Evaluation of Morphometric Measurements on Preoperative CT Angiograms to Determine Risk of Abdominal Donor Site Complications-A Retrospective Review of 174 Patients.

Autologous breast reconstruction remains a popular surgical option following mastectomy; however, it is not without complications. Preoperative CT angiograms (CTAs) are often obtained for surgical planning, and morphometric data such as fat and muscle distribution can be measured. This study aimed to assess if CTA morphometric data predicts abdominal donor site complications in patients undergoing abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction.

Topical Tranexamic Acid (TXA) Decreases Time to Drain Removal, Wound Healing Complications, and Postoperative Blood Loss in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective Study.

Drain placement is commonplace after many plastic surgery procedures to evacuate excess blood and fluid. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that has been shown to decrease bleeding and fluid production at surgical sites and can be administered orally, intravenously, and topically. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of topical TXA on drain removal in abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction (ABABR).

Osteoarthritis Increases the Frequency and Duration of Postoperative Hand Clinic Visits after Carpal Tunnel Release.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome affects up to 6% of the general population, and surgical intervention is often required to ameliorate symptoms. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that often coexists with carpal tunnel syndrome. We hypothesized that patients with preexisting OA use more healthcare resources after carpal tunnel release (CTR) than patients without arthritis.

Modified Frailty Index predicts postoperative complications following adult-acquired buried penis surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Given that patients with morbid obesity are predisposed to frailty, we sought to determine whether the 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index (mFI-5) predicts postoperative complications following surgery for adult-acquired buried penis, and secondarily, to compare the mFI-5 to body mass index (BMI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status as preoperative risk stratification measures.

Methods: We included all patients who underwent surgical management for adult-acquired buried penis at an academic Level I trauma center between 2015 and 2023. A manual chart review was performed to collect data on patient demographics, modified frailty index variables, intraoperative data, postoperative outcomes, and complications.

The Impact of Neighborhood and Socioeconomic Disparities on Distal Radius Fracture Follow-Up Adherence.

Background: The aims of this retrospective cohort study were (1) to assess whether the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a novel neighborhood-level socioeconomic disparities metric, is associated with follow-up nonadherence, and (2) to determine the individual-level socioeconomic factors associated with follow-up nonadherence after treatment of distal radius fractures (DRFs).

Methods: The authors included all patients who underwent nonoperative or operative management of DRFs at an academic level I trauma center between 2019 and 2021. A manual chart review was performed to collect data on ADI, sociodemographic factors, injury characteristics, conservative and surgical interventions, and health care utilization.

Rise Above the Competition: How Do Plastic Surgery Residency Applicants with NCAA Experience Fare in the Residency Match?

Background: The integrated plastic surgery residency match continues to be highly competitive. Every year, some candidates are former NCAA athletes. While it is challenging to balance academic and athletic responsibilities, participation in NCAA sports may be predictive of continued success.

Insurance Status Predicts Hand Therapy Adherence following Flexor Tendon Repair: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Many patients are not adherent to hand therapy rehabilitation following surgical repair of traumatic flexor tendon injuries, which can negatively affect surgical outcomes and long-term hand function. The authors aimed to identify the factors that predict patient nonadherence to hand therapy following flexor tendon repair surgery.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 154 patients who underwent surgical repair of flexor tendon injuries at a level I trauma center between January of 2015 and January of 2020.

Making Headway in Surgical Education at Home and Abroad: Use of an Inexpensive Three-Dimensional Learning Model to Improve Plastic Surgery Resident Confidence in Mohs Defect Assessment and Closure Planning.

Background: The development of simulation, particularly low-cost models, has become a focus of interest within plastic surgery education. Current simulators for Mohs reconstruction are either expensive or not reusable. The authors hypothesize that using a Styrofoam head model during an interactive teaching session will positively affect plastic surgery trainee comfort in designing Mohs reconstructive options.

The Relationship Between Neuropsychiatric Diagnoses and Revision Surgery After Breast Reconstruction.

Background: A neuropsychiatric diagnosis (ND) has the potential to affect patient satisfaction after breast reconstruction. However, literature regarding the interplay between neuropsychiatric diagnoses and revision operations after reconstruction remains sparse. In this study, we aim to determine whether neuropsychiatric diagnoses result in increased revision operations and healthcare utilization of plastic surgery resources after alloplastic and autologous breast reconstruction.

Algorithmic approach to the lymphatic leak after vascular reconstruction: a systematic review.

Background: To date, there are no consensus guidelines for management of lymphatic leak in groin vascular reconstruction patients. The goal of this study is to review the relevant literature to determine alternatives for treatment and to design an evidence-based algorithm to minimize cost and morbidity and maximize efficacy.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol.

The Contribution of the Lower Third of the Face to Perceived Age: Do Masks Make You Appear Younger?

Background: There is evidence that changes to the midface and lower third of the face in isolation contribute significantly to one's perception of the overall facial age. Since the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), mask wearing has become commonplace. To date, there have been no studies that explore how covering the lower third of the face impacts the perception of age.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation in the Hand: Treatment and Prevention of Pain After Ray Amputation.

Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR), originally developed as an experimental technique for prosthetic control, has been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment and prevention of postamputation pain. Targeted muscle reinnervation involves coaptation of residual nerve ends to nearby motor nerve branches of healthy but expendable muscles proximal to an amputation. It has been shown to prevent and reduce residual limb pain and phantom limb pain after major upper and lower extremity amputation.

Venous Flaps for Revascularization and Soft-Tissue Coverage in Traumatic Hand Injuries: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background:  The use of the venous flap for simultaneous revascularization and coverage of soft tissue defects has been documented in the literature for over 30 years. First described in 1981, Nakayama et al demonstrated that a vein and overlying skin, or a venous flap, may be transposed from one area of the body to another with complete survival of the graft. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to determine predictors of venous flap survival in traumatic hand injuries.

Fractures of the Carpal Bones.

Diagnosis and proper initial management of acute fractures of the carpal bones is critical because of the limited blood supply of many bones of the wrist and the role of the carpus in optimizing hand function. Pathology is correctly diagnosed by a focused history and examination. Injuries may be missed with a cursory examination and routine wrist radiographs.

Opioid Prescribing and Consumption Patterns following Outpatient Plastic Surgery Procedures.

Background: Opioid overprescribing is a nationwide problem contributing to the current epidemic. This study evaluated opioid consumption, physician prescribing, and patient satisfaction with pain control following outpatient plastic surgery procedures.

Methods: Patients completed a questionnaire during their first postoperative visit.

Erratum: Opioid Prescribing and Consumption Trends in Outpatient Plastic Surgery: Erratum.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1097/01.GOX.

Improving Effective Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Application in Soft Tissue Wrist Injury.

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for soft-tissue wrist injury may be overprescribed, contributing to ineffective health care resource use. We aimed to discern predictive factors that may improve MRI's application in soft-tissue wrist injury.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of adults who underwent MRIs for possible soft-tissue wrist injury between June 2009 and June 2014.

Reexploring the Anatomy of the Distal Humerus for its Role in Providing Vascularized Bone.

Background: The lateral arm flap is used for composite defects in need of vascularized soft tissue, skin, and bone. From its original description, the distal humeral metaphysis can be included with the flap, supplied by the periosteal extensions of the posterior branch of the radial collateral artery. We sought to reexplore the anatomy of the lateral arm to determine its utility as a donor site for vascularized bone.

Appropriateness of the Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Wrist Soft Tissue Injury.

Background: When diagnosing wrist soft tissue injury, the authors hypothesize that magnetic resonance imaging is used injudiciously and is associated with unnecessary cost.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients aged 20 to 60 years who underwent magnetic resonance imaging for possible wrist soft tissue injury at a tertiary care center between 2009 and 2014. Treatment recommendation was classified as nonoperative, operative, or equivocal.

Diagnostic Wrist Arthroscopy.

After reviewing this article, readers should have a comprehensive understanding of the indications for diagnostic arthroscopy, technical considerations in performing a systematic evaluation of the wrist, and limitations of this technique.

A Multidisciplinary Evaluation of Prescribing Practices for Prophylactic Antibiotics in Operative and Nonoperative Facial Fractures.

Background: Evidence supports short-term perioperative prophylaxis for facial fractures. It is unknown, however, whether there is any professional consensus on how to manage these injuries. No multidisciplinary evaluation of the prophylactic antibiotic prescribing patterns for neither operative nor nonoperative facial fractures has been performed.

Chronic Scapholunate Ligament Injury: Techniques in Repair and Reconstruction.

Although the true incidence of scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injury is unknown, a study found that 35% of cadaveric wrists had some degree of scapholunate tear. Of those wrists with SLIL injury, 29% had evidence of arthrosis. Early recognition and treatment of these injuries can delay or prevent the onset of arthritis.

Systemic nicardipine as an adjunct to combat vasospasm after prior flap failure.

Unrecognized or untreated vasospasm in microsurgery can lead to flap hypoperfusion and failure. Numerous strategies have been explored for their efficacy in potentiating vasodilation. We present a case of unrecognized vasospasm leading to flap failure followed by a second free flap reconstruction in which severe vasospasm was treated with systemic nicardipine used as an adjunct to other more commonly employed antispasmodics.

Analysis of clinically significant seroma formation in breast reconstruction using acellular dermal grafts.

With a rise in tissue expander-based breast reconstructions (TEBRs) using acellular dermal matrix (ADM), we have seen an increase in ADM-specific complications. In this study, we aimed to evaluate clinically significant seroma (CSS) formation-defined by the need for a drainage procedure-to determine if there was a difference in incidence between product types: AlloDerm (AL), DermaMatrix (DM), and FlexHD (FHD). This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent TEBR at a single institution.

Pedicled rectus femoris flap for coverage of complex open pelvic fractures.

Complex open pelvic fractures are highly morbid injuries. Distant soft tissue transfer is often necessary for reconstruction. We report two cases of traumatic open pelvic fractures in which a pedicled rectus femoris flap was used for soft tissue coverage.