Machete injuries to the upper extremity.

Purpose: We intend to describe and analyze the spectrum of upper extremity injuries that arises from both accidental and intentional machete injuries with a focus on associated complications and comorbidities. This review is the first from a United States institution, and the only from a designated level 1 trauma center.

Methods: A retrospective review of machete related upper extremity injuries admitted to a level 1 trauma center from 2008 to 2016.

Reduction of post-surgical scarring with the use of ablative fractional CO lasers: A pilot study using a porcine model.

Background And Objective: Wound healing inevitably leads to scarring, which leads to functional and cosmetic defects. It is the goal of this study to investigate the immediate use of ablative fractional CO lasers to reduce post-operative scarring secondary to surgical wounds.

Study Design/materials And Methods: In this prospective controlled study, 20 surgical incisions were created on each of three pigs.

Temporary Areolar Demarcation for Nipple-areola Complex Reconstruction.

We have described a surgical method that enhances the visual aesthetic outcome of the areola periphery in nipple-areola complex reconstruction. This technique is performed immediately following closure of the nipple flap. The created areolar outline can aid the tattoo artist and may result in a more natural-appearing areola periphery than tattooing methods alone.

Stereoscopic Analysis of Silicone Breast Implant Shells Damaged by Surgical Instruments.

Background: Iatrogenic shell injury during the implantation and explantation of silicone gel breast implants may lead to eventual device failure. Identification of the patterns of injury caused by surgical instruments is important when attempting to characterize the cause of shell rupture. Understanding the true causes of device failure may help with its prevention.

The use of bioelectric dressings in skin graft harvest sites: a prospective case series.

Despite advances in wound care treatments for the management of acute and chronic wounds, there remains an unmet need for interventions that accelerate epithelialization. Many authors in the past have advocated the use of electric currents to accelerate wound healing. Novel wound dressings with inherent electric activity are emerging, and studies of these specific modalities are lacking.

Use of standardized, quantitative digital photography in a multicenter Web-based study.

Objective: We developed a Web-based, blinded, prospective, randomized, multicenter trial, using standardized digital photography to clinically evaluate hand burn depth and accurately determine wound area with digital planimetry.

Methods: Photos in each center were taken with identical digital cameras with standardized settings on a custom backdrop developed at Wake Forest University containing a gray, white, black, and centimeter scale. The images were downloaded, transferred via the Web, and stored on servers at the principal investigator's home institution.

Social sensitivity and acne: the role of personality in negative social consequences and quality of life.

Background: Acne affects a majority of adolescents and a substantial number of adults. The adverse social impact of acne is well documented. Negative social consequences, however, are likely to be determined by personality features as well as acne severity.