Accurate Plane Fat Grafting in Gluteal Augmentation: An Anatomic Study.

BACKGROUND: The safety of gluteal fat grafting is a global concern in plastic surgery. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to test whether fat grafting to the buttocks with Auto Stop Reach (ASR) technology prevents penetration from the subcutaneous space into the fascia and muscle layers of the buttocks. METHODS: Fat transfer simulation was performed with blue dye on 8 fresh tissue cadaver buttocks by 3 board-certified plastic surgeons (S.S.K., S.C., B.W.). An open control was utilized to visualize the process in the different anatomic layers, and all of the other procedures were performed blindly, akin to live surgery. After blue dye transfer reached maximum capacity (ranging from 400-800 mL per buttock), dissection of the anatomical layers of the buttocks was performed to determine the plane(s) of injection. RESULTS: Blue dye fat transfer injection to the buttocks did not penetrate the gluteal fascia or muscle layers from the subcutaneous space while using ASR. CONCLUSIONS: Auto Stop Reach technology supports the safety of gluteal fat transfer in the subcutaneous space by board-certified plastic surgeons.

Combined Autologous and Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction: Defining the Upper Limits of Safe Expansion in Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Combined latissimus dorsi and prosthetic reconstruction is a useful reconstructive option in patients with a history of breast radiation who are not good candidates for abdominally based autologous reconstruction. One difficulty, particularly in obese patients, is that the thickness of the flap can impair port localization, increasing the risk of inadvertent puncture during expansion. The authors sought to investigate the upper limits of tissue thickness at which tissue expansion can be reliably performed. METHODS: A cadaveric study was designed in which 2 blinded observers attempted to localize the port of a Mentor CPX-4 expander under tissue 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 cm thick. Thirty attempts were made per tissue thickness. RESULTS: For tissue thicknesses of 1 to 4 cm, the success rate was 100% (k = 1). At 5 cm, the success rate decreased to 86.6% (k = 1); at 6 cm, 43.3% (k = 0.85). Point biserial correlation revealed a negative correlation between tissue thickness and accuracy at a thicknesses of greater than 4 cm (r = -0.55, P < 0.00001). Converting tissue thickness to a dichotomous variable based on the results (thickness, <4 and >4 cm), Fisher exact test revealed a statistically significant difference between these 2 populations (P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: In obese patients with a skin pinch of greater than 8 cm or a flap thickness of greater than 4 cm, steps should be taken to minimize the risk of inadvertent puncture of the expander during postoperative expansion. This can include foregoing tissue expander placement in favor of an implant, port localization with ultrasound guidance, or the use of remote port expanders. These findings are relevant not only in breast reconstruction with latissimus flaps and implants but also in any setting where autologous and prosthetic reconstructions are combined.

Landmarks for Sacral Debridement in Sacral Pressure Sores.

INTRODUCTION: Most cases of sacral osteomyelitis arising in the setting of sacral pressure ulcers require minimal cortical debridement. When faced with advanced bony involvement, the surgeon is often unclear about how much can safely be resected. Unfamiliarity with sacral anatomy can lead to concerns of inadvertent entry into the dural space and compromise of future flap options. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cadaveric study (n = 6), in which a wide posterior dissection of the sacrum, was performed. Relationships of the dural sac to bony landmarks of the posterior pelvis were noted. RESULTS: The termination of the dural sac was found in our study to occur at the junction of S2/S3 vertebral bodies, which was located at a mean distance of 0.38 ± 0.16 cm distal to the inferior-most extent of the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). The mean thickness of the posterior table of sacrum at this level was 1.7 cm at the midline and 0.5 cm at the sacral foramina. CONCLUSIONS: The PSIS is a reliable landmark for localizing the S2/S3 junction and the termination of the dural sac. Sacral debridement medial to the sacral foramina above the level of PSIS must be conservative whenever possible. If aggressive debridement is necessary above this level, the surgeon must be alert to the possibility of dural involvement.

