Otologic complications of temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis due to arteriovenous fistula.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare sequela following arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint. This case report discusses a constellation of symptoms, findings, and appropriate management of a patient with a superficial temporal AVF. Several findings in this case, including vertigo, nystagmus, and hearing loss, have not been previously documented in the literature.

Free Flap Reconstruction Monitoring Techniques and Frequency in the Era of Restricted Resident Work Hours.

Importance: Free flap reconstruction of the head and neck is routinely performed with success rates around 94% to 99% at most institutions. Despite experience and meticulous technique, there is a small but recognized risk of partial or total flap loss in the postoperative setting. Historically, most microvascular surgeons involve resident house staff in flap monitoring protocols, and programs relied heavily on in-house resident physicians to assure timely intervention for compromised flaps.

Association of Airway Complications With Free Tissue Transfer to the Upper Aerodigestive Tract With or Without Tracheotomy.

Importance: Airway management during microvascular reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract is of utmost importance; however, there is considerable debate about optimal management of the airway.

Objective: To examine if free tissue transfer to the upper aerodigestive tract without tracheotomy was associated with an increased rate of airway complications or death.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Cohort study of 861 patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction to sites in the oral cavity, oropharynx (excluding the base of tongue), and nasal and/or sinus cavity using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2013.

Postlaryngectomy dysphagia masking as velopharyngeal insufficiency: a simple solution for an anterior neopharyngeal diverticulum.

Postlaryngectomy dysphagia is a common occurrence and can be a source of emotional distress that results in a decrease in quality of life among a patient population that is already exposed to considerable morbidity. One etiologic source that is less commonly reported as a source for postlaryngectomy dysphagia, and perhaps overlooked, is an anterior neopharyngeal diverticulum. Herein, we describe a postlaryngectomy dysphagia caused by a neopharyngeal diverticulum masking as velopharyngeal insufficiency of liquids.

Characterization of irradiated blends of alpha-tocopherol and UHMWPE.

Adhesive/abrasive wear in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been minimized by radiation cross-linking. Irradiation is followed by melting to eliminate residual free radicals and avoid long-term oxidative embrittlement. However, post-irradiation melting reduces the crystallinity of the polymer and hence its strength and fatigue resistance.

Sex differences in the myocardial inflammatory response to acute injury.

Hemorrhage, trauma, ischemia/reperfusion, burn, and sepsis each lead to cardiac dysfunction. These insults lead to an inflammatory cascade, which plays an important role in this process. Gender has been shown to influence the inflammatory response, as well as outcomes after acute injury.

Effect of lipid absorption on wear and compressive properties of unirradiated and highly crosslinked UHMWPE: an in vitro experimental model.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE or polyethylene) components used in total joint arthroplasty absorb lipids in vivo. However, the effect, if any, of this lipid uptake on both the wear and the mechanical properties of polyethylene is not known. We contrasted the effects of lipid diffusion into the polyethylene on the wear and mechanical properties of unirradiated UHMWPE versus that into highly crosslinked UHMWPE preparation (a 95-kGy irradiated and melted UHMWPE).

Surface analysis of early retrieved acetabular polyethylene liners: a comparison of conventional and highly crosslinked polyethylenes.

In vivo wear behavior of 16 highly cross-linked and 19 conventional polyethylene acetabular explants, at an average in vivo duration of 6 months were studied. Highly cross-linked groups showed machining marks from the original manufacturing process in some areas and extensive scratching and some polishing of the articulating surfaces. The conventional group showed greater loss of machining marks, scratching, and polishing.

Optical analysis of surface changes on early retrievals of highly cross-linked and conventional polyethylene tibial inserts.

Retrieved tibial liners of highly cross-linked and conventional polyethylene were examined for articular and backside surface damage. Surfaces were graded for pitting, machine-mark loss, scratching, abrasion, delamination, and embedded debris. Whereas no difference existed in the damage score for the 2 groups, the highly crosslinked group showed significantly less elimination of machine marks.