Microtia and cholesteatoma: Implications for the reconstructive surgeon.

Infection after reconstructive surgery for microtia is a technical challenge. This can be a sign of cholesteatoma formation by entrapment of epithelium in the middle or outer ear, specifically when the patient does not respond to first choice antibiotic therapy and debridement. Two patients with microtia presented themselves with severe infections after ear reconstruction.

The Effect of Metacarpophalangeal Joint Hyperextension on Outcomes in the Surgical Treatment of Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis.

 In the surgical treatment of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis, the effect of mild preoperative metacarpophalangeal (MCP) hyperextension on postoperative functional outcomes is unknown. We sought to examine outcomes after surgical treatment of CMC arthritis in patients with and without mild preexisting MCP deformity.  A retrospective review was conducted to analyze the functional outcomes of patients treated for CMC arthritis at a single institution from March 1998 to May 2009.

Long-Term Results of Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis with a Resorbable Device in Infants with Robin Sequence: Effects on Developing Molars and Mandibular Growth.

Background: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis with a unidirectional resorbable device is an effective treatment option for severe upper airway obstruction in infants with Robin sequence. Long-term effects, especially with regard to tooth development and mandibular outgrowth, are not known.

Methods: Robin sequence infants with a follow-up of greater than or equal to 5 years were included.

Duration of antibiotic treatment after appendicectomy for acute complicated appendicitis.

Background: Antibiotic treatment after appendicectomy for complicated appendicitis aims to reduce postoperative infections. However, available data on the duration of treatment are limited. This study compared the difference in infectious complications between two protocols, involving either 3 or 5 days of postoperative antibiotic treatment.

Decellularization of a Fasciocutaneous Flap for Use as a Perfusable Scaffold.

Background: The aim of the current study was to determine whether a rat fasciocutaneous flap could be decellularized using detergent perfusion and/or agitation methods while preserving the integrity of the extracellular matrix and circulatory networks.

Methods: Superficial inferior epigastric arterial flaps of 50 rats were randomly divided into the following 5 groups: (1) normal; (2) agitation in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for 72 hours (72h-AG); (3) perfusion and agitation with SDS for 12 hours (12h-PE-AG); (4) perfusion and agitation with SDS for 24 hours (24h-PE-AG); and (5) perfusion and agitation with SDS for 72 hours (72h-PE-AG). These flaps were evaluated by gross morphology, histology, integrity of the microcirculatory networks, and DNA quantification.