The Safe Labiaplasty: A Study of Nerve Density in Labia Minora and Its Implications.

BACKGROUND: Surgical techniques to alleviate labia minora hypertrophy are gaining popularity. Due to the rapidly growing number of labiaplasties performed around the world, there is concern for the safety of these procedures with respect to maintaining sensitivity to the genitalia and/or implications for sexual arousal. OBJECTIVES: An anatomic study aimed at identifying the nerve density distribution of the labia minora was performed to provide unique insight into performing labiaplasty while preserving sensation. METHODS: Four fresh tissue cadaver labia minora were analyzed. Each labia minora was divided into 6 anatomic areas. The samples from each of the 6 anatomic locations were analyzed for presence of nerve bundles using both a routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain and a confirmatory immunohistochemical staining for S100 protein. Nerve density was analyzed under light microscopy, counted, and then expressed as percentage nerve density as well as number of bundles per square millimeter. RESULTS: Upon gross analysis, the raw data reveal that labia minora have a heterogeneous population of sensory nerves. When looking at percent nerve density, the data do not reveal any statistical differences between the anatomic locations. CONCLUSIONS: Most labiaplasty techniques can be performed safely and are unlikely to cause loss of sensation as the nerve density distribution in labia minora is heterogeneous.

Caudal resection of the upper lateral cartilages and its measured effect on tip rotation.

BACKGROUND: Commonly used maneuvers for upward tip rotation include cephalic trim of the lateral alar cartilages, caudal resection of the septum, and shortening of the upper lateral cartilages (ULCs). Few techniques for surgical manipulation of the ULCs are found in the literature, and none accurately describe the measured effect of the caudal resection on tip rotation. The purpose of this study is to predict the change in upward rotation of the nasal tip for a measured incremental resection of the ULCs. METHODS: Ten fresh cadaveric noses were dissected with the aid of loupe magnification via an open rhinoplasty approach. The ULCs were sectioned in 20% increments, and measurements of the nasolabial angle (NLA) were recorded with the use of a goniometer. True lateral photographs were obtained for the photographic analysis of the specimens. RESULTS: The average length of the ULC was 16.8 ± 1.6 mm. Serial reduction of the ULC length by 4 sequential 20% increments resulted in a mean NLA change of 3.6, 2.7, 2.1, and 1.9 degrees, respectively. The average incremental change in NLA for the 4 resections was 2.6 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Caudal resection of the ULC has a measurable effect on the upward rotation of the nasal tip. A 20% resection correlates with an average change in the NLA of 2.6 degrees. Because caudal resection of the ULC is a powerful tool in the armamentarium of the rhinoplasty surgeon that can cause narrowing of the internal nasal valve and hallowing of the lower nasal sidewalls, it should be used with caution in a selected group of patients when attempting to elevate the "droopy" tip.

Anatomical landmarks to avoid injury to the great auricular nerve during rhytidectomy.

BACKGROUND: An estimated 116 086 facelifts were performed in 2011. Regardless of the technique employed, facial flap elevation carries with it anatomical pitfalls of which any surgeon performing these procedures should be aware. Injury to the great auricular nerve (GAN) is the most common of these injuries, occurring at a rate of 6% to 7%. OBJECTIVES: We report our findings on the location of the GAN on the basis of anatomical landmarks to aid surgeons with planning their surgical approach for safe elevation of rhytidectomy skin flaps in the lateral neck region. METHODS: Sixteen fresh cadaveric heads were dissected under loupe magnification. All specimens were dissected in a 45-degree (facelift) position in which a mid-sternocleidomastoid (SCM) incision was used for exposure. Measurements from the bony mastoid process, bony external auditory canal, external jugular vein, and anterior border of the SCM to the GAN were taken in each cadaver. RESULTS: The GAN follows a consistent course over the mid-body of the SCM before bifurcating into anterior and posterior branches and terminal arborization. Regardless of the length of the SCM, the GAN at its most superficial location was found to be consistently at a ratio of one-third the distance from either the mastoid process or the external auditory canal to the clavicular origin of the SCM. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the anatomy, course, and location of the GAN along the surface of SCM muscle based on anatomic landmarks and distance ratios can facilitate a safer dissection in the lateral neck during rhytidectomy procedures.

