Magnetic resonance imaging of disorders with white matter changes in children and adolescents: a pictorial essay.

White matter changes are seen in a spectrum of disorders in children and adolescents. Understanding their distribution and appearance helps to reach diagnoses in daily radiologic practice. This pictorial essay will outline the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances of diseases with white matter changes including demyelinating diseases, dysmyelinating disorders/leukodystrophies, infections, autoimmune diseases, vascular causes, mitochondrial disorders and neurocutaneous syndromes, along with a brief overview of clinical aspects of the diseases such as typical age of presentation, etiology, symptoms and signs and treatment options. This article highlights important features in common white matter diseases in children and adolescents.

Endoscopic Brow Lift Fixation With Mitek Suture Anchors: A 9-Year Experience of a New "Ideal" Technique.

PURPOSE: In recent years, the endoscopic technique has emerged as a minimally invasive approach to forehead rejuvenation, although the specific need for and mode of brow fixation for endoscopic brow lifts remain under considerable debate. An ideal fixation device should provide non-palpable long-lasting fixation and allow retention of the device post-operatively without the need for removal. It should also allow precise intraoperative adjustment for symmetry and correction of brow ptosis. METHODS: The authors describe an endoscopic brow lift technique using an absorbable bone anchor, Mitek Microfix. A retrospective chart review was conducted in patients who underwent endoscopic brow lift procedures utilizing this fixation method at an academic practice. Outcomes evaluated included operative times, reoperation rates, palpability, fixation device permanence, incremental costs comparisons to conventional methods, efficacy, and technical learning curve. Complication rates were evaluated and the economic, incremental cost analysis of current fixation methods was reviewed. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients underwent single-procedure endoscopic brow fixation using the Mitek anchor over a 9-year period (2005-2014). The mean operative time was 100 minutes. There were no cases of implant palpability, alopecia, or other postoperative complications. Two patients underwent revision secondary lifts after an average of 5.5 months for temporal ptosis. CONCLUSION: The Mitek Microfix QuickAnchor provides durable, long-lasting fixation without device palpability. Its technical ease of use is demonstrated by the reasonable mean operative time achieved with the active involvement of resident surgeons. This device is operator-friendly, easy to use, fully indwelling, and provides lasting fixation without the development of palpability or alopecia.

OBJECTIFS: Ces dernières années, la technique endoscopique est devenue une approche peu invasive du rajeunissement du front, mais la nécessité et le moyen de fixer les sourcils font l'objet de vifs débats. Le dispositif de fixation idéal doit être non palpable, durable et demeurer en place sans devoir être retiré. Il doit également assurer le rajustement intraopératoire précis de la symétrie et de la correction de la ptose des sourcils. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les auteurs décrivent une technique de redrapage endoscopique des sourcils à l'aide de l'ancre osseuse absorbable Mitek Microfix. Ils ont procédé à une analyse rétrospective des dossiers des patients qui avaient subi un redrapage endoscopique des sourcils à l'aide de cette méthode de fixation dans un cabinet universitaire. Ils ont évalué la durée de l'opération, le taux de réopérations, la palpabilité, la permanence du dispositif de fixation, les comparaisons des coûts différentiels par rapport aux méthodes traditionnelles, l'efficacité et la courbe d'apprentissage technique. Ils ont également évalué le taux de complications et examiné l'analyse des coûts différentiels des méthodes de fixation. RÉSULTATS: Sur une période de neuf ans (de 2005 à 2014), 82 patients ont subi une seule intervention de fixation endoscopique des sourcils à l'aide de l'ancre Mitek. L'opération durait 100 minutes en moyenne. Il n'y a eu aucun cas de palpabilité de l'implant, d'alopécie ou d'autres complications postopératoires. Deux patients ont subi un redrapage secondaire après une ptose temporale au bout d'une période moyenne de 5,5 mois. CONCLUSION: L'ancre Mitek Microfix QuickAnchor procure une fixation durable sans palpabilité du dispositif. La simplicité de la technique est démontrée par le temps moyen raisonnable de l'opération obtenu avec la participation active de résidents en chirurgie. Ce dispositif à demeure est facile à utiliser pour l'opérateur et procure une fixation durable sans apparition de palpabilité ou d'alopécie.

Improved Range of Motion and Patient-Reported Outcome Scores With Fixed-Bearing Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty for Suboptimal Axial Implant Rotation.

