The evaluation of flap growth and long-term results of pediatric mandible reconstructions using free fibular flaps.

Currently, the free fibular flap is well accepted as the first choice for mandibular reconstruction. Achieving functional results in pediatric patients requires a different approach than that employed for mature patients. Because the pediatric craniofacial skeleton continues to grow, reconstruction is more challenging, and the long-term results can be different from those of adult patients.

Comparison of skin effects of immediate treatment modalities in experimentally induced hydrofluoric acid skin burns.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns cause immediate damage and painful long-term sequellae. Traditionally, chelating agents have been used as the initial treatment for such burns. We have introduced epidermal growth factor (EGF) into an HF model to compare EGF with Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) treatments; 40 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups.

The effect of melatonin on a dorsal skin flap model.

Background: Melatonin (Mel) has a very potent antioxidant activity, depending mainly on its capacity to act as an electron donor. Recently, the antioxidant property of Mel has been much emphasized. In this study, the dorsal skin flap model was used to investigate the effect of Mel in flap viability in rats.

Effects of taurine on reperfusion injury.

Taurine is an organic acid, which has a very important function in the human body. Recently, the antioxidant property of taurine has been much emphasised. In this study, the gracilis muscle flap model was used to investigate the effect of taurine in ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Osteogenic capacities of tibial and cranial periosteum: a biochemical and histologic study.

The periosteum has an important role in bone regeneration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the osteogenic capacities of tibial and cranial periosteum. To achieve this, 44 New Zealand male rabbits were divided into two groups, each consisting of 22 rabbits.

Van der Woude syndrome in twins.

This article discusses monozygotic twin patients with Van der Woude syndrome, the most common form of syndromic cleft lip and palate, who have concordant manifestations. The syndrome has an autosomal dominant hereditary pattern with variable expressivity and a high degree of penetrance with clinical features, including lower lip sinuses with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. Some mutations have been found to cause this disorder.

Alopecia treatment with scalp expansion: some surgical fine points and a simple modification to improve the results.

In the current study, authors present their clinical experience with the esthetic reconstruction of alopecia by means of a tissue expansion technique in 74 consecutive patients who were treated between May 1986 and June 2002 in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The principles of the conventional technique are mentioned briefly, but the authors essentially tried to explain a number of surgical fine points together with some simple modifications so as to get the maximum profit from the expanded tissue and to decrease the complication rate. In the first 39 patients of this study, who were treated with a conventional tissue expansion technique, the major complication rate was found to be 15.

Comparing the osteogenic capacities of bone substitutes: hydroxyapatite, high-density porous polyethylene, and bone collagen: a biochemical and histological analysis.

Several inorganic materials have been shown previously to hold some osteogenic capacity. The purpose of this study is to compare the bone-forming abilities of hydroxyapatite ceramic, high-density porous polyethylene, and bone collagen within the periosteal island flap of rabbit tibia using histological and biochemical analysis. With this goal, four discrete experimental groups were formed, each comprising 22 New Zealand male rabbits.

Cancellous bone grafting in alveolar cleft repair: new experience.

Bone grafting plays an important role in the dental rehabilitation of patients with alveolar cleft. During the period between 1993 and 2001, 12 patients with alveolar clefts have been treated in our clinic. Cancellous iliac bone grafts were used in all 12 patients.

Different venous end-to-side microanastomotic techniques: comparative study in a new rat model.

End-to-side venous anastomosis is sometimes necessary when there is the lack of a suitable vein, when there is a size discrepancy in the veins to be repaired, or when the anastomosis of multiple veins is required. The effects of elliptical vs. slit venotomy on vessel patency have not been investigated in a flap model.

Craniomaxillofacial fibrous dysplasia.

Fibrous dysplasia is a nonneoplastic developmental disease of osseous tissue. It is a lesion of unknown etiology, uncertain pathogenesis, and diverse histopathology. In this series of 16 patients with fibrous dysplasia of the craniomaxillofacial bones, the disease was generally monostotic and most commonly maxillary in location.