Central Slip Repair using Trans-articular K-wires: A Comparative Study.

Central slip disruption may lead to PIP joint dysfunction causing significant morbidity. Existing evidence for any specific surgical management of these injuries is limited but does favor early mobilization of the PIP joint. Aim: To assess the functional outcome in a cohort of patients undergoing central slip repair with internal K-wire proximal interphalangeal joint splinting and complete immobilization against those with external splinting only. Methods: A single center retrospective analysis of all patients that underwent operative central slip repair in our institution over a 5-year period. Data were collected via the HIPE database and clinical notes. Data relating to demographics as well as range of motion, total active motion {(TAM) (TAM%)} score, and hand therapy rehabilitation type were analyzed. Results: The study population was n = 44 patients. N = 33 patients were treated without a K-wire and n = 11 treated with a K-wire. There was a male predominance, 81.8% (n = 36). Mean age was 40.4 years. There was no significant difference in the mean TAM achieved at final measurement between the "no K-wire" and the "K-wire" treatment groups [no K-wire 202.1° (standard deviations (SD) 40.0) vs. K-wire 187.4° (SD 28.2), p = 0.208]. The "no K-wire group" achieved a mean TAM % of 78.0 (SD 11.4) and the "K-wire group" achieved a mean TAM % of 72.1 (SD 10.8); no statistically significant difference in mean scores was observed between groups. Conclusion: Our study has shown comparable functional outcomes between those having complete joint immobilization with internal K-wire splinting and those that are externally splinted only following central slip repair.

The application of human reliability analysis to carpal tunnel decompression.

INTRODUCTION: Many surgical procedures are prone to human error, particularly in the learning phase of skills acquisition. Task standardisation has been suggested as an approach to reducing errors, but it fails to account for the human factors associated with learning. Human reliability analysis (HRA) is a structured approach to assess human error during surgery. This study used HRA methodologies to examine skills acquisition associated with carpal tunnel decompression. METHODS: The individual steps or subtasks required to complete a carpal tunnel decompression were identified using hierarchical task analysis (HTA). The systematic human error reduction and prediction approach (SHERPA) was carried out by consensus of subject matter experts. This identified the potential human errors at each subgoal, the level of risk associated with each task and how these potential errors could be prevented. RESULTS: Carpal tunnel decompression was broken down into 46 subtasks, of which 21 (45%) were medium risk and 25 (55%) were low risk. Of the 46 subtasks, 4 (9%) were assigned high probability and 18 (39%) were assigned medium probability. High probability errors (>1/50 cases) included selecting incorrect tourniquet size, failure to infiltrate local anaesthetic in a proximal-to-distal direction and completion of the World Health Organization (WHO) surgical sign-out. Three (6%) of the subtasks were assigned high criticality, which included failure to aspirate before anaesthetic injection, whereas 21 (45%) were assigned medium criticality. Remedial strategies for each potential error were devised. CONCLUSIONS: The use of HRA techniques provides surgeons with a platform to identify critical steps that are prone to error. This approach may improve surgical training and enhance patient safety.

Tai chi as an adjunctive therapy for individuals who plateau after vestibular rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of tai chi on balance in patients with improved but persistent dizziness and imbalance following completion of traditional vestibular rehabilitation therapy. METHOD: Patients who completed vestibular rehabilitation therapy with persistent imbalance were prospectively enrolled in a tai chi programme comprising eight weekly classes. Balance was assessed before the first and after the eighth session using the Dynamic Gait Index, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale and Dizziness Handicap Inventory. RESULTS: A total of 37 participants (34 females, 3 males) completed the programme with balance testing. Mean age was 76.8 years (range, 56-91 years). Mean Dynamic Gait Index significantly increased after completion of tai chi (p < 0.00001). Mean Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale score increased from 63.6 to 67.9 per cent (p = 0.046). A subset (n = 18) of patients completed a Dizziness Handicap Inventory without significant post-therapeutic change (p = 0.62). Most (36 of 37; 97.3 per cent) patients demonstrated post-therapy improvement on one or more assessments. CONCLUSION: Tai chi is a viable adjunct to improve balance in patients who complete a vestibular rehabilitation therapy programme.

