The Unseen Strain: Investigating the Awareness of Rhinoplasty Surgeons Regarding Their Spine Health.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pain is a common occupational health problem among surgeons that can affect work productivity and quality of life. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and causes of back pain among rhinoplasty surgeons, evaluate their routine practice, and identify unique risk factors. A further goal was to measure functional disabilities with the Total Disability Index (TDI) questionnaire. METHODS: A structured online questionnaire was distributed to plastic surgeons performing rhinoplasty internationally. The questionnaire comprised sections on biodata, routine practice posture, length of practice, surgical duration, and the history of surgery or hospitalization related to these issues. In the second part of the survey, participants were asked to complete the TDI questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of back pain was reported by 93.6% of surgeons, with low back pain being the most common (76.7%). The average pain intensity for low back pain was 44.8 ± 26.8. The mean TDI score was calculated as 31 ± 12.1, with 58.2% of surgeons experiencing mild to moderate disability. Significant associations were found between musculoskeletal pain severity and disability index and factors such as BMI, exercise, years of rhinoplasty practice, number of surgeries performed per week, and average procedure length. Interestingly, only 16.4% of rhinoplasty surgeons had previous ergonomic training or education. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal issues related to the spine are prevalent among rhinoplasty surgeons. It is imperative to educate surgeons about this underestimated health problem, provide proper physical rehabilitation targeting ergonomic concerns, and make changes to current practices to address this issue effectively.

Utilization of Free Soft Tissue Grafts in Otoplasty: A Simple Yet Effective Way to Avoid Suture Extrusion.

BACKGROUND: Prominent ear deformity occurs in 5% of the general population and has been treated by otoplasty for many years to address the psychosocial challenges of having such a deformity. There is extensive literature but no consensus on the best method to address potential surgical complications, including suture extrusion. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article was to describe a surgical technique designed to reduce suture extrusion following otoplasty surgery by placing free soft tissue grafts between Mustardé sutures and postauricular skin. METHODS: Two hundred and eleven patients who underwent otoplasties with soft tissue grafts between January 2017 and January 2020 were included in this study. All surgeries were performed by 2 facial plastic surgeons with more than 20 years of experience each, practicing in Toronto, Canada. Patients were followed up to assess for suture extrusion between 12 and 36 months (median, 21 months) postoperatively. The rates of suture complications and extrusion were compared with those previously reported in the literature. RESULTS: Only 2 patients out of 211 (0.47%) had unilateral suture extrusion and were treated with suture removal. This is dramatically lower than the upper values reported in the literature, which average 5.55% (range, 0%-22.2%). CONCLUSIONS: A soft tissue graft separating the Mustardé sutures and postauricular skin acts as a barrier, and can be used in conjunction with traditional surgical techniques. By adding this graft in the proposed manner, there is additional tissue reinforcing the suture repair, thereby reducing the rates of suture complications and extrusion without increasing the operative time.

Geriatrics fellowship during COVID-19: expanding impact, using innovation and maintaining balance.

The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for geriatricians, especially geriatrics fellows, to demonstrate leadership in a crisis that has significantly affected the 65 and older demographic. Given their expertise in care delivery to complex, multimorbid patients, as well as their ability to navigate different healthcare settings, geriatrics fellows became a valuable resource during the pandemic, particularly at one large, urban academic health system. Their training in patient-centered, value-based care helped determine the best course of action for patients not only in the hospital, but also in the community. Utilizing innovative strategies such as a newly developed Palliative Care Hotline (PATCH-24 line), telehealth, and community paramedicine, fellows delivered services to complex patients in community settings. In addition to providing direct patient care, geriatrics fellows also taught their skills to frontline physicians of other specialties. Strong support from the fellowship program's leadership, as well as an ongoing focus on clinician wellbeing and resilience, have been central factors in the success of geriatrics fellows during the COVID-19 crisis.