Wine, Honey, and Boiling Oil: A Modern Understanding of Ancient Wound Care Practices.

The origins of wound care date back to ancient civilizations. From boiling oil to honey to wine, healers and caregivers have adopted a fascinating array of items to cleanse, dress, and bandage wounds over the ages. While wound care practices have developed over time, the physicians and surgeons of ancient times and the Middle Ages helped build the foundation for present-day wound care. A modern scientific understanding of these treatments illustrates why practitioners abandoned some practices while others remain in use today.

Does Size Really Matter? A Review on How to Determine the Optimal Umbilical Size During an Abdominoplasty.

Background: The umbilicus has historical significance regarding health and beauty principles. The visually pleasing aesthetic of the umbilicus has become a vital standard for the perceived success of an abdominoplasty procedure. While the ideal position and shape of the umbilicus have been studied extensively in literature, less is known about the optimal size. Herein, the authors provide a comprehensive literature review to help determine the ideal umbilical size. Methods: A computerized search in the PubMed database was performed to identify articles that discussed ideal umbilical size. Results: The review was performed in July 2022. A total of 21 articles were initially identified, only 6 of which discussed umbilical size. References from the included articles were also evaluated for relevance and resulted in 10 additional articles in the final review. Most of the articles indicated that a smaller umbilicus was found to be aesthetically pleasing, but a numerical range of values were not specified. Conclusions: Although the literature on the ideal umbilical size is sparse, the consensus is toward a smaller, vertically oriented umbilicus.

The Double Donut: A Safe and Simple Option for Immediate Nipple Areolar Complex Reconstruction in Skin-Sparing Mastectomy Patients With Contraindications to Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

Background: Restoration of the nipple areolar complex (NAC) has been shown to improve quality of life (QoL) in post-mastectomy patients. Despite expansion of nipplesparing mastectomy inclusion criteria, many patients remain ineligible and are relegated to bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy. In this study, we evaluated immediate NAC reconstruction with the double donut areolar graft and split nipple composite graft reconstruction (DDSNS). Methods: A single-center prospective study was performed for patients undergoing immediate post-mastectomy reconstruction with the DDSNS technique. Demographics and post-reconstruction endpoints were collected, focusing on aesthetic and functional outcomes. Results: A total of 31 patients and 62 breasts underwent immediate reconstruction with the DDSNS technique. Four of 62 (6.4%) nipple composite grafts and 1 of 62 (1.6%) areolar grafts experienced partial graft loss. All incidents of initial loss healed to a satisfactory result. All patients were able to proceed with adjuvant therapy, if indicated, without delay. Conclusions: The DDSNS technique can be successfully applied to achieve cosmetically satisfactory results in the post-mastectomy patient. This technique has shown reliable outcomes with respect to graft success and patient satisfaction with their NAC reconstruction.

Centralizing the Umbilicus in Abdominoplasty: Eccentric versus Concentric Fascial Plication in Addition to Medializing at the Skin.