Head and Neck Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A 12-Year Single Institutional Experience.

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive malignancy of presumed neuroendocrine origin. Most case series of MCC are limited by low case numbers and are not specific to head and neck tumours. The purpose of this study was to provide a focused review of head and neck MCC diagnosis and management in a single Irish institution. Methods: Patient's demographics, tumour characteristics, pathological diagnosis, surgical treatment, adjuvant treatment, subsequent management and clinical course were collected. Estimates of progression-free MCC survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier statistical model. A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient examined the association between surgical margins and disease-free follow-up. Results: In total, 11 patients were treated for head and neck MCC with a mean age of 79.6 years (range = 69-91 years). The mean average follow-up duration of patients was 18.3 months. Of the cohort, 18% (n=2) had a sentinel node biopsy (SLNB). A selective neck dissection was subsequently performed in 18% (n=2). In total, 72% (n=8) of patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Median disease-specific survival was 15 months for the SLNB group and 17 months for the non-SLNB group, not statistically significant (p=0.23). There was no significant association between surgical margins and disease-free follow (p=0.65). Conclusions: Our case series adds to a limited body of evidence of head and neck MCC. Surgery remains the treatment priority in localized disease, with an increasing role of SLNB for accurate prognostication and staging. Early management of stage I disease results in moderate long-term disease-free survivability.

Camptodactyly and DiGeorge syndrome: A rare hand anomaly.

The most common deletion syndrome is 22q11.2 and it effects an estimated 1 in 3000 live births. Major features of this multisystem condition include congenital abnormalities, developmental delay, learning difficulties, immunodeficiency, endocrine anomalies and an array of psychiatric disorders. However, variability in phenotype and severity may cause the diagnosis to be overlooked. Early clinical recognition and treatment of DiGeorge syndrome has been shown to increase early life survival, decrease complications and enhance overall quality of life. Skeletal anomalies are infrequently described in 22q11.2 but a subset of patients exhibit upper and lower limb deformities. We present the case of a 5 year-old girl with bilateral fifth digit camptodactyly caused by a fibrous band, and the surgical management of this condition. The current report adds to the body of evidence that camptodactyly is a rare clinical feature of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and may serve as a diagnostic aid in these patients.

Influence of socioeconomic factors on litigation in surgery: Addressing the gap in malpractice literature.

The practice of medicine is occasionally volatile and increasingly litigious. Within the specialities, plastic surgery has a high risk, with negative outcomes seen as dissatisfaction, as compared to actual physical harm. To date, most research has focused on potential triggers for litigation, such as poor communication and perceived behavioural deficiencies among physicians. Few studies have addressed patient characteristics or socioeconomic factors. The 'Influence of Socio-Economic Factors on Attitudes Towards Surgery' questionnaire was designed to reflect these goals. It was distributed for a 12-month period to patients in an Emergency Department waiting room. Three hundred twelve completed questionnaires were submitted for analysis. Within the study population, we identified certain socioeconomic trends among those with a low threshold to pursue litigation. Patients with a low threshold to sue were more likely to be male, aged 25-55 years, currently unemployed, without dependents and divorced. However, these parameters did not reach statistical significance. Although these characteristics are interesting, they cannot reliably identify or predict those with a low threshold for litigation. For now, the clinical focus should remain on careful adherence to best practice in an effort to reduce the risk of potential litigation.

Referral of patients to plastic surgeons following self-harm: Opportunities for suicide prevention.

