Hemostatic Agents Do Not Significantly Affect Seroma Formation in Abdominal Body Contouring.

BACKGROUND: Objective: Seroma formation is plaguing complication in abdominal body contouring surgery (ABCS) that has been loosely associated with the use of intraoperative hemostatic agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between hemostatic agent usage and seroma development following ABCS. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing ABCS between 2010 and 2020 was completed. Cases who received hemostatic agents were matched to controls (1:2) based on potential confounders including age, BMI, and ASA score. Demographic data, operative details, and postoperative complications including development of seroma, hematoma, venous thromboembolism, wound dehiscence, and delayed wound healing were collected. RESULTS: Seven hundred and seven patients were included in the study. Sixty-five patients (9.2%) received at least one hemostatic agent. The most used agents were topical thrombin (n = 33, 50.1%), dry matrices including oxidized cellulose, microporous polysaccharides, and absorbable gelatin matrices (n = 15, 23.1%) followed by combination fibrin sealant/thrombin preparations (n = 9, 14.0%). No significant differences with respect to demographic data or medical comorbidities between the cases and controls were identified. Bivariate analysis demonstrated no significant differences in the rate of development of seroma (OR: 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.23-1.99, p = 0.781), hematoma (OR: 3.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.95-14.65, p = 0.060), venous thromboembolism (OR: 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.44-3.81, p = 0.433). CONCLUSION: Hemostatic agent use, regardless of type, does not significantly affect the risk of seroma, hematoma, and venous thromboembolism development, nor does it influence the rates of delayed wound healing or wound dehiscence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Mining the Twittersphere: Insights about Public Interest in Facial Reanimation Surgery from a Decade of Twitter Data.

Background With 500 million tweets posted daily, Twitter can provide valuable insights about public discourse surrounding niche topics, such as facial paralysis surgery. This study aims to describe public interest on Twitter relating to facial paralysis and facial reanimation surgery over the last decade. Methods Tweets containing the keywords "facial paralysis" and "Bell's palsy" posted between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2019, were collected using Twitter Scraper. Tweets were screened by keywords relating to facial paralysis, and usage of these terms trended over time. Logistic regression was used to identify correlations between the quantity of publications per year and these terms posted on Twitter. Results 32,880 tweets were made during the study period, with no significant difference in the number of tweets per year. A very strong ( r = 0.8-1.0) positive correlation was found between time and frequency of the term "plastic surgery" and "transfer" ( p < 0.05). A strong ( r = 0.60-0.79) correlation was found between time and frequency for the following terms: "facial reanimation," "gracilis," "masseter," "plastics," "transplant" ( p < 0.05). A total of 619 studies with the keyword "facial reanimation" were published in PubMed within the study period. A very strong, positive correlation between publications per year and frequency was found for the terms "plastic surgery," "function" and "esthetic," and a strong, positive correlation was found for the "plastics," "transplant," "Botox," "surgery," "cosmetic," "aesthetic" and "injection" ( p < 0.05). Conclusions An increasing number of discussion about facial paralysis on Twitter correlates with increased publications and likely surgeon discourse on facial reanimation surgery, driving public interest.

Intraoperative Navigation in Plastic Surgery with Augmented Reality: A Preclinical Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Augmented reality allows users to visualize and interact with digital images including three-dimensional holograms in the real world. This technology may have value intraoperatively by improving surgical decision-making and precision but relies on the ability to accurately align a hologram to a patient. This study aims to quantify the accuracy with which a hologram of soft tissue can be aligned to a patient and used to guide intervention. METHODS: A mannequin's face was marked in a standardized fashion with 14 incision patterns in red and nine reference points in blue. A three-dimensional photograph was then taken, converted into a hologram, and uploaded to HoloLens (Verto Studio LLC, San Diego, Calif.), a wearable augmented reality device. The red markings were then erased, leaving only the blue points. The hologram was then viewed through the HoloLens in augmented reality and aligned onto the mannequin. The user then traced the overlaid red markings present on the hologram. Three-dimensional photographs of the newly marked mannequin were then taken and compared with the baseline three-dimensional photographs of the mannequin for accuracy of the red markings. This process was repeated for 15 trials (n = 15). RESULTS: The accuracy of the augmented reality-guided intervention, when considering all trials, was 1.35 ± 0.24 mm. Markings that were positioned laterally on the face were significantly more difficult to reproduce than those centered around the facial midline. CONCLUSIONS: Holographic markings can be accurately translated onto a mannequin with an average error of less than 1.4 mm. These data support the notion that augmented reality navigation may be practical and reliable for clinical integration in plastic surgery.

Three-Dimensional Facial Scanning at the Fingertips of Patients and Surgeons: Accuracy and Precision Testing of iPhone X Three-Dimensional Scanner.