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal implant rotation has consequences with respect to knee kinematics and clinical outcomes. We evaluated the functional outcomes of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for poor axial implant rotation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 42 TKAs undergoing aseptic revision for poor axial implant rotation. We assessed improvements in Knee Society Score (KSS) and final range of motion (ROM). Subgroup analyses were performed for preoperative instability and stiffness, as well as the number of components revised and level of implant constraint used. RESULTS: Revision for poor axial rotation in isolation improved KSS from 52 ± 22 to 84 ± 25 (P < .001), and flexion increased from 105 ± 21° to 115 ± 13° (P = .001). Revision in the setting of instability significantly improved the KSS (P < .001) but did not affect ROM (P = .172). Revision in the setting of stiffness significantly improved both KSS (P < .001) and ROM (P = .002). There was no statistically significant difference between the postoperative KSS (P = .889) and final knee flexion (P = .629) with single- or both-component revision TKA for isolated poor axial rotation or between the postoperative KSS (P = .956) and final knee flexion (P = .541) with or without the use of higher constraint during revision TKA for isolated poor axial rotation. CONCLUSION: Revision TKA for poor axial alignment improves clinical outcomes scores and functional ROM.

Liposomal Bupivacaine in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the role of liposomal bupivacaine in implant-based breast reconstruction. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, single-blind trial of liposomal bupivacaine in implant-based breast reconstruction was performed. Patients in the control arm were treated with 20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine 1:200,000 to each breast pocket. Patients in the experimental arm were treated with 10 mL 1.3% liposomal bupivacaine delivered to each breast pocket. Pain scores were recorded over the course of patients' hospital stay. Consumption of pain medications, benzodiazepines, and anti-emetics was monitored. Length of stay and other direct cost data were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were enrolled, with 12 women randomized to each arm. Average postoperative pain scores were 3.66 for patients in the control arm and 3.68 for patients in the experimental arm. Opioid consumption was 1.43 morphine equivalent dosing/h for patients in the control arm and 0.76 morphine equivalent dosing/h for patients in the experimental arm (P = 0.017). Diazepam consumption was 0.348 mg/h for patients in the control arm and 0.176 mg/h for patients in the experimental arm (P = 0.011). Average length of hospital stay was 46.7 hours for patients in the control arm and 29.8 hours for patients in the experimental arm (P = 0.035). Average hospital charges were $18,632 for patients in the control arm and $10,828 for patients in the experimental arm (P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Liposomal bupivacaine reduces opioid and benzodiazepine consumption, length of stay, and hospital charges. These data support a role for liposomal bupivacaine in implant-based breast reconstruction.

Redefining the Ideal Buttocks: A Population Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The buttocks are a key element of female beauty, with aesthetic gluteoplasty becoming one of the fastest growing plastic surgery procedures. However, there remains no clear standard for the ideal buttocks. The authors performed a population analysis of the characteristics of the ideal buttocks to guide surgical planning. METHODS: Images of buttocks were digitally altered to create buttocks of varying proportions on posterior and lateral views. Waist-to-hip ratios and varying vertical proportions were studied. Data were stratified and analyzed according to age range, gender, ethnicity, and nationality of the respondents. RESULTS: A total of 1146 responses were collected. Of 989 respondents who submitted their gluteal preferences, 482 respondents (48.7 percent) were women and 507 (51.3 percent) were men. Overall, the most attractive buttocks waist-to-hip ratio is 0.65 from the posterior view (44.2 percent of respondents). The next most attractive ratio was 0.60 (25 percent of respondents). Positioning of the lateral prominence at the inferior gluteal fold was rated by 26.3 percent of respondents as the most attractive. From the lateral view, the most attractive buttocks have a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.70 (29.8 percent of respondents), with the most prominent portion positioned at the midpoint of the buttocks (45.1 percent of respondents), which is a 50:50 vertical ratio. There were no significant differences in preferences between respondent ages, genders, or ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS: New ideal waist-to-hip ratios of 0.6 and 0.65 update the previous standards and indicate a more dramatic and "curvier" new ideal, signaling an important preference paradigm shift. The information derived from this study has the potential to guide gluteoplasty practices and techniques.

Reconstruction of Extended Orbitomaxillectomy and Hemimandibulectomy Defects With Fibula Flaps and Patient-Specific Implants.

