Redefining the surface anatomy of the parotid duct: an in vivo ultrasound study.

Background: The surface anatomy of the parotid duct is important when assessing facial lacerations and in facial rejuvenation surgery but is inconsistently described in reference texts. The aim of this study was to map the surface anatomy of the adult parotid duct using ultrasound.

Methods: Fifty healthy adults (31 women; mean age, 33 years) were scanned by an experienced sonographer using a 13-5 MHz linear probe and a Siemens Sonoline Antares ultrasound machine.

Decontamination: back to basics.

My invitation from this Journal's Editor, Felicia Cox, to provide a paper for this themed issue, included the sentence 'I was wondering if you or a colleague would like to contribute a back to basics article on the relevant standards and guidelines for decontamination, including what is compliance?'. The reason it is so interesting to me is that the term 'back to basics' implies reverting to a simpler time in life - when by just sticking to the rules, life became easier. However, with decontamination this is not actually true.