Factors Influencing Fronto-Orbital Relapse in Patients With Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A 2 Decade Review.

Fronto-orbital retrusion may occur after primary surgical correction of craniosynostosis, particularly in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis. This study investigated reoperation rates and factors contributing to FO relapse among this cohort. A retrospective review evaluated reoperation for FO relapse in patients with syndromic multisuture craniosynostosis who underwent primary fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) + calvarial vault remodeling (CVR) at our institution between 2004 and 2024.

Sociodemographic Status Impacts Ambulatory Outcomes in Lower Extremity Flap Reconstruction.

Background:  There is a lack of literature regarding the effects of language barriers, socioeconomic status, racial disparities, and travel distance to the hospital on the outcomes of lower extremity (LE) flap reconstruction. Consequently, this study assesses the potential influence of these factors on ambulation within this specific patient demographic.

Methods:  A retrospective review was performed between 2007 and 2022 of patients who underwent LE reconstruction with tissue flap placement at a single institution.

Premaxillary Setback in the Management of Patients With Bilateral Cleft Lip: A 2 Decade Review.

Objective: This study analyzes indications and outcomes of premaxillary setback (PS) and presents an algorithm for its use in patients with bilateral cleft lip and/or palate (BCL ± P).

Design: Retrospective review.

Setting: Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

Effects of Preoperative Hemoglobin on Microsurgical Reconstruction and Perioperative Blood Transfusion Requirement: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Literature.

Purpose: Although blood loss in microsurgical reconstruction is rarely large enough to be life-threatening, preoperative anemia can be a particular issue in terms of postoperative morbidity, impaired wound healing, and compromised tissue viability. We seek to review the effect of preoperative hemoglobin (Hgb) levels on perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) requirements and complications to guide management of patients with preexisting anemia undergoing reconstruction.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were queried for relevant articles.

Factors associated with delayed admission to the burn unit: A major burn center's experience.

Background: Timely admission to the burn unit is crucial. Ideal burn care requires prompt interventions such as wound and body temperature management, infection control, and fluid resuscitation to prevent complications like burn progression and infection. In this study, we identify specific factors and outcomes associated with delayed admission to a regional burn center.

Rare but Relevant: Characterizing Self-Inflicted Burn Injuries in the United States.

Self-inflicted burns (SIBs) represent a distinct entity in burn care often associated with an underlying psychiatric etiology. In this review, we summarize the existing evidence on SIBs in North America to inform targeted prevention and interventions for patients afflicted with SIBs. The following databases were queried to identify relevant articles used for literature review: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus.

Comparing Three-dimensional Radiologic Outcomes Between Early Versus Late Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting.

Secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) during mixed dentition is the standard of care for patients with complete cleft of lip and palate. Early SABG (E-SABG; 4 to 7 y) occurs before the eruption of lateral incisors, whereas late SABG (L-SABG; 8 to 12 y) occurs before the eruption of maxillary permanent canines. This study compares outcomes of E-SABG versus L-SABG among patients with unilateral cleft of lip and palate (UCLP).

The Emerging Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Burn Care: What Do We Know?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists mimic the action of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels via stimulation of insulin release and inhibition of glucagon secretion. After burn, the current literature suggests that the use of GLP-1 agonists results in less insulin dependence with similar glucose control and hypoglycemic events to patients receiving a basal-bolus insulin regimen. GLP-1 agonists may also promote wound healing through various mechanisms including angiogenesis and improved keratinocyte migration.

Flap-Based Lower Extremity Reconstruction in the Elderly-Is It Safe and Does Age Impact Ambulation?

Introduction: Lower extremity (LE) reconstruction in the elderly population presents a multifaceted challenge, primarily due to age-related degenerative changes, comorbidities, and functional decline. Elderly individuals often encounter conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular and peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can severely compromise the structural integrity and function of the lower limbs. As such, we aim to assess postoperative complications and functional recovery following LE reconstruction in elderly patients.

Venous Thromboembolism Incidence, Risk Factors, and Prophylaxis in Burn Patients: a National Trauma Database Study.

Comprehensive studies on the incidence, risk factors, and prophylactic measures related to venous thromboembolism (VTE) are lacking in burn care. This study characterizes VTE risk and existing prevention measures to improve and inform overall patient care in the field of burn care on a national scale. The US National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) was queried from 2007 to 2021 to identify burn-injured patients.

The Impact of Increased Body Mass Index on Patient Outcomes and Complications in Microsurgical Lower Extremity Reconstruction.

