Postoperative CT imaging to characterize fusion in pediatric and adolescent vertebral column resection.

Background: Vertebral column resection (VCR) is a powerful corrective technique for the management severe, rigid spinal deformities but does carry a relatively high complications rate. One of the feared complications is pseudarthrosis which places the patient at risk for implant failure. We present a single-center experience with post-operative computed tomography (CT) imaging at the osteotomy site to screen for impending pseudarthrosis.

Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes After Total Ankle Replacement and Ankle Arthrodesis: An ACS-NSQIP Database Study.

Over the past 2 decades, several studies comparing intermediate- and long-term outcomes after total ankle replacement (TAR) versus ankle arthrodesis (AA) have reported differing rates of complications and outcomes. Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in patients undergoing TARs without any epidemiologic studies examining the short-term and perioperative complications. The purpose of this prognostic study was to compare perioperative outcomes after TAR and AA using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database between 2012 and 2017.

Persistence and Progression of Airway Obstruction in Children With Early Onset Scoliosis.

Background: Obstructive lung disease occurs in 30% of children with early onset scoliosis (EOS); changes in degree of airway obstruction over time have not been reported.

Methods: Longitudinal patterns of incidental, persistent, and progressive airway obstruction were retrospectively analyzed in a cohort of children with EOS with at least 1 forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) value <85% on serial spirometric assessments over a ≥3-year observation period. The prevalence of clinical features and the severity of coronal and sagittal spine deformities for each group at the beginning and end of the study period were compared.

Flexible Fixation in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Flexible fixation has been described and utilized in various aspects of foot and ankle surgery over the past several decades. In regards to ankle surgery, flexible fixation devices have been used for stabilization of the ankle syndesmosis and augmentation of lateral collateral ankle ligament repair. In the foot, flexible fixation devices have been incorporated into hallux valgus or varus correction, Lisfranc injury repair, and more recently spring ligament repair augmentation.

Barbed sutures and wound complications in plastic surgery: an analysis of outcomes.

Background: Barbed sutures may expedite dermal approximation and improve tissue support while requiring less time and material than conventional sutures. Several types of barbed sutures are available, each with unique advantages.

Objectives: The authors sought to determine whether the incidence of complications differed after wound approximation in plastic surgery when various brands of barbed vs nonbarbed traditional sutures were employed.

The impact of perioperative hypothermia on plastic surgery outcomes: a multivariate logistic regression of 1062 cases.

Background: Perioperative hypothermia has been associated with increased rates of infection, prolonged recovery time, and coagulopathy.

Objectives: The authors assessed the impact of hypothermia on patient outcomes after plastic surgery and analyzed the impact of prewarming on postoperative outcomes.

Methods: The medical charts of 1062 patients who underwent complex plastic surgery typically lasting at least 1 hour were reviewed.

An alternative outpatient care model: postoperative guest suite-based care.

Background: Patients recovering from outpatient surgery are responsible for managing their pain, managing ambulation, and even implementing thromboembolism prophylaxis after discharge. Because of the importance of postoperative care to prevent complications, a model of care that helps a patient transition to independent self-care could provide optimal results.

Objectives: The authors investigated the safety and morbidity rate for patients who underwent body contouring procedures and overnight care at an attached, nurse-staffed guest suite facility.

Effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in outpatient plastic surgery.

Background: The effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics has not been established for patients who undergo plastic surgery as outpatients, and consensus guidelines for antibiotic administration in clean-contaminated plastic surgery are not available.

Objectives: In a retrospective study of outpatients, the authors examined preoperative timing of prophylactic antibiotics, whether postoperative antibiotics were administered, and whether any correlations existed between these practices and surgical complications.

Methods: The medical records of 468 plastic surgery outpatients were reviewed.