Pressure dressings in mastoid and middle ear surgery: are they necessary? A retrospective review of patient outcomes.

Background: The application of mastoid pressure dressings following mastoid and middle ear surgery is widely practised to reduce the risk of haematoma and seroma. There are a number of minor morbidities associated with use of the dressings, as well as a financial cost associated with an overnight stay in hospital or a return appointment for removal of the dressings. The benefit of having these dressings in situ overnight is questionable.

New perspectives on the surgical anatomy and nomenclature of the temporal region: literature review and dissection study.

Background: Understanding of the temporal region remains confused, largely because of the ambiguous nomenclature. Aspects of the anatomy also remain unclear and are variably reported in the literature. The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to clarify details of the anatomy, using fresh cadaver dissections; and (2) to propose a standardized nomenclature that is based on recognized principles of nomenclature, contemporary use, and correct anatomical detail.

Relationship of the temporofrontal rami of the facial nerve to the fascial layers of the temporal region.

Background: Historically, dissection of the temporoparietal fascia immediately above the zygomatic arch has been avoided due to the risk of transection of the temporofrontal rami of the facial nerve.

Methods: A total of 8 fresh cadaveric hemi-faces have been dissected to investigate the relationship of the temporofrontal rami of the facial nerve to the fascial layers in the temporal region.

Results: The relationship of the temporofrontal rami of the facial nerve to the fascial layers in the temporal region is variable, with some deep rami coursing below the parotid-temporal fascia and other superficial rami reaching the temporoparietal fascia before entering the lateral edge of the orbicularis oculi.

The effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration on acute phase fracture-healing: a review.

Background: The analgesic efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is well established, and these agents often form an integral part of posttraumatic pain management. However, potentially deleterious effects of resulting prostaglandin suppression on fracture-healing have been suggested.

Methods: A systematic literature review involving searches of electronic databases and online sources was performed to identify articles exploring the influence of NSAIDs on fracture-healing.

Lore's fascia and the platysma-auricular ligament are distinct structures.

Background: Lore's fascia and the platysma-auricular ligament are discreet fascial structures anterior and inferior to the auricle respectively. The nomenclature and descriptions of these structures have been presented inconsistently in the literature. There is also concern that placement of platysma suspension sutures into these structures may risk damage to the underlying facial nerve trunk.