Self-harm is a common source of referral to plastic and hand surgery services. Appropriate management of these patients is complex and includes the need for close liaison with mental health services. Self-harm is the single biggest risk factor for completed suicide, thereby increasing the risk by a factor of 66.1 This study aimed to analyse the clinical pathway and demographics of patients referred to plastic surgeons following self-harm. This 6-year retrospective series included patients referred to plastic surgeons following self-harm within the Galway University Hospital group. Patients were identified through the Hospital inpatient enquiry system, cross-referenced with data from the National Suicide Research Foundation. Data collected included demographics, psychiatric history, details of self-harm injury, admission pathway and operative intervention. Forty-nine patients were referred to plastic surgery services during the study period, accounting for 61 individual presentations. The male-to-female ratio was 26 (53%) to 23 (47%). Mean age was 40 years (range 21-95 years). Alcohol or illicit substance use was recorded in 17 of 61 (28%) presentations. Mortality from suicide occurred in 4 patients (8%). Mental health assessment was not carried out in 9 presentations (15%). Documentation of need for close or one-to-one observation was made in 11 cases (20%) and was not referred to in 43 cases (83%) following mental health assessment. This study demonstrates significant diversity in the management of this vulnerable patient group and may inform development of referral pathways to improve the safety of transfer, surgical admission and discharge of patients following self-harm, in consultation with mental health services.

New reconstruction for bone integration of non-vascularized autogenous bone graft with better bony union and revascularisation.

INTRODUCTION: Phalangeal defects are often seen after tumor resection, infections, and in complex open hand fractures. In many cases, reconstruction is difficult and amputation is performed to avoid prolonged rehabilitation that is often associated with a poor outcome. In these cases, the maintenance of length and function presents a reconstructive challenge. METHODS: We reviewed 11 patients who underwent extensive phalangeal reconstruction with non-vascularized bone graft from the iliac crest using a key-in-slot-joint technique to provide acceptable function and bony union. RESULTS: In each case, non-vascularized bone graft with a length of 1.4-6.0 cm was used to reconstruct the phalanx. Follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 5 months, and in all cases, there was bony union after 6 weeks. We evaluated range of motion, function, and as well pain and grip strength of the fingers. CONCLUSIONS: This case series suggests that a key-in-slot technique allows non-vascularized bone graft to be used in complex large phalangeal bone defects. Due to better bone contact, a sufficient perfusion and revascularisation of the non-vascularized bone graft can be achieved for a quicker and stable bony union. This method appears to be an alternative to amputation in selected cases with a satisfactory soft-tissue envelope.

Analysis of sentinel node positivity in primary cutaneous melanoma: an 8-year single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a standard method for determining the pathologic status of the regional lymph nodes. AIMS: The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and clinicopathologic factors predictive of SLN positivity, and to evaluate the prognostic importance of SLNB in patients with cutaneous melanoma. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent SLNB for primary melanoma at our institution from 2005 to 2012. Statistical analysis was performed using χ 2 and Fischer exact test. RESULTS: In total, 318 patients underwent SLNB, of which 65 were for thin melanoma (≤1 mm). There were 36 positive SLNB, 278 negative SLNB and in four cases the SLN was not located. The incidence rate for SLNB was 11.3% overall and 1.5% in thin melanomas alone. Statistical analysis identified Breslow thickness >1 mm (P = 0.006), Clark level ≥ IV (P = 0.004) and age <75 years (P = 0.035) as the strongest predictors of SLN positivity. Our overall false negativity rate was 20% (9/45) with one case of false-negative SLNB in thin melanomas. CONCLUSION: Breslow thickness of the primary tumour remains the strongest predictor of SLN positivity. Our findings point to a possible limited role for SLNB in thin melanoma due to its low positivity rate, associated false-negative rate and related morbidity.

A Five-Year Review of Tag Rugby Hand Injuries.