An extended orbitomaxillectomy and hemimandibulectomy for polyostotic juvenile ossifying fibroma resection were performed with the assistance of patient-specific cutting guides. The resulting defects were reconstructed in stages. First, a patient-specific mandibular reconstruction plate was fixed to the hemimandibulectomy defect in the same operation as the resection. After margins were proven to be free of tumor on histologic analysis, a free fibula flap contoured to the reconstruction plate was used to reconstruct the mandible. Reconstruction of the maxilla, alveolus, and orbit were performed with a second free fibula flap and patient-specific implants. The lining of the total nasal vault cavity was reconstructed with septal flaps. At 7 months postoperatively, the patient had an excellent esthetic result and resolved diplopia.

Polyostotic Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma: An Exceptionally Rare Case.

Accurate and early diagnosis of benign fibroosseous lesions is important because the treatment and resulting outcomes of each differ. Juvenile ossifying fibromas typically occur in young patients and grow rapidly with a high recurrence rate. Their monostotic nature has previously differentiated these tumors from other fibroosseous lesions. We describe an interesting and extremely rare case of polyostotic juvenile ossifying fibromas in a 14-year-old boy with involvement of the maxilla and mandible. The available literature on juvenile ossifying fibromas is also briefly reviewed. When diagnosing a polyostotic fibroosseous lesion, it is important to not exclude the possibility of juvenile ossifying fibromas because this may warrant a different treatment.

Indirect cerebral revascularization with a temporoparietal fascial flap in pediatric moyamoya patients: a novel technique and review of current surgical options.

Moyamoya syndrome is a progressive occlusive disease of the cerebral vessels. There are a variety of surgical treatments directed at revascularizing the ischemic brain in pediatric moyamoya disease. Many reports of varying success with both direct and indirect type of procedures can be found in medical literature. We present a novel technique, encephalo-TPF-synangiosis (ETS) with a pedicled bone flap, for indirect moyamoya revascularization in pediatric patients. A three-quarters osteoplastic temporal craniotomy was created. A pedicled temporoparietal fascial flap was passed intracranially through the temporalis muscle and placed into contact with the pial surface. The bone flap was the reaffixed to the skull. We performed 8 ETS in 6 patients. This is a well-vascularized, highly reliable method that offers broad-based surface area for revascularization. We also offer a composite overview of current surgical indirect revascularization techniques.

The angel flap for nipple reconstruction.

Creation of an aesthetically pleasing nipple plays a significant role in breast reconstruction as a determining factor in patient satisfaction. The goals for nipple reconstruction include minimal donor site morbidity and appropriate, long-lasting projection. Currently, the most popular techniques used are associated with a significant loss of projection postoperatively. Accordingly, the authors introduce the angel flap, which is designed to achieve nipple projection with lasting results. The lateral edges of the flap and the area surrounding the top of the nipple are de-epithelialized and the flaps are wrapped to create a nipple mound composed primarily of dermis. Decreasing the amount of fat within core of the nipple and enhancing dermal content promotes long-lasting projection. Furthermore, the incision pattern fits within a desired areolar size, preventing unnecessary superfluous extension of the incisions. Thus, the technique described herein achieves the goals of nipple reconstruction, including adequate and long-lasting projection, without extension of the lateral limb scars.

La création d'un mamelon agréable sur le plan esthétique est un facteur déterminant de la satisfaction de la patiente qui subit une reconstruction mammaire. La reconstruction du mamelon vise à susciter une morbidité minimale au foyer du prélèvement et une projection pertinente et durable. Les techniques actuelles les plus populaires s'associent à une importante perte de projection après l'opération. C'est pourquoi les auteurs présentent le lambeau de l'ange, conçu pour procurer une projection du mamelon aux résultats durables. Les bordures latérales du lambeau et de la région entourant le dessus du mamelon sont désépithélialisées et les lambeaux sont repliés pour former un monticule mamelonnaire composé surtout de derme. Le fait de réduire la quantité de matière grasse au cœur du mamelon et d'en accroître le contenu dermique favorise une projection durable. De plus, le mode d'incision s'associe à la dimension souhaitée de l'aréole et évite l'extension inutile des incisions. La technique décrite aux présentes permet donc la reconstruction du mamelon, y compris une projection convenable et durable, sans extension des cicatrices latérales sur les membres.

Bleeding risks of herbal, homeopathic, and dietary supplements: a hidden nightmare for plastic surgeons?

