Minimally invasive electrical rectal stimulation promotes bowel emptying in an individual with spinal cord injury.

Context: Individuals with SCI typically live with neurogenic bowel dysfunction and impaired colonic motility that may significantly impact health and quality of life. Bowel management often includes digital rectal stimulation (DRS) to modulate the recto-colic reflex to promote bowel emptying. This procedure can be time-consuming, caregiver-intensive, and lead to rectal trauma.

Use of the subscapular system by maintaining unilateral decubitus placement without repositioning in microvascular free tissue transplantation.

Background: In microvascular free-tissue harvest and transfer, the need for repositioning from lateral decubitus position and the inability to use a two-team approach are major drawbacks of the subscapular system. We present our experience with the subscapular system for upper and lower extremity reconstruction using a two-team approach without need for repositioning.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review for all patients undergoing free flap transplant based on the subscapular system to the upper or lower extremity at our microsurgical facility from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011.

Facial Implants: Controversies and Criticism. A Comprehensive Review of the Current Literature.

Background: Polyethylene (Medpor) and silicone are two of the most popular materials used today for facial skeleton implantation. Previous studies have identified common complications with the use of these implants, but patient follow-up has been short. This review of the literature examines complications and patient follow-up in cases using Medpor and silicone implants for reconstructive and aesthetic operations of the mid and lower face over the past 20 years.

Custom Fabrication of a 3-Dimensionally Printed Helmet for Improved Socialization and Subjective Self-Assessment in a Case of Acquired Cranial Defect: A Case Presentation.

Unlabelled: Traumatic injury and subsequent residual cosmetic deformity are subject of intense scrutiny for their effects on objective health measures assessing patient morbidity and mortality. Although these remain principal concerns of all members of the treatment team, of less immediate yet lasting importance to the patient are the social costs of such disfigurement. Subjective feelings of unease and embarrassment can hinder social reintegration and encourage deteriorating psychosocial health.

Perception of Age, Attractiveness, and Tiredness After Isolated and Combined Facial Subunit Aging.

Background: Patients often seek help to redress aging that affects various regions of the face (subunits). The purpose of this study was to determine how aging of different facial subunits impacts perception of age, attractiveness, and tiredness.

Method: Frontal and lateral view facial photographs of a middle-aged woman were modified using imaging software to independently age different facial features.