Tag rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in Ireland. It is a soft-contact team game that is loosely based on the rugby league format except players try to remove Velcro tags from their opponents' shorts rather than engage in a typical rugby tackle. The purpose of this study was to examine all tag rugby associated hand injuries over a five-year period in three large tertiary referral hospitals in Ireland. Using the patient corresponding system, 228 patients with hand injury related tag rugby injuries were observed from 2010 to 2015. There were 138 males and 90 females in the study and over 40% of patients required surgery. Most of the patients were young professionals with an average age of 30. Twenty-five patients worked in the financial services whilst there were 23 teachers. Fractures accounted for 124 of the 228 injuries and mallet injuries accounted for 53. Eighty percent of all injuries occurred during the tackle. The mean number of days missed from work was 9.1±13.8 days. These injuries resulted in an average of seven hospital appointments per patient. Considering it is a soft-contact sport, it is surprising the number of hand injuries that we have observed. Although safety measures have been introduced to decrease the number of hand injuries in recent years, there is a need for further improvements. Better player education about seeking prompt medical attention once an injury occurs, coupled with longer shorts worn by players may improve measures for the sport.

Standards in Operation Notes--Is It Time to Re-Emphasise Their Importance?

Guidelines exist for operation notes from the Royal College of Surgeons of England but compliance has been shown to be variable. The authors performed a closed loop audit of compliance with RCS standards in an Irish Plastic Surgery department. Thirty random operation notes were selected from a conserved pool of authors--before and after an educational intervention to increase awareness of the RCS guidelines. Following education, improvements were noted but also deteriorations--time increased from 12 (40%) to 16 (53%), emergency/elective status from none (0%) to 11 (36%), and operative diagnosis from seven (23%) to 21 (70%). However notably among the findings, surgeon's name decreased from 30 (100%) to 26 (86%), findings from 27 (90%) to 21 (53%) and tissue altered from 27 (90%) to 20 (66%). As some specialities are developing operation note standards specific to individual procedures, the findings are compared with previous similar published work.

The Irish contribution to the plastic surgery literature: 21 years of publications.

INTRODUCTION: The Republic of Ireland has always had an influence on medicine and has produced many renowned doctors who have helped shape its history. Furthermore, many clinical articles that have originated from Ireland have changed clinical practice throughout the world. The Irish have also had an impact on the plastic surgery literature yet it has never specifically been analyzed before. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze all papers that have originated from the plastic surgery units in the Republic of Ireland in the medical literature over the past 21 years. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four well-known plastic surgery, hand surgery and burns journals were selected for this study. By utilizing Scopus, the largest abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature, we analyzed each of our chosen 24 journals looking for Irish publications. Each paper was examined for article type, authorship, year of publication, institution of origin and level of evidence. RESULTS: Papers from the Republic of Ireland were published in 20 of the 24 journals over the past 21 years. A total of 245 articles from Ireland were published in the plastic surgery, hand surgery and burns literature over the 21-year period. Of these, 111 were original articles and 73 were case reports. The institution that published the most papers over the past 21 years was University Hospital Galway (66 publications) followed by Cork University Hospital with 54 papers. The journal with the most Irish articles was the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery with 56 papers. 2014 was the year with the most publications (28 papers). Authorship numbers also increased over time as the average number of authors in 1994 was 3.5, whereas it was 5.54 in 2014. DISCUSSION: The number of publications per year continues to increase along with authorship numbers. This mirrors the trend in other specialties. Publications are now no longer required for selection on to a higher surgical training scheme. There is now a fear that the academic output of trainees will decrease as a consequence. To prevent this, each unit must actively support and encourage research activity with their trainees.

A review of sentinel lymph node biopsy for thin melanoma.

INTRODUCTION: Although there is a lack of established survival benefit of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), this technique has been increasingly applied in the staging of patients with thin (≤1.00 mm) melanoma (T1Nx), without clear supportive evidence. METHODS: We review the guidelines and available literature on the indications and rationale for performing SLNB in thin melanoma. RESULTS: As a consequence of the paucity of evidence of SLNB in thin melanoma, there is considerable variability in the guidelines. It is difficult to define clinicopathologic factors that reliably predict the presence of nodal metastasis. SLNB does not yet inform management in thin melanoma to improve survival outcome. CONCLUSION: Based on available evidence, high risk patients with melanomas between 0.75 and 1.00 mm may be appropriate candidates to be considered for SLN biopsy after discussing the likelihood of finding evidence of nodal progression, the risks of sentinel node biopsy, and the lack of proven survival benefit from any form of surgical nodal staging.

