Evaluating current functional airway surgery during rhinoplasty: a survey of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Background: Despite numerous reports outlining technical modifications in rhinoplasty, few publications discuss the importance of the perioperative assessment and surgical management of the nasal airway. This study's objective is to increase awareness regarding the functional aspects of rhinoplasty surgery and to encourage surgeons to incorporate functional airway management into their rhinoplasty practice.

Methods: A web-based survey was given to all members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Biomechanical comparison of calcium phosphate cements for split cranial bone graft donor sites.

Background: Although harvesting of in situ split cranial bone is a well-established technique, few data have been generated regarding the biomechanical effect of bone harvest on the cranial bone donor site, and even fewer data have been generated regarding the biomechanical effect of calcium phosphate bone cement inlay on the donor site. The authors documented the weakening of the skull at the in situ cranial harvest site and determined the benefit, if any, when the site is inlayed with calcium phosphate cements.

Methods: Cadaver skulls were divided into three groups: group 1, an in situ cranial bone defect was created in the frontal bone area on one side and the mirror-image, full-thickness area was untreated; group 2, a similar defect was created in the parietal area and repaired with calcium phosphate bone cement inlay, and on the opposite side, a similar defect was created but not repaired; and group 3, donor sites were created in the parietal area bilaterally and reconstructed with different cements.

Dermaplaning, topical oxygen, and photodynamic therapy: a systematic review of the literature.

Background: Noninvasive procedures for facial rejuvenation are becoming an increasingly popular component of a comprehensive skin care regimen. Concurrently, many new treatment methods are now available to both the plastic surgeon and the aesthetician. Because these techniques have become an integral part of many cosmetic practices, this study aimed to assess the existing evidence-based literature as to their clinical efficacy; to provide an objective overview of some of the most popular noninvasive rejuvenation strategies such as dermaplaning, oxygen therapy, and light therapy; to discuss recent pertinent scientific evidence-based literature; and to provide treatment recommendations based on these findings.

Hand surgery volume and the US economy: is there a statistical correlation?

Background: To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous studies evaluating the correlation of the US economy and hand surgery volume. Therefore, in light of the current recession, our objective was to study our institution's hand surgery volume over the last 17 years in relation to the nation's economy.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of our institution's hand surgery volume, as represented by our most common procedure (ie, carpal tunnel release), was performed between January 1992 and October 2008.

Calcium phosphate cements in skull reconstruction: a meta-analysis.

Background: This work addresses the controversy regarding the indications and results of calcium phosphate cements in skull reconstruction through a meta-analysis of the published literature.

Methods: A PubMed search for articles reporting the use of calcium phosphate cements for skull reconstruction was performed. Data collected included age, volume of cement, defect size, material used, length of follow-up, placement in communication with paranasal sinuses or in irradiated fields, and complications.

Cosmetic surgery volume and its correlation with the major US stock market indices.

Background: As a consumer-driven industry, cosmetic plastic surgery is subject to ebbs and flows as the economy changes. There have been many predictions about the short, intermediate, and long-term impact on cosmetic plastic surgery as a result of difficulties in the current economic climate, but no studies published in the literature have quantified a direct correlation.

Objectives: The authors investigate a possible correlation between cosmetic surgery volume and the economic trends of the three major US stock market indices.

The Cleveland Clinic FACES Score: a preliminary assessment tool for identifying the optimal face transplant candidate.

In lieu of limited resources, our multidisciplinary face transplant team requires a preliminary, supplemental objective grading scheme for identifying the optimal face transplant candidate. Therefore, our objective was to develop an effective method for evaluating "facial deficit," which could also be used in the future for the allocation of limited facial organs, analogous to liver transplantation.Each candidate is screened using our institutional review board-approved protocol's current inclusion/exclusion criteria.

The world's experience with facial transplantation: what have we learned thus far?

The objective of this review article is to summarize the published details and media citations for all seven face transplants performed to date to point out deficiencies in those reports so as to provide the basis for examining where the field of face transplantation stands, and to act as a stimulus to enhance the quality of future reports and functional outcomes. Overall long-term function of facial alloflaps has been reported satisfactorily in all seven cases. Sensory recovery ranges between 3 and 6 months, and acceptable motor recovery ranges between 9 and 12 months.