The utilization of complementary and alternative medicine has increased tremendously in the last two decades. Herbal products, homeopathic medicines, and dietary supplements are extremely popular and are available without a prescription (which likely contributes to their popularity). Despite their "natural" characteristics, these remedies have the potential to cause bleeding in patients who undergo surgery. The high use of these supplements among cosmetic surgery patients, coupled with increasing reports of hematomas associated with herbal and homeopathic medicines, prompted the authors to conduct a comprehensive review focused on bleeding risks of such products in an effort to raise awareness among plastic surgeons. This review focuses on 19 herbs, three herbal formulas, two herbal teas, and several other supplements that can cause bleeding perioperatively and postoperatively. In addition to being aware of such adverse effects, plastic surgeons must adequately screen all patients and educate them on the possible dangers associated with these treatments.

The evolution of breast reconstruction: a historical perspective.

Plastic surgeons have been performing operations to improve the aesthetic aspect of the breast for centuries. Throughout ancient times, great controversy produced many theories of how breast cancer occurred and the best treatment. Because of beliefs that closure of mastectomy sites could conceal tumor recurrence, breast reconstruction did not gain wide acceptance until the mid-1900s. Today, plastic surgeons have a variety of techniques to reconstruct the breast. The first autologous muscle flap for breast reconstruction was the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, described in 1896 by Iginio Tansini. The introduction of Carl Hartrampf's transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap and Robert J. Allen's deep inferior epigastric perforator flap have also provided excellent reconstructive options. With regard to augmentation, Vincenz Czerny attempted to enhance a woman's breast in 1895 with implantation of a lumbar lipoma. Soon after, surgeons used paraffin injections and polyvinylic alcohol sponge implantation, which yielded disastrous results. In 1961, Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow promoted the first silicone implant, paving the way for today's silicone and saline prototypes. Although reduction mammaplasty techniques had originated centuries earlier than mastopexy methods, the advancements of both have largely paralleled one another. In 1949, the Wise pattern was introduced to preoperatively plan safer and predictable outcomes in breast reductions. Efforts to minimize scars were achieved with Claude Lassus' introduction and Madeleine Lejour's subsequent modification of the vertical scar mammaplasty. In hopes of fostering an understanding of current post-mastectomy procedures and instilling passion for innovating future techniques, we provide a near-complete, surgically focused historical account of the primary contributors to breast reconstruction.

Paediatric thyroid carcinoma in disguise: papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting with thyrotoxicosis and diffuse goiter.

Abstract Papillary thyroid carcinoma is rare in children. Its clinical manifestation may deviate from that observed in adult patients. We present a 14-year-old girl with papillary thyroid carcinoma. We then discuss various distinctive sonographic signs that may aid diagnosis, and we discuss differences in clinical features between children and adults [added].

Massive congenital kaposiform hemangioendothelioma of the eyelid in a neonate.

BACKGROUND: Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare and aggressive vascular tumor of infancy and childhood. It is associated with the development of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome, a life-threatening consumptive thrombocytopenia. We report an interesting case of a massive periorbital congenital KHE in a neonate to raise awareness of this aggressive diagnosis. METHODS: A male neonate presented with a large congenital mass of the lower eyelid. To prevent development of amblyopia, this mass was surgically excised on the sixth day of life. RESULTS: Histologic investigation demonstrated spindle-shaped endothelial cells with surrounding crescentic vessels, which were GLUT-1 receptor-negative and D2-40 receptor-positive, consistent with KHE. Surgical excision of the periorbital KHE successfully cleared the neonate's visual axis. At 1 year of follow-up, there was no evidence of tumor recurrence, and visual development was progressing normally. A pleasing surgical result was achieved without periorbital distortion. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric vascular tumors have historically been wrought with diagnostic confusion. With recent advances in immunohistochemistry, this previously uncharacterized group of tumors has been differentiated into multiple distinct clinical entities. Accurate and timely diagnosis is paramount because these tumors vary greatly in their clinical behavior, prognosis, and recommended treatment. Surgical excision is preferred and necessary in a neonate with visual access obstruction to prevent amblyopia and irreversible blindness.

Pyoderma gangrenosum: the great pretender and a challenging diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: The initial presentation of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is virtually indistinguishable from a pyogenic infection, making débridement appear necessary. However, operative approaches often lead to exacerbation and rapid extension through pathergy. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: In attempts to increase awareness of this condition and minimize misdiagnoses, a review of published reports involving PG of the hand and digits was performed and included 35 patients in addition to our case of a 14-year-old female with a history of ulcerative colitis. RESULTS: Of the total cases, 29 patients were misdiagnosed as having an infection and subsequently treated with antibiotics; 13 of these patients also had débridement of their lesions. Twenty-eight patients had associated medical conditions, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. CONCLUSION: When approached with a rapidly growing ulcerated lesion that does not respond to operative therapy, the possibility of PG should be entertained and a high-dose corticosteroid regimen and/or immunomodulator therapy implemented.