BACKGROUND: The iPhone X (Apple, Inc., Cupertino, Calif.) is the first smartphone to be released with a high-fidelity three-dimensional scanner. At present, half of all U.S. smartphone users use an iPhone. Recent data suggest that the majority of these 230 million individuals will upgrade to the iPhone X within 2 years. This represents a profound expansion in access to three-dimensional scanning technology, not only for plastic surgeons but for their patients as well. The purpose of this study was to compare the iPhone X scanner against a popular, portable three-dimensional camera used in plastic surgery (Canfield Vectra H1; Canfield Scientific, Inc., Parsippany, N.J.). METHODS: Sixteen human subjects underwent three-dimensional facial capture with the iPhone X and Canfield Vectra H1. Results were compared using color map analysis and surface distances between key anatomical landmarks. To assess repeatability and precision of the iPhone X three-dimensional scanner, six facial scans of a single participant were obtained and compared using color map analysis. In addition, three-dimensionally-printed facial masks (n = 3) were captured with each device and compared. RESULTS: For the experiments, average root mean square was 0.44 mm following color map analysis and 0.46 mm for surface distance between anatomical landmarks. For repeatability and precision testing, average root mean square difference following color map analysis was 0.35 mm. For the three-dimensionally-printed facial mask comparison, average root mean square difference was 0.28 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The iPhone X offers three-dimensional scanning that is accurate and precise to within 0.5 mm when compared to a commonly used, validated, and expensive three-dimensional camera. This represents a significant reduction in the barrier to access to three-dimensional scanning technology for both patients and surgeons.

Optimizing Reconstruction in Craniosynostosis: Review of Nonsyndromic Patients Treated With a Novel Technique.

PURPOSE: Open cranial vault remodeling (CVR) with autologous split calvarial bone grafts redistributes and recontours an abnormal calvarium to create an expanded cranial vault in patients with craniosynostosis. We report a 12-year retrospective review of 162 nonsyndromic patients who underwent operative repair using our previously-described technique which portends excellent surgical outcomes and can be applied to patients of any age group and with any variety of suture fusion. METHODS: Data was gathered on patients who underwent CVR from 2005 to 2016. Surgical records for each patient were analyzed and included operative time, estimated blood loss, and intraoperative transfusion volumes. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, the need for revision surgery, postoperative length of stay, and follow-up records were also reviewed. Syndromic patients were excluded, as well as patients with incomplete data sets. Patients who underwent either anterior or posterior vault remodeling were compared. RESULTS: A total of 162 patients were included in this case series. Patients undergoing anterior CVR were significantly older than those undergoing posterior CVR (13.3 versus 11.0 months, P < 0.015) and also had significantly greater intraoperative red blood transfusion volumes (20.3 versus 15.3cc/kg, P < 0.0207) and longer operative time than posterior CVR patients (274.9 versus 216.7 minutes, P < 0.0001). No patients required reoperation for resorption or recurrence or persistent contour irregularities. There were no visual or neurological complications. Calvarial bone was successfully split in 100% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: This surgical approach to CVR results in good surgical outcomes with a low recurrence rate, while also maximizing operative efficiency, and minimizing total blood loss and transfusion volume. This technique can be applied to any affected suture in a patient with craniosynostosis and in patients of any age group.

Rapid Bodyweight Reduction before Lumbar Fusion Surgery Increased Postoperative Complications.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of massive weight loss on perioperative complications after lumbar fusion surgery (LFS). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Patients who are obese are more likely to experience low back pain, which would require LFS. Nonetheless, they have a higher risk of perioperative complication development compared with individuals who are not obese. METHODS: Patients who underwent LFS at hospitals that participated in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database within the United States between 2005 and 2015. Outcomes included 30-day medical complications, surgical complications, and length of stay (LOS). We analyzed a total of 39,742 patients with the use of the International Classification of Disease, ninth revision codes. The patients were categorized in the following two groups: group 1, individuals with a history of massive weight loss within 6 months before LFS, and group 2, individuals without a history of massive weight loss before surgery. Massive weight loss was defined as loss of 10% of total body weight. Patients with a history of malignancy or chronic disease were excluded from the study. Patients in each group were randomly matched based on age, gender, sex, smoking status, and body mass index. Paired two-tailed Student t-tests were used to compare the outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 39,742 patients identified, 129 (0.32%) met the criteria for inclusion in the weight loss group (WL group) and were successfully matched to individuals in the non-weight loss group (non-WL group). Compared with the non-WL group, the WL group had a significantly longer LOS (9.7 vs. 4.0 days, p<0.05), higher surgical site infections (SSIs) (8.0 vs. 3.0, p<0.05), increased number of blood transfusions (40.0 vs. 20.0, p<0.05), and greater deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) (5.0 and 0.00, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: On a nationwide scale, rapid weight loss before LFS is associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications, including SSI and DVTs, longer average LOS, and more frequent blood transfusions.

Treatment of Isolated Serosanguinous Incision Drainage after Thoracolumbar Surgery: Is Surgical Management Always Necessary?