Facial Soft Tissue Augmentation With Bellafill: A Review of 4 Years of Clinical Experience in 212 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Bellafill (Suneva Medical Inc) is a semipermanent injectable soft tissue filler composed of smooth and uniform polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) microspheres suspended in a bovine collagen gel. It is a third generation PMMA filler, with more uniform shapes and sizes of the PMMA microspheres, which has been purported to decrease the incidence of granuloma formation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of our clinical experience from 2014 to 2017 with Bellafill as a soft tissue injectable filler in the following clinical scenarios: deep nasolabial folds, depressed facial acne scars, malar volume loss, temporal wasting, tear trough deformity, chin augmentation, angle of jaw augmentation, and lip augmentation. The primary outcome is the rate of adverse events, and the secondary outcome is subjective patient satisfaction. RESULTS: From 2014 to 2017, 842 syringes of Bellafill were administered to 212 patients, for a total of 417 procedures. Of the 417 procedures, 96 (23.0%) were for acne scars, 82 (19.7%) malar volume restorations, 65 (15.6%) nasolabial fold augmentations, 45 (10.8%) chin augmentations, 42 (10.1%) tear trough volume restorations, 28 (6.7%) temple volume restorations, 25 (6.0%) rhinoplasty touch-ups for small areas of nasal depression, 22 (5.3%) lip augmentations, and 12 (2.9%) jaw angle augmentations were performed. A range of 1 to 12 syringes were injected into each patient, over 1 to 3 sessions; 6 cases of adverse events occurred (1.4%). There were 4 cases of solitary nodules in the injection site, 1 case of lower eyelid oedema which persisted for 3 months and 1 case of lower lip oedema which resolved within hours. Patient satisfaction rates ranged from 83.3% for angle of jaw augmentation to 99.0% for improvement of acne scars. CONCLUSION: Bellafill is a safe and effective option for a semipermanent soft tissue filler, with high patient satisfaction and a good safety profile.

INTRODUCTION: Le Bellafill (Suneva Medical Inc.) est un produit de comblement injectable semi-permanent des tissus mous, composé de microsphères de polyméthymétracylate (PMMA) lisses et uniformes, suspendues dans un gel de collagène bovin. Il s'agit d'un produit de comblement de PMMA de troisième génération, dont les microsphères de PMMA, de formes et de dimensions plus uniformes, réduiraient l'incidence de granulomes. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les chercheurs ont procédé à une analyse rétrospective de leur expérience clinique du Bellafill utilisé comme produit de comblement injectable des tissus mous dans les scénarios cliniques suivants entre 2014 et 2017: sillons nasogéniens profonds, cicatrices déprimées d'acné facial, perte de volume de l'os malaire, émaciation des tempes, dépression du rebord orbital inférieur, augmentation du menton, augmentation de l'angle des mâchoires et augmentation des lèvres. Le résultat primaire était le taux de réactions indésirables et le résultat secondaire, la satisfaction subjective des patients. RÉSULTATS: Entre 2014 et 2017, les plasticiens ont injecté 842 seringues de Bellafill à 212 patients, pour un total de 417 interventions. De ce nombre, 96 (23,0 %) visaient des cicatrices d'acné, 82 (19,7 %), la restauration du volume de l'os malaire, 65 (15,6 %), l'augmentation des sillons nasogéniens, 45 (10,8 %), l'augmentation du menton, 42 (10,1 %), la restauration du volume du rebord orbital inférieur, 28 (6,7 %), la restauration du volume des tempes, 25 (6,0 %), les retouches des petites zones de dépression nasale après une rhinoplastie, 22 (5,3 %), l'augmentation des lèvres, 12 (2,9 %), l'augmentation de l'angle de la mâchoire. Chaque patient s'est fait injecter de une à 12 seringues, réparties entre une et trois séances. Six cas de réactions indésirables se sont produits (1,4 %), soit quatre cas de nodules solitaires au point d'injection, un cas cas d'œdème de la paupière inférieure qui a persisté trois mois et un cas d'œdème de la lèvre inférieure qui a disparu en quelques heures. Le taux de satisfaction des patients a oscillé entre 83,3 % pour l'augmentation de l'angle de la mâchoire et à 99,0 % pour l'atténuation des cicatrices d'acnén. CONCLUSION: Le Bellafill est un produit de comblement des tissus mous à la fois sécuritaire et efficace, qui suscite une satisfaction élevée de la part des patients et possède un bon profil d'innocuitfi.

