Meralgia Paresthetica as a Result of Surgery With an Emphasis on Harvesting Iliac Bone Grafts: A Review.

Meralgia paresthetica is a neurological disorder characterized by a symptom complex of numbness, burning, tingling, aching, or stabbing in the anterolateral portion of the upper thigh. Typically, this disorder is seen in patients with diabetes mellitus, obesity, and pregnancy. Also, it may result from a wide array of surgical interventions involving the region of the anterior superior iliac spine. Underlying pathophysiology concentrates on entrapment neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Due to its location and wide anatomic variation, the LFCN is susceptible to compression, scarring, and injury during surgery. It is important to understand the regional anatomy. In addition, the plastic surgeon must have a working knowledge of the most common variations that can precipitate entrapment and increase susceptibility to injury during surgery. Surgeons lacking a substantial background on the numerous risk factors, origins, and anatomic variations of the LFCN may place patients at an even higher risk of damage to the nerve. An extensive knowledge of the anatomy and careful technique may be utilized by surgeons to prevent iatrogenic neuropathy of the LFCN.

Forgotten Pioneers of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery During the Medieval Period.

Sushruta who lived in India sometime between 1000 and 800 BC is traditionally recognized for being the "Father of Plastic Surgery." However, "plastic surgery" has been performed much earlier in antiquity, with the earliest origins of primitive procedures dating back to 1600 BC in Ancient Egypt on the southeastern shores of the Mediterranean. Some centuries later, simple plastic cosmetic surgeries were performed, as well on the Northern Mediterranean shores in ancient Greece and Rome to repair damaged parts caused by war mutilation, punishment, or humiliation. Afterward, there has been a historical gap moving rapidly from the Greco-Roman period to the European Renaissance. Ignoring valuable contributions made by surgeons of the Medieval period, like Albucasis and Avicenna, has denied scholars of the Arabic Golden Age that bridged the eastern and western cultures recognition. In fact, all Mediterranean populations, albeit not together or simultaneously, have participated in the development of plastic and reconstructive surgery art and science. All have made valuable innovations, together with others, which cumulatively have resulted in progressive buildup of knowledge and technical skills.

Origins of Maxillofacial Surgery in Mediterranean Medical History.

Maxillofacial and dental surgery has been around for a surprisingly long time. The first evidence of oral dental treatment can be traced back to Northern Italy 13,000 to 14,000 years ago. The first known evidence of dental filling with beeswax dates back to 6500 years ago in a site located in Slovenia. Fixing teeth with gold wires and prostheses and replacing them was performed for millennia in ancient Egypt and Phoenicia as well as in Etruria predating the Roman empire. In 1210, the earliest-known oral surgery group was formed in France leading to rapid advancement of the specialty over the following years with Pierre Fauchard, known as the father of modern dentistry, who turned dentistry from a craft into a profession. Despite diverse populations of various ethnic backgrounds, the Mediterranean civilization is truly one and unique. It was always at the forefront of scientific progress and technologic innovations in all fields of medicine and surgery and in particular in maxillofacial surgery.