Background: There is no consensus regarding how to care for a patient presenting with early isolated incision drainage after thoracolumbar spine surgery. Although drainage is the most common presenting symptom of surgical site infection (SSI), it has low specificity for SSI in the absence of other symptoms. Given that invasive treatment for SSI is costly and high risk, it would be beneficial to determine whether antibiotic treatment alone is sufficient for isolated drainage and what factors predispose to failure of this conservative strategy. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed a clinical database of patients who underwent thoracolumbar spine surgery at a single center between 2012-2017. Patients were included if serosanguinous drainage was present within six weeks of surgery without other signs and symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, purulent discharge, fluctuance, wound dehiscence, or erythema. Results: Fifty-eight patients met the study inclusion criteria. After initial conservative management with antibiotics, drainage resolved in 51 patients. The seven patients with drainage that did not resolve were treated with operative surgical washout. Although the groups were similar in most respects, there was a significant difference in the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, which is a marker of overall health (surgical group score 2.89 ± 0.33 versus 2.06 ± 0.61; p < 0.0001). In addition, patients with greater estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, operative time, and spinal levels treated were more likely to require surgical washout, although these differences were not statistically significant. Groups were similar with respect to age, Body Mass Index, smoking status, diabetes mellitus status, revision versus primary surgery, and drainage latency. Conclusion: Most patients who present with isolated serosanguinous incision drainage within six weeks of surgery may be managed successfully using antibiotics only. Patients who fail to respond to conservative therapy have significantly worse general health, as indicated by the ASA score.

Review of Sickle Cell Disease and Spinal Pathology.

STUDY DESIGN: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a relatively common blood disorder that has profound implications on the musculoskeletal system and particularly the spine; however, there is a paucity of data in the literature discussing this important topic. OBJECTIVES: (1) To elucidate common spinal pathologies affecting patients with SCD, as well as the medical and surgical treatments available for these patients. (2) To discuss indications for surgical management of spinal complications of SCD and important for orthopedic surgeons when taking patients with SCD to the operating room. METHODS: A narrative review of the literature was performed. RESULTS: Patients with SCD have a significantly higher risk of developing spinal pathologies including vertebral osteomyelitis, compression fracture, vertebral vaso-occlusive crises, and osteoporosis, among others. In addition, patients with sickle cell disease are particularly susceptible to developing perioperative and post-operative complications including surgical site infection, implant malfunction, and vertebral body compression fracture. Postoperatively patients with SCD are prone to developing complications and adequate hydration is necessary in order to reduce complications of SCD. CONCLUSIONS: Several spinal pathologies may arise secondary to SCD and distinguishing these pathologies from one another may be challenging due to similarities in symptoms and inflammatory markers. Although most patients with SCD can benefit from conservative treatment involving rest, symptomatic therapy, antibiotic therapy, and/or orthosis, surgical intervention may be indicated in certain cases. It is preferable to avoid surgery in patients with SCD due to an increased risk of complications such as wound infection and vaso-occlusive crisis.

Cost-Effectiveness of Dual Mobility and a Value-Based Algorithm of Utilization.

Hip dislocation remains a major concern following total hip arthroplasty due to its high frequency and economic burden. This article evaluates the cost-effectiveness regarding dual mobility as an alternative to standard implant designs. A review of literature analyzing the PubMed Central database was undertaken using the following terms in the primary query: dual mobility, cost-effectiveness, cost-analysis, or economic analysis. Dual mobility systems may be a cost-effective alternative when the price of the implant does not exceed the traditional system by $1023. Dual mobility cups may be an essential component for the future success of value-based total hip arthroplasty.

Relationship Between the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System and Traditional Patient-Reported Outcomes for Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Incorporating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is paramount to the creation of a value-based healthcare system that prioritizes patient-centered care in total joint arthroplasty. The relationship between global assessment PROs such as Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and joint-specific PROs for hip and knee, such as short form variations of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS-JR) and Hip Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS-JR), has yet to be assessed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted to assess PRO measurements for knee-related and hip-related complaints. The KOOS-JR and HOOS-JR were compared to the PROMIS computerized adaptive test (CAT) short forms (physical function, pain interference, and pain intensity) to assess their relationship. RESULTS: A total of 3644 patients completed 4609 questionnaires. A modest to strong correlation was observed between the KOOS-JR and the PROMIS CAT (ranging from r = 0.56 to -0.71, P < .05). A modest to strong correlation was also found between the HOOS-JR and the PROMIS CAT (r = 0.59 to -0.79, P < .05). CONCLUSION: PROMIS CATs demonstrated a modest to strong correlation with KOOS-JR or HOOS-JR. Future studies should further investigate the limitations of global assessment health surveys in capturing disease-specific changes following total joint arthroplasty.

Mixed Reality with HoloLens: Where Virtual Reality Meets Augmented Reality in the Operating Room.

Virtual reality and augmented reality devices have recently been described in the surgical literature. The authors have previously explored various iterations of these devices, and although they show promise, it has become clear that virtual reality and/or augmented reality devices alone do not adequately meet the demands of surgeons. The solution may lie in a hybrid technology known as mixed reality, which merges many virtual reality and augmented realty features. Microsoft's HoloLens, the first commercially available mixed reality device, provides surgeons intraoperative hands-free access to complex data, the real environment, and bidirectional communication. This report describes the use of HoloLens in the operating room to improve decision-making and surgical workflow. The pace of mixed reality-related technological development will undoubtedly be rapid in the coming years, and plastic surgeons are ideally suited to both lead and benefit from this advance.