Anterior Nasal Spine Relocation for Caudal Septal Deviation: A Case Series and Discussion of Common Scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Deviation of the anterior nasal spine (ANS) is a common cause of caudal nasal septal deviation. In our experience, relocation of the deviated ANS is a useful technique in the correction of the caudal septal deviation. OBJECTIVES: To describe our experience with the ANS relocation technique in isolation and in combination with other techniques for correction of caudal septal deviation. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on cases of ANS relocation. RESULTS: A total of 378 patients underwent ANS relocation over 4 years. Complete straightening of the septum occurred in 312 cases (82.5%), and significant improvement with mild remnant deviation occurred in 66 cases (17.5%). No patients had severe remnant deviation. None of the patients requested for revision surgery. A total of 351 patients (92.9%) experienced significant subjective improvement in bilateral nasal airflow, while 27 patients (7.1%) experienced mild improvement in bilateral nasal airflow. None of the patients had worsened airflow after surgery. CONCLUSION: The ANS relocation technique is a useful and effective technique which can be used in isolation or in combination of other techniques for the correction of caudal septal deviation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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.

Clinical Quality and Patient Experience in the Adult Ambulatory Setting.

Quality and patient experience are important dimensions of care delivery. The extent to which they are related in the adult outpatient setting is unknown. This brief study utilized data from a large integrated health system over a 1-year period in 2015 and measured the degree of correlation between physicians' patient experience scores and 8 standardized quality metrics. These quality measures were paired into similar groups to create 4 composite measures: outcome, screening, vaccination, and adherence. Measures of outcome ( r = 0.20, P = .06), vaccination ( r = 0.12, P = .26), and adherence ( r = -0.04, P = .75) were not significantly correlated with patient experience; screening ( r = 0.29, P = .006) was minimally correlated with patient experience. Overall, this study found minimal correlation between measures of patient experience and clinical quality in the outpatient setting. Measurement of both of these domains is essential to understanding patterns of care.

A Computerized Method for Measuring Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography Yield in the Emergency Department: Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Use of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in the assessment of pulmonary embolism (PE) has markedly increased over the past two decades. While this technology has improved the accuracy of radiological testing for PE, CTPA also carries the risk of substantial iatrogenic harm. Each CTPA carries a 14% risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and a lifetime malignancy risk that can be as high as 2.76%. The appropriate use of CTPA can be estimated by monitoring the CTPA yield, the percentage of tests positive for PE. This is the first study to propose and validate a computerized method for measuring the CTPA yield in the emergency department (ED). OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to assess the validity of a novel computerized method of calculating the CTPA yield in the ED. METHODS: The electronic health record databases at two tertiary care academic hospitals were queried for CTPA orders completed in the ED over 1-month periods. These visits were linked with an inpatient admission with a discharge diagnosis of PE based on the International Classification of Diseases codes. The computerized the CTPA yield was calculated as the number of CTPA orders with an associated inpatient discharge diagnosis of PE divided by the total number of orders for completed CTPA. This computerized method was then validated by 2 independent reviewers performing a manual chart review, which included reading the free-text radiology reports for each CTPA. RESULTS: A total of 349 CTPA orders were completed during the 1-month periods at the two institutions. Of them, acute PE was diagnosed on CTPA in 28 studies, with a CTPA yield of 7.7%. The computerized method correctly identified 27 of 28 scans positive for PE. The one discordant scan was tied to a patient who was discharged directly from the ED and, as a result, never received an inpatient discharge diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first successful validation study of a computerized method for calculating the CTPA yield in the ED. This method for data extraction allows for an accurate determination of the CTPA yield and is more efficient than manual chart review. With this ability, health care systems can monitor the appropriate use of CTPA and the effect of interventions to reduce overuse and decrease preventable iatrogenic harm.

Medical Aesthetics Training: Shifting to Collective Competence.

With increased demands for medical aesthetics procedures and the sudden profusion of newly licensed, and unlicensed, providers who are performing these medical aesthetics procedures also comes the responsibility to shift to collective competence. Collective competence refers to what occurs among professionals in action, emphasizing the sharing of experiences, knowledge, and perceptions among those who are providing services to the medical aesthetics client. Registered nurses and medical students are not taught to perform cosmetic procedures in basic nursing or medical programs and thus require a post-entry-level education to validate their competency. The current medical aesthetics apprenticeship training approach of see one, do one, and teach one focuses on teaching technical skills and thus does not sufficiently address the ever-changing health care context and the ambiguity in practitioner role. Recent scholars highlight that when health care failed or an error has been identified, it is rarely adduced to an individual's competence but rather is more likely to be a failure of the collective team. In this article, we are advocating for a change in how medical aesthetics practitioners are trained. In particular, it advocates creating opportunities within the curricula to train practitioners as a collective body, as opposed to providing training that focuses on the individual's competence and technical skills alone.