The past, present and future in scaffold-based tendon treatments.

Tendon injuries represent a significant clinical burden on healthcare systems worldwide. As the human population ages and the life expectancy increases, tendon injuries will become more prevalent, especially among young individuals with long life ahead of them. Advancements in engineering, chemistry and biology have made available an array of three-dimensional scaffold-based intervention strategies, natural or synthetic in origin. Further, functionalisation strategies, based on biophysical, biochemical and biological cues, offer control over cellular functions; localisation and sustained release of therapeutics/biologics; and the ability to positively interact with the host to promote repair and regeneration. Herein, we critically discuss current therapies and emerging technologies that aim to transform tendon treatments in the years to come.

A novel barbed suture tie-over dressing for skin grafts: a comparison with traditional techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Barbed suture devices have a widespread application in plastic surgery. The unidirectional nature of the barbs facilitates a strong grip on tissues and reduces the need to constantly tension the suture manually. We hypothesized that a barbed suture tie-over suture to secure skin grafts would be quicker to perform than traditional tie-overs and would also exert a greater downward pressure on the skin graft. METHODS: Thirty uniform areas of skin were excised from a cadaver. A pressure transducer was placed on the wound bed and covered with the excised skin along with a mineral oil-soaked wool dressing to act as a bolster. Three different sutures were used to secure the graft in place and the pressure was recorded. The tie-over techniques used were the classic silk tie-over, a running Vicryl Rapide™ tie-over and a running barbed tie-over. RESULTS: The barbed tie-over exerted the most downward pressure (82.8 ± 7.3 mmHg) compared to the silk (46 ± 4.85 mmHg) and the Vicryl Rapide™ (18.6 ± 2.4 mmHg). Furthermore, the barbed tie-over was the quickest to perform (1:45 ± 22 s) when compared to the Vicryl Rapide™ (02:57 ± 27 s) and the silk tie-overs (04:26 ± 39 s). CONCLUSION: Barbed sutures are a viable option for securing skin grafts. They are quick to perform and provide significantly improved downward pressure on the skin graft. We feel that this technique would be especially suited to the sole operator as it can be carried out without the need of an assistant.

Quality of life after immediate breast reconstruction and skin-sparing mastectomy - a comparison with patients undergoing breast conserving surgery.

BACKGROUND: Historically breast cancer surgery was associated with significant psychosocial morbidity and suboptimal cosmetic outcome. Recent emphasis on women's quality of life following breast cancer treatment has drawn attention to the importance of aesthetic outcome and potential benefits of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR). Our primary aim was to assess patient's quality of life after IBR, compared to a matched group undergoing breast conservation. We also investigated the oncological safety and morbidity associated with immediate reconstruction. METHODS: A prospectively collected database of all breast cancer patients who underwent IBR at a tertiary referral breast unit was reviewed. Patients were reviewed clinically, and administered two validated quality of life questionnaires, at least one year after completing their treatment. RESULTS: 255 patients underwent IBR following mastectomy over a 55 month period. Reconstruction with ipsilateral latissimus dorsi flap was most commonly performed (88%). After mean follow-up of 36 months, IBR patients' quality of life was comparable to a group of age-matched women (n = 160) who underwent breast conserving surgery (p = 0.89). No patient experienced local recurrence (0%), distant metastases developed in 4.8% and disease related mortality was 2.2%. Post-operative morbidities included wound infection (11.8%), chronic pain (2.0%), capsular contracture (11%; 36% of whom had radiotherapy) and fat necrosis (14.1%). No patient experienced flap loss. CONCLUSIONS: IBR is a highly acceptable form of treatment for women requiring mastectomy. With high rates of patient satisfaction, low associated morbidity, and proven oncological safety, it is an appropriate recommendation for all women requiring mastectomy.