Complications of mandibular fractures.

Timely repair of mandibular fractures remains an effective means to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent complications. This study addresses the effect of the time interval between injury and treatment on the overall complication rate, the complication rate between various treatment modalities (mandibular-maxillary fixation [MMF] alone, MMF with intraosseous wire bone fixation, and MMF with rigid internal fixation), and the relationship of inpatient vs. outpatient management. Cost was also examined with respect to choice of management. We report a retrospective series of 308 consecutive patients managed at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. Patients who received treatment 3 to 10 days following injury were found to have a lower complication rate than earlier or later repair. We postulate that most patients with mandibular fractures may be managed on an outpatient basis, which represents a considerable savings in cost.

Effect of insulin-like growth factor type I on critical size calvarial bone defects in irradiated rats.

Irradiated wounds are characterized by a slow healing process. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a somatomedin C, has been shown in previous studies to stimulate collagen synthesis and bony repair. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of recombinant IGF-1 in the healing of critical size calvarial defects in previously irradiated adult male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction with the transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous free flap.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to assess the results and morbidity associated with simultaneous bilateral TRAM free flap breast reconstruction and describe refinements in its surgical technique. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Bilateral prophylactic total mastectomies might be an agreeable option for those patients at highest risk for breast cancer if autogenous tissue breast reconstruction could be performed with reasonable technical ease and acceptable morbidity. However, some surgeons harbor reservations regarding the extensiveness of the surgery, the associated morbidity, and the aesthetic quality of the resulting outcome. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review of clinical experience with 120 consecutive patients who underwent 240 simultaneous bilateral TRAM free flap breast reconstructions was developed. RESULTS: The average operating time, including the time required for the breast ablative portion of the procedures, was 8.6 hours. The average length of hospitalization was 7.6 days. However, for the last 40 patients, these figures were reduced to 7.1 hours and 6.1 days, respectively. Nonautologous blood transfusions were needed in 33 cases (28%), but only 1 was required in the last 40 patients. Thromboses developed in six of 240 flaps (2.5%): 4 were arterial and 2 were venous. Re-exploration allowed us to restore circulation in five flaps, whereas one flap was unsalvageable and was replaced successfully with an alternate flap. An uncomplicated deep vein thromboses developed in one patient with a history of recurrent deep vein thromboses that had no adverse effect on her outcome. Minor complications developed in 18 patients (15%) (e.g., hematoma, partial wound necrosis, wound infection, or prolonged postoperative ileus) that did not affect the long-term outcome. Fourteen patients (11.6%) had abdominal wall weakness or hernias. Follow-up time averaged 37.2 months (range, 14-62 months). On last follow-up, patients' self-reported overall satisfaction with the procedure was 56% excellent, 40% good, and 4% fair. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous bilateral free flap reconstruction is technically feasible with a high rate of success and an acceptable morbidity. When performed by experienced surgeons, bilateral prophylactic total mastectomies combined with simultaneous bilateral TRAM free flap reconstruction may provide an adequate surgical option with aesthetically acceptable results for patients at high risk for breast cancer.