Rhinoplasty with intravenous and local anesthesia.

Procedural sedation for a rhinoplasty, like any procedure, relies on careful patient selection and patient and surgeon compliance. Patients should have an American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) score of 1 or 2, with a possibly well-controlled 3 also acceptable, and should be devoid of certain comorbidities, including obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and obesity (body mass index ≥35). Before the procedure begins, clinicians must explicitly communicate to patients that they will feel no pain; however, because they are being sedated, they may know what is occurring during surgery, but they should not care. A common misconception about sedation is that it involves general anesthesia without an airway. Clinicians must reassure patients that the anesthetist will be with them the entire time, and any discomfort can be dealt with immediately and the anesthesia titrated to an acceptable level.

Randomized controlled trial of a computerized decision aid on adjuvant radioactive iodine treatment for patients with early-stage papillary thyroid cancer.

PURPOSE: Decision-making on adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for early-stage papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is complex because of uncertainties in medical evidence. Using a parallel, two-arm, randomized, controlled trial design, we examined the impact of a patient-directed computerized decision aid (DA) on the medical knowledge and decisional conflict in patients with early-stage PTC considering the choice of being treated with adjuvant RAI or not. The DA describes the rationale, possible risks and benefits, and the medical evidence uncertainty relating to the choice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recruited 74 patients with early-stage PTC after thyroidectomy. Participants were assigned by using 1:1 central computerized randomization to either the DA group with usual care (intervention) or usual care alone (control). Medical knowledge about PTC and RAI treatment (the primary outcome), as well as decisional conflict (a secondary outcome), were measured by using validated questionnaires, and the respective scores were compared between groups. RESULTS: Consistent with PTC epidemiology, 83.8% (62 of 74) of the participants were women, and the mean age was 45.8 years (range, 19 to 79 years). Medical knowledge about PTC and RAI treatment was significantly greater and decisional conflict was significantly reduced in the DA group compared with the control group (respective P values < .001). The use of adjuvant RAI treatment was not significantly different between groups (DA group, 11 of 37 [29.7%]; controls, seven of 37 [18.9%]; P = .278). CONCLUSION: A computerized DA improves informed decision making in patients with early-stage PTC who are considering adjuvant RAI treatment. DAs are useful for patients facing decisions subject to medical evidence uncertainty.

Facial soft tissue augmentation with Artecoll(®): A review of eight years of clinical experience in 153 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Artecoll (Canderm Pharma Inc, Canada) is a semipermanent, injectable, soft tissue filler composed of uniform polymethylmethacrylate microspheres in a bovine collagen gel, which has been used in Europe over the past decade. The authors review their experience using Artecoll as an injectable material for the correction of deep static folds of the face, improvement of nasal asymmetries following rhinoplasty, depressed acne scars and augmentation of the lip. METHOD: A retrospective chart review, subjective patient satisfaction feedback and objective findings noted by the senior author were performed over an eight-year period. A total of 153 patients were treated with Artecoll injections; 74 underwent lip augmentation, 21 underwent deep nasolabial fold augmentation, eight underwent glabellar fold augmentation, 26 were treated for minor nasal dorsal irregularities and 24 were treated for depressed acne scars. RESULTS: No early or delayed allergic responses were reported. Complications occurred most commonly with lip augmentation, in which 13.5% of patients noted significant noticeable bruising postinjection that resolved completely within one week, 51.3% had detectable implant on palpation, and 13.1% required further intervention with massage, steroid injection and/or local excision to correct for lumpiness. Sixty per cent of patients requiring further intervention responded successfully, while local excision was performed on the two patients who failed to respond after six months of massage and steroid therapy. Overall, a total of 11 patients (14.9%) had minor asymmetries or less than optimal results within the lip augmentation study group. Among other sites, the most common complaint was undercorrection of the fold or wrinkle. CONCLUSION: Based on the authors' experience, Artecoll is a safe, viable option for long-term treatment of deep facial wrinkles, nasal asymmetry, hypoplastic or atrophic lips, and depressed acne scars, and the results have been accompanied by a high degree of patient satisfaction. Although the implant is often palpable, rarely does it cause significant visible lumps. Its use and applications as a semipermanent injectable agent certainly warrant further investigation.

