Reconstruction of oncologic upper extremity defects with fibula free flaps has high union rates and excellent functional outcomes.

Background: Limb salvage has better functional outcomes than amputation in the upper extremity. This can however be challenging after bony tumor resections.

Methods: This is a retrospective case series of patients who underwent humerus, ulna, or radius reconstruction with a fibula free flap.

Three-Dimensional Surface Analysis for Preoperative Prediction of Breast Volume: A Validation Study.

Background: Few studies have examined whether preoperative three-dimensional surface imaging can accurately predict breast volume. Reliably predicting breast volume preoperatively can assist with breast reconstruction planning, patient education, and perioperative risk stratification.

Methods: The authors conducted a review of patients who underwent mastectomy from 2020 to 2021 and included all patients who had preoperative VECTRA XT three-dimensional imaging.

The Standardized Inclusive Numeric Academic Index: An Index to Measure Academic Productivity in Plastic Surgery.

Purpose: Academic productivity is a poorly defined metric that is commonly used to determine faculty career advancement. While various indices incorporate scholarly activity, no specific index assimilates the perceived importance of a variety of academic accomplishments a physician may make. Herein, the development and validation of an algorithm to generate an academic productivity score based on surveying physicians nationwide are described.

Is the Vectra 3D Imaging System a Reliable Tool for Predicting Breast Mass?

Background: In selecting breast implants for breast reconstruction, current preoperative planning largely relies on 2-dimensional measurements, which are often limited in suboptimal accuracy and objectivity. Although the introduction of 3-dimensional imaging modalities has further improved preoperative planning, they require in-depth analysis of accuracy if they are to be considered as a standardized part of preoperative planning. Thus, the present study analyzes the reliability of the Vectra 3D Imaging System in predicting breast mass and explores potential confounding variables that may limit its accuracy.

Direct to implant breast reconstruction: visualized technique.

Over the past 19 years, direct to implant (DTI) breast reconstruction has been found to decrease medical system cost, improve psychosocial morbidity, and optimize cosmetic outcomes. Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have further improved reconstructive outcomes, as the tissue incorporates with new angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. ADMs have been used by the senior author since 2000, and have since become a cornerstone of implant-based reconstruction.

Plastic Surgery Training and the Problematic Resident: A Survey of Plastic Surgery Program Directors.

Introduction: Plastic surgery resident education is a significant commitment by both programs and residents. Unfortunately, problematic resident behavior may occur and be difficult to manage. This study was designed to survey plastic surgery program directors to elucidate their experience with problematic resident behavior.

Immediate application of vacuum assisted closure dressing over free muscle flaps in the lower extremity does not compromise flap survival and results in decreased flap thickness.

Background: Free muscle flaps are a mainstay for reconstruction of distal third leg wounds and for large lower extremity wounds with exposed bone. However a major problem is the significant postoperative flap swelling, which may take months to resolve. We studied the efficacy and safety of immediate application of a vacuum assisted closure (VAC) dressing after a free muscle flap to the lower extremity.

Pedicle De-epithelialization in Reduction Mammoplasty: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Reduction mammoplasty is among the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures. The reduction pedicle is traditionally de-epithelialized. Many practitioners propose that preservation of the subdermal blood supply results in improved circulation for the nipple-areolar complex.

Open Versus Closed Reduction of Maxillary Fractures: Complications and Resource Utilization.

Introduction: Maxillary fractures are frequently managed depending on the surgeon's preferences, nature of the injury, presence of associated injuries, and comorbidities. Current literature advocates open reduction with plating versus closed techniques. However, data defining associated costs and complications comparing the 2 approaches remains lacking.

Incidence and risk factors for venous thromboembolism in bilateral breast reduction surgery: An analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

Background: The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing bilateral breast reduction surgery remains unknown. This study aimed to determine VTE incidence and risk factors in this patient cohort.

Methods: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2010-2014) was used to identify women undergoing bilateral breast reduction.

Significance of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations to Plastic Surgery Residency Training.

Introduction: Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) have proven to be a powerful tool. They possess more than a 30-year track record in assessing the competency of medical students, residents, and fellows. Objective structured clinical examinations have been used successfully in a variety of medical specialties, including surgery.

Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Versus Free Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap: Complications and Resource Utilization.

Introduction: Abdominal based breast reconstruction exists in a continuum from pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap to deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap. DIEP flap has the advantage of complete rectus abdominis sparing during harvest, thus decreasing donor site morbidity. Aim of this study is to determine whether the surgical advantages of the DIEP flap impact postoperative outcomes versus the free TRAM flap (fTRAM).

Variation in Classification of Infection: A Systematic Review of Recent Plastic Surgery Literature.

Background: Surgical site infections, also referred to as wound infections, are commonly studied within the plastic surgery literature. The definition of these terms is not standardized in the literature. Individual studies may select criteria to use in identifying infection.

The Relationship of Bacterial Biofilms and Capsular Contracture in Breast Implants.

Capsular contracture is a common sequelae of implant-based breast augmentation. Despite its prevalence, the etiology of capsular contracture remains controversial. Numerous studies have identified microbial biofilms on various implantable materials, including breast implants.