Background: Elevated body mass index (BMI) is a known perioperative risk factor for complications such as delayed wound healing and infection. However, there is a gap in understanding how elevated BMI impacts outcomes after posttraumatic lower extremity (LE) microvascular reconstruction.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed at a level 1 trauma center between 2007 and 2022 of patients who underwent posttraumatic microvascular LE reconstruction.

Single and Unhoused Population at Risk for Self-Inflicted Burn Injury: A Retrospective Analysis of an Urban American Burn Center's Experience.

Despite the growing recognition of self-harm as a pressing public health issue, demographic risk factors of self-inflicted burn (SIB) injuries in the U.S. have not been extensively described.

Early Cleft Palate Repair is Associated With Lower Incidence of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Surgery.

Background: The timing of primary repair in nonsyndromic cleft palate remains controversial. Recent evidence suggests earlier repair is associated with a lower incidence of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). The authors aim to evaluate these findings in a large cohort study using causal inference.

Resources on lymphedema surgery: How effective are they for patients?

Online patient education materials (PEMs) on lymphedema surgery were assessed for quality, readability, and content. A total of 37 PEMs were identified, primarily authored by academic/medical organizations. Readability scores indicated materials were difficult to read, with an average Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of 10.

Flap-Based Reconstruction in Patients with Autoimmune Disease: An Institutional Experience with the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap and Review of the Literature.

Background:  Autoimmune diseases are associated with characteristic chronic inflammation, aberrations in tissue perfusion, and hypercoagulability, and thus have considerable implications for local and free-flap reconstruction. We seek to summarize the current evidence on outcomes of flap-based reconstruction in patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease and present our experience with autologous breast reconstruction in this population.

Methods:  PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched for relevant articles, and pertinent data were presented qualitatively.

Custom Endoprosthesis-Assisted Pediatric Microsurgical Jaw Reconstruction.

Surgical treatment of pediatric maxillary and mandibular tumors can cause significant postresection disfigurement, mastication, and speech dysfunction. The need to restore form and function without compromising growth at the recipient and donor sites poses a particular reconstructive dilemma. This study evaluates outcomes of the custom endoprosthesis (CE) compared with noncustom reconstruction (NCR) and introduces an algorithm using CE to optimize available soft tissue reconstructive options.

A National Analysis of Craniosynostosis Demographic and Surgical Trends Over a 10-Year Period.

The pathogenesis of craniosynostosis, characterized by the premature fusion of calvarial sutures, is multifaceted and often the result of an amalgamation of contributing factors. The current study seeks examine the possible contributors to craniosynostosis development and its surgical trends over time. A multicenter/national retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients who underwent surgical repair of craniosynostosis (n=11,279) between 2012 and 2021 identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric Data File.

Burn Center Verification and Safety-net Status: Are There Differences in Discharge to Inpatient Rehabilitation?

Discharge to acute rehabilitation following major burn injury is crucial for patient recovery and quality of life. However, barriers to acute rehabilitation, including race and payor type impede access. The effect of burn center organizational structure on discharge disparities remains unknown.

Inpatient versus Outpatient Alveolar Bone Grafting: A Nationwide Cost Analysis.

Objective: To compare postoperative outcomes and costs between inpatient and outpatient ABG in the United States.

Design: Retrospective cohort.

Setting: Multi-institutional/national.

Does Side Matter? The Impact of Free Flap Harvest Laterality on Ambulatory Function in Lower Extremity Traumatic Reconstruction.

Background:  Free flaps are essential for limb salvage in patients with lower extremity (LE) trauma; however, significant donor-site morbidity could impact functional outcomes. This study compares postoperative ambulatory function between contralateral and ipsilateral free flap harvest in LE traumatic reconstruction.

Methods:  A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent LE reconstruction at a level 1 trauma center from 2009 to 2022.

The Impact of Intraoperative Vasopressor Use and Fluid Status on Flap Survival in Traumatic Lower Extremity Reconstruction.

Background:  Historically, the use of intraoperative vasopressors during free flap lower extremity (LE) reconstruction has been proposed to adversely affect flap survival due to concerns about compromising flap perfusion. This study aims to analyze the impact of intraoperative vasopressor use and fluid administration on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing traumatic LE reconstruction.

Methods:  Patients who underwent LE free flap reconstruction between 2015 and 2023 at a Level I Trauma Center were retrospectively reviewed.