OBJECTIF: L'Artecoll (Canderm Pharma Inc, Canada) est un produit de comblement des tissus mous semi-permanent et injectable composé de microsphères uniformes de polyméthacrylate de méthyle dans un gel de collagène bovin, qui est utilisé en Europe depuis dix ans. Les auteurs analysent leur expérience de l'Artecoll utilisée comme matière injectable pour corriger les profondes rides statiques du visage, améliorer les asymétries nasales après une rhinoplastie, combler des cicatrices d'acné en creux et augmenter les lèvres. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les chercheurs ont procédé à une analyse rétrospective des dossiers, ont obtenu les commentaires subjectifs sur la satisfaction des patients et colligé les constatations objectives consignées par l'auteur principal sur une période de huit ans. Au total, 153 patients ont reçu des injections d'Artecoll : 74 ont subi une augmentation des lèvres, 21 une augmentation du pli nasolabial profond et huit une augmentation des rides glabellaires, tandis que 26 ont été traités en raison d'irrégularités mineures de l'arête du nez et 24, de cicatrices d'acné en creux. RÉSULTATS: Les chercheurs n'ont constaté aucune réponse allergique précoce ou tardive. Les complications s'associaient surtout à l'augmentation des lèvres, à l'égard de laquelle 13,5 % des patients ont remarqué une ecchymose très perceptible après l'injection, qui se résorbait tout à fait au bout d'une semaine, 51,3 % avaient des implants décelables à la palpation et 13,1 % avaient besoin d'une intervention supplémentaire par massage, injection de stéroïdes ou excision locale pour corriger une bosse. Soixante pour cent des patients qui avaient besoin d'une intervention supplémentaire y ont réagi de manière positive, tandis que deux patients ont subi une excision localisée parce qu'ils n'avaient pas répondu à six mois de massages et de stéroïdothérapie. Dans l'ensemble, 11 patients (14,9 %) présentaient des asymétries mineures ou des résultats sous-optimaux dans le groupe d'étude ayant subi une augmentation des lèvres. Dans les autres foyers d'injection, une correction insuffisante du pli ou de la ride était la principale doléance. CONCLUSION: Selon l'expérience des auteurs, l'Artecoll est une option sécuritaire et viable pour le traitement à long terme des profondes rides faciales, de l'asymétrie nasale, des lèvres hypoplastiques ou atrophiées et des cicatrices d'acné en creux, et les résultats s'accompagnent d'une profonde satisfaction de la part des patients. Même si l'implant est souvent palpable, il cause rarement des bosses visibles importantes. Son utilisation et ses applications sous forme d'agent injectable semi-permanent méritent des recherches plus approfondies.

Outpatient thyroid surgery in a Toronto community hospital.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid surgery has been traditionally viewed as a procedure necessitating hospitalization of patients. There is a small but growing body of literature demonstrating the safety and efficacy of outpatient thyroid surgery. OBJECTIVES/DESIGN: Based on a review of the literature and a description of the protocol used to identify patients who are candidates for outpatient procedures, complications associated with the management of these patients are discussed. SETTING: Teritary referral otolaryngology practice within a community hospital. RESULTS: The study period included 247 thyroid surgeries, of which 94 were completed on an outpatient basis. No complications were identified in the outpatient group. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient subtotal thyroidectomy is safe and effective. It has not been shown to increase postoperative complication rates. The practice of outpatient thyroid surgery can be of financial benefit to the Canadian health care system.

Digital imaging in rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Imaging in facial plastic surgery is becoming common. With the advances of digital imaging software, modifications of preoperative images for rhinoplasty patients can help to predict outcomes. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether preoperative digital image modification in rhinoplasty patients is useful in predicting postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Patients undergoing rhinoplasty were prospectively collected and underwent preoperative digital imaging modifications using computer software. Postoperative images were compared to the preoperative modified images. Rankings for similarity were performed by patients and surgeons. Wilcoxon ranked-pairs test was used to compare the groups with a predetermined P value of 0.05, and levels of agreement were assessed using weighted kappa scores. RESULTS: One hundred twelve patients were collected and postoperative images were taken 11 months after surgery (range = 6-30 months). Frontal images were rated as poor, average, very close, or identical by patients 6.2, 52.7, 33.0, and 8.0%, and by surgeons 2.7, 61.6, 34.8, and 0.9%, respectively (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.23). Lateral images were rated as poor, average, very close, or identical by patients 1.8, 18.8, 48.2, and 31.3%, and by surgeons 0.9, 24.1, 59.8, and 15.2%, respectively (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.0024). Weighted kappa scores for agreement were 0.42 for frontal views of patients and surgeons and 0.65 for lateral views. CONCLUSION: Ratings by patients and surgeons comparing preoperative manipulated images with postoperative outcomes are predictive in approximately 75% of the patients, and lateral images are more useful for this goal. Level of agreement between patient and surgeon scoring is good for lateral images and moderate for frontal.

