient elevation of this flap. Methods: Ten fresh hemi-abdomens were dissected with loupe magnification. The DIEA and its perforators were identified, and measurements in relation to the rectus muscle, xiphoid, umbilicus, and pubis were taken. Statistical analysis was undertaken to determine distance ratios to account for variance in patient size. Results: Average distance from the xiphoid to umbilicus was 18.2 ± 1.27 cm. The distance from the umbilicus to pubis was 14.9 ± 2.3 cm. The vertical distance from the umbilicus to the DRJ (DIEA rtctus junction) was 10.45 ± 1.58 cm, and the vertical distance from the level of the umbilicus to where the first DIEA perforator traverses the RAM was 7.4 ± 1.64 cm. The distance between the umbilicus and the DRJ is approximately 0.7 times the distance between the umbilicus and the pubic symphysis. The distance between the umbilicus and the first perforator is approximately 0.5 times the distance between the umbilicus and the pubic symphysis. Conclusions: Knowledge of anatomical landmarks can aid the surgeon in more efficiently harvesting the DIEP flap. Surface landmarks along the abdominal midline coupled with normalizing ratios can aid surgeons in predicting the location of the DIEA and its first perforator. The DIEA crosses the rectus at approximately two thirds of the distance between the umbilicus and pubis, and the first perforator can reliably be located at one half of this distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: With more patients undergoing bariatric surgery procedures, there has been an increased demand on plastic surgeons to manage excess skin around the body from massive weight loss. The upper arm is one of the areas that require surgical attention. One of the complications of brachioplasty is injury to cutaneous nerves of the arm. We report our findings of the location of the medial brachial cutaneous nerve on the basis of anatomical landmarks to aid the reconstructive surgeon in planning his or her operative approach and procedure. Methods: Eight fresh cadaver arms were dissected under loupe magnification. The brachial plexus was dissected from proximal to distal to evaluate the branching points of the cutaneous nerves. Measurements were taken from the medial epicondyle to cutaneous branches off the main nerve. Results: At about 7 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle, there is an arborization of 2 to 3 cutaneous branches. This nerve sends 3 to 4 branches through the muscular fascia across the ulnar nerve to skin of the medial arm at about 15 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle. In most cadavers, this was found in the midportion of the arm. Conclusions: The plastic surgeon will be challenged to effectively manage excess skin from weight loss. Placing the incisions more posteriorly on the arm will help avoid morbidity associated with injury to these nerves, while still providing an acceptable aesthetic outcome. Knowledge of the anatomy of the course of the medial brachial cutaneous nerve can help the surgeon better plan his or her operative approach to maximize aesthetic benefit and limit nerve injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Stenosing tenosynovitis of the thumb flexor tendon sheath is also known as trigger thumb. It is an inflammatory process that involves the flexor tendon sheath at the A1 pulley. Successful percutaneous or open treatment of trigger thumb depends on the ability of the clinician to properly predict the location of the A1 pulley. Longitudinal anatomic landmarks can facilitate safe treatment for the trigger thumb while circumventing injury to the neurovascular bundles. Methods: Fourteen fresh cadaveric hands were dissected to identify surface landmarks corresponding to the oblique course of the flexor pollicis longus tendon at the level of the A1 pulley. Results: The longitudinal landmarks for the A1 pulley of the thumb are the palpable hook of the hamate and the midline of the thumb interphalangeal (IP) crease. Other bony prominences, such as the pisiform bone did not serve as effective landmarks while the thumb was in an abducted position. Conclusion: we encourage the use longitudinal anatomic landmarks to predict the location of the thumb A1 pulley. The hook of the hamate and the midline at the palmar interphalangeal crease are reliable landmarks for safe release of the A1 pulley while avoiding inadvertent injury to adjacent structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in wound prevalence means more patients with wounds are being transferred through care settings than ever before. Although the goals of therapy may be the same in both settings, wound care therapies and dressings differ in availability and appropriateness for each setting. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) modalities and oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC)/collagen (C)/silver-ORC dressings are available in both inpatient and outpatient care settings, but (to-date) lack comprehensive information regarding best practices in transitioning use of these therapies between various care settings. A panel meeting was convened to provide literature- and experience-based recommendations in transitioning wound care patients between various care settings. The use of NPWT with instillation and dwell time was recommended in wounds contaminated with debris and/or infectious materials or heavy exudate. In addition, ORC/C/silver-ORC dressing application was recommended for surface bleeding and for placement into explored areas of undermining to help promote development of granulation tissue. When transitioning a patient from inpatient to outpatient care, overall health, access to services, severity and complexity of the wound, and equipment availability should be taken into consideration. Treatment modalities to bridge the gap during care transition should be used to help maintain continuous care. For outpatient care, NPWT use was recommended for removal of infectious materials and exudate management. The ORC/C/silver-ORC dressings also may be used to help manage exudate and promote granulation tissue development and moist wound healing. In addition, practice challenges and potential solutions for patient adherence, interrupted care during patient transition, and troubleshooting after hours and weekend device alarms were discussed.

Cancers of the perionychium are relatively rare occurrences and are often related to chronic inflammation associated with trauma, infection, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, or other carcinogens. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common tumor reported of the nail bed. Synchronous squamous cell carcinomas of the perionychium have been rarely reported. We present a case of a 46-year-old woman with synchronous squamous cell carcinomas involving both hands and multiple digits. Treatment modalities include chemotherapeutics, Mohs surgery, and amputation. Early diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the nail bed provides the greatest chance to preserve maximal function of the hand. Onychomycosis may be the presenting symptom of a patient with squamous cell carcinoma and may also be a predisposing factor in patients with occupational risk factors. Suspicion of this disease process can help the clinician establish the diagnosis via biopsy and provide optimal care for these patients.