Plastic surgery marketing in a generation of "tweeting".

BACKGROUND: "Social media" describes interactive communication through Web-based technologies. It has become an everyday part of modern life, yet there is a lack of research regarding its impact on plastic surgery practice. OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluate and compare the prevalence of classic marketing methods and social media in plastic surgery. METHODS: The Web sites of aesthetic surgeons from seven US cities were compared and evaluated for the existence of Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace links and promotions. To find the sites, the authors conducted a Google search for the phrase "plastic surgery" with the name of each city to be studied: Beverly Hills, California; Dallas, Texas; Houston, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; Miami, Florida; New York City, New York; and San Francisco, California. The trends of social networking memberships were also studied in each of these cities. RESULTS: In comparison to aesthetic surgeons practicing in other cities, those in Miami, Florida, favored social media the most, with 50% promoting a Facebook page and 46% promoting Twitter. Fifty-six percent of New York City aesthetic surgeons promoted their featured articles in magazines and newspapers, whereas 54% of Beverly Hills aesthetic surgeons promoted their television appearances. An increase in the number of new Facebook memberships among cosmetic providers in the seven cities began in October 2008 and reached a peak in October, November, and December 2009, with subsequent stabilization. The increase in the number of new Twitter memberships began in July 2008 and remained at a steady rate of approximately 15 new memberships every three months. CONCLUSIONS: Social media may seem like a new and unique communication tool, but it is important to preserve professionalism and apply traditional Web site-building ethics and principles to these sites. We can expect continued growth in plastic surgeons' utilization of these networks to enhance their practices and possibly to launch direct marketing campaigns.

Single-stage frontalis muscle flap for full-thickness reconstruction of the upper eyelid.

BACKGROUND: Full-thickness upper eyelid defects present a reconstructive challenge. Defects greater than 50% of the upper eyelid have traditionally been reconstructed with bulky full-thickness forehead flaps, Cutler-Beard flaps, Mustarde eyelid switches, and cheek rotation advancements, all mandating a second-stage surgical procedure. We propose a novel technique for full-thickness upper eyelid reconstruction based on a frontalis muscle flap elevated from the resection defect, thus resulting in no additional forehead scar. METHODS: Our patient is a 48-year-old woman with an enlarging right upper eyelid sebaceous cell carcinoma. A subsequent single-stage resection resulted in a medial full-thickness defect of 75% of the upper eyelid. The lateral and medial canthi were preserved. A palatal mucoperiosteal graft was harvested for the reconstruction of the posterior lamella. Dissection was carried through the excision defect in a preseptal plane over the supraorbital rim and subcutaneously over the frontalis muscle. A caudally pedicled frontalis muscle flap was elevated and inset to the defect edges with mild tension. Reconstruction of the skin defect of the upper eyelid was completed with a full-thickness preauricular skin graft. RESULTS: The patient had no complications and demonstrated good function and aesthetic result at 15 weeks and at 9 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Frontalis muscle flap-based reconstruction offers a viable option for upper eyelid defects that are full thickness and encompass more than 50% of the eyelid. We obtained a functionally and aesthetically pleasing outcome with this single-stage procedure using a preexisting incision with minimal donor-site morbidity.

Linear ubiquitination prevents inflammation and regulates immune signalling.

Members of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily have important functions in immunity and inflammation. Recently linear ubiquitin chains assembled by a complex containing HOIL-1 and HOIP (also known as RBCK1 and RNF31, respectively) were implicated in TNF signalling, yet their relevance in vivo remained uncertain. Here we identify SHARPIN as a third component of the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex, recruited to the CD40 and TNF receptor signalling complexes together with its other constituents, HOIL-1 and HOIP. Mass spectrometry of TNF signalling complexes revealed RIP1 (also known as RIPK1) and NEMO (also known as IKKγ or IKBKG) to be linearly ubiquitinated. Mutation of the Sharpin gene (Sharpin(cpdm/cpdm)) causes chronic proliferative dermatitis (cpdm) characterized by inflammatory skin lesions and defective lymphoid organogenesis. Gene induction by TNF, CD40 ligand and interleukin-1ß was attenuated in cpdm-derived cells which were rendered sensitive to TNF-induced death. Importantly, Tnf gene deficiency prevented skin lesions in cpdm mice. We conclude that by enabling linear ubiquitination in the TNF receptor signalling complex, SHARPIN interferes with TNF-induced cell death and, thereby, prevents inflammation. Our results provide evidence for the relevance of linear ubiquitination in vivo in preventing inflammation and regulating immune signalling.

