Free dermal fat graft reconstruction of the head and neck: An alternate reconstructive option.

Objectives: Ablative procedures of the head and neck often result in significant facial and cervical irregularities and cosmetic asymmetry. The deformity resulting from ablative procedures of the head and neck is a significant source of cosmetic morbidity and postoperative dissatisfaction. Reconstruction of post-ablative defects in the head and neck can employ a broad range of techniques, ranging from primary closure to free tissue transfer.

Comparison of ventilation and voice outcomes between unilateral laryngeal pacing and unilateral cordotomy for the treatment of bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Background/aims: Rehabilitation of the bilaterally paralyzed human larynx remains a complex clinical problem. Conventional treatment generally involves surgical enlargement of the compromised airway, but often with resultant dysphonia and risk of aspiration. In this retrospective study, we compared one such treatment, posterior cordotomy, with unilateral laryngeal pacing: reanimation of vocal fold opening by functional electrical stimulation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle.

Tumors of the cervical sympathetic chain--diagnosis and management.

Background: Tumors originating from the cervical sympathetic chain are uncommon but important entities in the differential diagnosis of parapharyngeal space masses.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients presenting with tumors of the cervical sympathetic chain.

Results: Twenty-four patients presented between 1994 and 2010.

Natural history of cervical paragangliomas: outcomes of observation of 43 patients.

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes, growth rate, and symptoms of nonoperated cervical paragangliomas.

Design: Retrospective review of clinical and radiologic records and images.

Setting: Tertiary academic medical center.

AlloDerm and DermaMatrix implants for parotidectomy reconstruction: a histologic study in the rat model.

Background: We analyzed tissue incorporation, immune response, and neovascularization of AlloDerm and DermaMatrix in a rat model of postparotidectomy reconstruction.

Methods: In 8 male Sprague-Dawley rats, 3-dimensionally folded AlloDerm implants were placed in the left postparotidectomy bed and 3 in the anterior dorsum as controls. The same was done for DermaMatrix on the right side and posterior dorsum.

Removal of obstructing T-tube and stabilization of the airway.

Although they are extremely effective in maintaining tracheal and subglottic patency, T-tubes themselves can result in airway obstruction from plugging. Many practitioners educate patients on placing a small (5.0) endotracheal tube (ETT) through the tracheal limb of the T-tube if they develop airway obstruction.

Complications of alloderm and dermamatrix for parotidectomy reconstruction.

Background: AlloDerm and DermaMatrix are 2 acellular dermal implants currently used by reconstructive surgeons at our institution for reconstruction of parotidectomy defects. We looked at the postoperative complication rates following subcutaneous implantation of these acellular dermal implants for parotid bed reconstruction.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted following approval by the Institutional Review Board at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Perineural extension to the skull base from early cutaneous malignancies of the midface.

Objective: To document the clinical progression of four patients with a past history of complete removal of early midface cutaneous malignancies that presented years later with isolated recurrence along the distribution of the infraorbital nerve, and to discuss the diagnostic role of early imaging to identify perineural invasion.

Study Design: The study is a retrospective chart review, review of radiographic findings, and review of the literature.

Results: The authors report four cases of isolated perineural invasion along the infraorbital nerve resulting from previously excised cutaneous malignancies.

Thyroid cancer in pregnancy.

We report a case of papillary thyroid cancer in pregnancy and discuss the various diagnostic and therapeutic challenges inherent to this condition. Several case series are reviewed. In addition, we examine the effect of pregnancy on the development and progression of thyroid malignancy.

Retention, distribution, and effects of intraosseously administered ibandronate in the infarcted femoral head.

Unlabelled: The local distribution, retention, and effects of intraosseous administration of ibandronate in the infarcted femoral heads were studied. Intraosseous administration effectively delivered and distributed ibandronate in the infarcted femoral heads and decreased the femoral head deformity in a large animal model of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

Introduction: Bisphosphonate therapy has gained significant attention for the treatment of ischemic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (IOFH) because of its ability to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, which has been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of femoral head deformity.

Local bioavailability and distribution of systemically (parenterally) administered ibandronate in the infarcted femoral head.

Recent studies show that bisphosphonates can decrease the development of femoral head deformity following ischemic osteonecrosis by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Given the potential new indication, improved understanding of pharmacokinetics of bisphosphonates as it applies to the infarcted head would be beneficial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the local bioavailability and the distribution of ibandronate in the infarcted head at the avascular and vascular phases of the disease process.