[Correlation between subjective assessment and objective measurement of nasal obstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between subjective assessment from clinician and patients and the objective measurement from active posterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry. METHODS: Clinician and patients' assessment of nasal patency was achieved by visual analogue scale (VAS). Objective measurement included active posterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry. The mean of clinician's assessment and patients' VAS was compared by using paired-samples t-test. The correlation between unilateral nasal airflow resistance and unilateral nasal airway volume, unilateral minimal cross section area, and also subjective assessment and objective measurement of nasal patency were analysed by using Spearman correlation analysis in total patients. RESULTS: In total of 316 patients, pre-decongestion and post-decongestion, unilateral nasal airflow resistance and unilateral nasal airway volume, unilateral minimal cross section area had significant negative correlation respectively (P = 0.000). The mean of clinician's assessment and patients' VAS had significant difference (P < 0.001) before and after decongestion. Clinician's assessment had significant positive correlation with patients' VAS, nasal airflow resistance, and significant negative correlation with nasal airway volume, minimal cross section area of nasal cavity before and after decongestion (P = 0.000). Patients' VAS had significant positive correlation with nasal airflow resistance, and significant negative correlation with nasal airway volume, minimal cross section area of nasal cavity before and after decongestion (P = 0.000). The correlation coefficients from clinician's assessment and objective measurements were greater than those from patients VAS and objective measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The parameter of active posterior rhinomanometry had significant negative correlation with the parameters of acoustic rhinometry. Clinician assessment of nasal patency had significant positive correlation with patients' VAS; both of them had significant correlation with the parameters of rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry. Clinician's assessment was more objective and reliable to the parameters of objective measurement than patients' VAS.

Nasal airway volume and resistance to airflow.

BACKGROUND: In modern rhinological practice and research, rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry are widely used. The goal of this study was to determine whether there is correlation between rhinomanometrically derived nasal airflow resistances and acoustic rhinometrically derived nasal airway volumes. METHODS: To achieve the goal, a prospective cross-sectional study of a total of 316 patients complaining of nasal obstruction was performed. Resulting data were compared by means of Spearman rank correlations of the total number of patients and of subgroups. RESULTS: The total number of patients, and most subgroups, in both their untreated and decongested states showed significant negative correlation unilaterally between nasal airflow resistances and nasal volumes. CONCLUSION: Rhinomanometric nasal airflow resistances and concurrent acoustic rhinometric nasal airway volumes are closely correlated. The combination of the two objective methods provides insight into nasal airflow physiology and nasal airway anatomy.

Transfixion incision as an initial technique in nasal tip deprojection.

BACKGROUND: The overprojected nasal tip presents a significant challenge to the surgeon performing rhinoplasty. Full transfixion incision as a means of dealing with this deformity has been studied only in combination with other surgical methods. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether transfixion incision alone would result in significant nasal tip deprojection, and if skin thickness had an effect on the extent of deprojection the procedure yielded. METHOD: Seventy-two consecutive patients with an aesthetic goal of nasal tip deprojection were enrolled. The sole surgical means of deprojection used was transfixion incision. Subjects were categorized as thin-, medium- or thick-skinned based on the surgeon's analysis. These groups were compared in terms of their postprocedural nasal tip deprojection. RESULTS: Using transfixion incision as the sole means of correcting this deformity resulted in a mean nasal tip deprojection of 1.6 mm (ranging from 0 mm to 3 mm). Patients in the thin skin group had a mean deprojection of 2.12 mm. This was significantly greater than for both the medium- and thick-skinned groups. There was no significant difference between the medium- and thick-skinned groups. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons may use skin thickness when planning interventions for correcting nasal tip overprojection. When used alone, transfixion incision resulted in tip deprojection comparable with that achieved when combined with other methods, particularly for thin-skinned patients. Surgeons can thus use a graduated approach in which transfixion incision, the least destructive method, is used before proceeding with other interventions.