A quantitative analysis of periorbital aging with three-dimensional surface imaging.

BACKGROUND: Studies of facial aging up to the present have largely been observational and subjective. This study applies state-of-the-art facial imaging and three-dimensional computer modelling to measure changes in the aging female face. The markers of facial aging discussed here go beyond descriptive accounts by individual practitioners and are presented as quantitative measurements of the volume change in the aging periorbital region. METHODS: Three-dimensional image data sets were acquired of 42 mother-daughter matched pairs (83 individuals). Overall similarity of the faces of the mother-daughter pair were confirmed using best fit analyses prior to further processing of the data. The changes in facial structure secondary to aging were measured using volumetric comparisons of periorbital tissues in the daughter and mother. The age range of the individuals imaged range from 15 to 91 years. RESULTS: A consistent pattern of volume difference and regression of soft tissues associated with the medial canthus nasojugal groove was demonstrated in the aged individual of each pair. The volume difference associated with the tear trough ranged from 0.02cc to 1.27cc with median values of 0.38cc and 0.42cc. Volume differences in the adjacent periorbital tissues are also measured. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging clearly shows a consistent pattern of atrophy and regression of soft tissues associated with the medial canthus and nasojugal groove. Histogram depth analysis of the soft tissue shows greatest atrophy in the medial canthal region and soft tissues caudal to the lower lid. Volumetric analysis of the atrophy of these tissues is a useful adjunct in the accurate rejuvenation of the periorbital region.

Transverse ulnar forearm flap.

INTRODUCTION: The transverse ulnar forearm flap (TUFF) was used to reconstruct different recipient sites in 5 consecutive cases based on the specific requirement for a small thin, hairless flap with a long pedicle. Recent studies have clarified the benefits of the ulnar forearm flap: a less inconspicuous donor site and a primary donor site closure with a radially based fasciocutaneous flap. METHODS: The TUFF is designed with its long axis transverse and distal margin parallel with a wrist flexion crease. An incision is extended proximally along the ulnar artery pedicle as far as the takeoff from the brachial artery if needed. After elevating the ulnar forearm flap in the standard fashion, transverse primary closure of the donor site is obtained by elevating a large volar forearm fasciocutaneous flap based on the radial artery and advanced distally with a V-Y advancement. Any dog ear is tailored, and the wrist is flexed at 30 degrees. RESULTS: All TUFF and radial fasciocutaneous flaps survived completely without partial or total losses or ischemic hand complications. One patient had a wide scar at the proximal forearm Y junction that was revised. Two-point fingertip discrimination and range of motion were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The TUFF is a synthesis of variations of previously described forearm flap techniques and provides a specialized flap in situations where small, thin, pliable, hairless fasciocutaneous flap with a long vascular pedicle are necessary. These characteristics make it appropriate in orbital reconstruction and palatal surgery.

The quality of Internet advertising in aesthetic surgery: an in-depth analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aesthetic market is a growing business, as evidenced by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reporting an increase of 147% in the number of cosmetic procedures performed by members since 1997. This market is consumer-oriented, relying heavily on advertising for survival amid the increasing provider competition. OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluate trends, ethics, and efficacy of Internet advertising in aesthetic surgery. METHODS: Medical cosmetic providers in Southern California and their Web sites were catalogued through sales lists from manufacturers (Medicis and Allergan) and combined with advertised providers of surgical treatments. Using the ASAPS/American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Medical Association Codes of Ethics as guidelines, scores were assigned to each Web site and evaluated with the provider's board certification. A geographical analysis determined whether the presence of high numbers of competitors had an impact on the adherence to ethical guidelines for advertising. To examine patient preferences in physician advertising, a survey was conducted online. RESULTS: Board-certified plastic surgeons showed the highest total ethical scores, followed by otolaryngologists, oromaxillofacial surgeons, and ophthalmologists. No decrement in the quality of the advertising was found in densely competitive environments. A consistent correlation was found between superior compliance with ethical guidelines and board certification in plastic surgery. The patient preference survey of 208 individuals demonstrated their desire for a well-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform their cosmetic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Although plastic surgeons demonstrate greater overall compliance with the ASAPS/ASPS Advertising Code of Ethics, they can continue to improve. With the large variety of cosmetic physicians offering the same procedures, maintaining open, honest, and forthright communication with the public is essential.