Hemodynamic changes and fluid shifts after large-volume fluid infiltration: results from a porcine model.

While certain parameters such as blood loss and serum lidocaine levels following liposuction have been well studied, fluid shifts between the intravascular and extravascular space have not. With the advent of large volume liposuction, prudent fluid management has become obligatory. Hence, the reason for our study.

Review of bone substitutes.

Bone substitutes are being increasingly used in craniofacial surgery and craniomaxillofacial trauma. We will review the history of the biomaterials and describe the ideal characteristics of bone substitutes, with a specific emphasis on craniofacial reconstruction. Some of the most commonly used bone substitutes are discussed in more depth, such as calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite ceramics and cements, bioactive glass, and polymer products.

Disorders of the female breast in the pediatric age group.

Disorders of the female breast in the pediatric age group are a relatively common finding; however, there is limited information in the current literature. The plastic surgeon treating these patients is faced with a wide range of reconstructive problems. By understanding the various breast disorders, the plastic surgeon can better diagnose and treat this patient population appropriately.

Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis: current treatment options.

The significance and etiology of abnormal skull shape have been under investigation since ancient times. Nonsyndromic, or isolated, craniosynostosis predominates and is defined as suture fusion that creates functional impairments related to local effects of the fusion. The purpose of this article is to present our current approach to patients with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, outlining the place of both open, conventional approaches and newer, minimally invasive, endoscopic assisted craniosynostosis correction.

Comparison of open versus minimally invasive craniosynostosis procedures from the perspective of the parent.

Craniosynostosis, or the premature closure of the sutures of the skull, has historically been repaired in an open manner and included extensive cranial reconstruction. In recent years, technological advancements have given surgeons the ability to perform repairs with minimal surgical invasion. With the advent of endoscopy and bioresorbable plates, recent reports [J Craniofac Surg 2002;13(4):578-82] have emphasized attempts at decreased morbidity.

Patterns of venous reflux and obstruction in patients with skin damage due to chronic venous disease.

Identified were characteristics of individuals with skin damage related to chronic venous disease. Patients with chronic venous disease (n = 164) were evaluated with duplex ultrasound imaging and were placed in classes 4, 5, and 6 according to the CEAP classification. Their findings were compared with 100 class 2 controls.

Uncommon leg ulcers in the lower extremity.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of uncommon ulcers, unrelated to venous or arterial etiology, in patients presenting to vascular clinics.

Methods: This was a multicenter prospective study of consecutive patients presenting with lower extremity ulceration. The settings were university hospital outpatient centers and venous clinics.

Outcomes in pharyngoplasty: a 10-year experience.

Objective: The outcomes of 61 patients who underwent a pharyngoplasty for velopharyngeal insufficiency were reviewed to determine potential risk factors for reoperation.

Design: This was a retrospective chart review of 61 consecutive patients over approximately 10 years (1993 to 2003). Variables analyzed included gender, cleft type, age at the time of pharyngoplasty, length of time between palate repair and pharyngoplasty, and associated syndromes.

Definition of venous reflux in lower-extremity veins.

Purpose: This prospective study was designed to determine the upper limits of normal for duration and maximum velocity of retrograde flow (RF) in lower extremity veins.

Methods: Eighty limbs in 40 healthy subjects and 60 limbs in 45 patients with chronic venous disease were examined with duplex scanning in the standing and supine positions. Each limb was assessed for reflux at 16 venous sites, including the common femoral, deep femoral, and proximal and distal femoral veins; proximal and distal popliteal veins; gastrocnemial vein; anterior and posterior tibial veins; peroneal vein; greater saphenous vein, at the saphenofemoral junction, thigh, upper calf, and lower calf; and lesser saphenous vein, at the saphenopopliteal junction and mid-calf.

The impact of duplex scanning in phlebology.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a tremendous medical and economic burden on society. In the past two decades the use of duplex ultrasound has emerged as the diagnostic method of choice for the diagnosis and management of CVD. In this article, we describe the specific techniques used in the assessment of the superficial, perforating, and deep venous systems.