BACKGROUND: The umbilicus is often not a midline structure. Centralization of the umbilicus during an abdominoplasty is routinely performed at the level of the skin; however, this is associated with a high rate of postoperative reversion. The authors propose using an eccentric fascial plication centered on the true midline to maintain postoperative centralization of the umbilicus in addition to correction at the skin level. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of all patients between 2015 and 2019 who underwent abdominoplasty with either skin only (concentric plication) or fascial (eccentric plication) umbilical centralization. The Fisher exact test and t test were used to compare the two groups and assess differences in rates of umbilical reversion. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients were included in the study; the majority of patients were women [ n = 69 (97%)] and White [ n = 50 (70%)]. There were 28 (39%) patients who underwent concentric plication, and 43 (61%) had eccentric plication. Mean body mass index in the concentric and eccentric groups was 32 kg/m 2 and 28.5 kg/m 2 , respectively. Average follow-up was 51.6 months for concentric plication and 27.8 months for eccentric plication. Of those who received concentric plication, 10 patients (36%) had their umbilicus revert to the preoperative position; none in the eccentric plication group reverted ( P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Midline placement of the umbilicus during an abdominoplasty is important in providing symmetry to optimize aesthetics. Eccentric fascial plication maintains the centralization of the umbilicus when compared with concentric fascial plication with skin-only centralization. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Breast Implants Save Lives: Gunshot Wound to a Silicone Gel Implant.

What is the incidence of gunshot injuries involving breast implants?What are the considerations for managing a patient with a gunshot wound to a breast implant?Can a breast implant alter the trajectory of a bullet to the chest?What are the considerations for reconstructing a breast after a gunshot wound?

The 5 D's to Dunk the Dog: A Retrospective Clinical Review to Prevent Dog-Ear Contour Abnormalities in Vertical Breast Reductions and Breast Lifts.

Background: In 2020, reduction mammoplasties and mastopexies comprised 34.2% of all breast surgeries performed by plastic surgeons. Various approaches for the skin incision of these procedures have been described. The vertical pattern has become an increasingly popular option due to its lower scar burden. However, it is prone to dog-ear formation along the caudal aspect of the incision. Herein, we describe 5 technical steps to eliminate the dog-ear in patients undergoing vertical mammoplasties. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent vertical breast reduction and mastopexy between the years 2008 and 2020 performed by the senior author. The 5 steps employed in eliminating the dog-ear are delineated and depicted pictorially. Results: A total of 58 patients and 89 breasts were operated upon. A majority of 66.6% were Caucasian, 33.3% were African American, and 1 patient was of Hispanic descent. The mean age was 53.2 years (19-73 years), and average BMI was 31.5 kg/m2 (21.3-42.7 kg/m2). The average resection weights for reduction and mastopexy patients were 479 grams (100-1500 grams) and 58.1 grams (18-100 grams), respectively. Mean follow-up was 10.5 months (1-35 months). Only one patient developed a dog-ear (1.7%) in bilateral breasts (2.2%); however, the patient did not request a revision. Our revision rate over 13 years remained at 0%. Conclusions: Utilizing these 5 technical steps reduces the risk of dog-ear deformity and thereby diminishes the overall need for revisional surgery in patients undergoing short scar vertical mammoplasties.

Obesity and the Latissimus Dorsi Flap: A Radiologic Study.

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of obesity in patients with breast cancer has prompted a reappraisal of the role of the latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) in breast reconstruction. Although the reliability of this flap in obese patients is well-documented, it is unclear whether sufficient volume can be achieved through a purely autologous reconstruction (eg, extended harvest of the subfascial fat layer). Additionally, the traditional combined autologous and prosthetic approach (LDF + expander/implant) is subject to increased implant-related complication rates related to flap thickness in obese patients. The purpose of this study is to provide data on the thicknesses of the various components of the latissimus flap and discuss the implications for breast reconstruction in patients with increasing body mass index (BMI). Methods: Measurements of back thickness in the usual donor site area of an LDF were obtained in 518 patients undergoing prone computed tomography-guided lung biopsies. Thicknesses of the soft tissue overall and of individual layers (e.g., muscle, subfascial fat) were obtained. Patient, demographics including age, gender, and BMI were obtained. Results: A range of BMI from 15.7 to 65.7 was observed. In females, total back thickness (skin, fat, muscle) ranged from 0.6 to 9.4 cm. Every 1-point increase in BMI resulted in an increase of flap thickness by 1.11 mm (adjusted R2 of 0.682, P < .001) and an increase in the thickness of the subfascial fat layer by 0.513 mm (adjusted R2 of 0.553, P < .001). Mean total thicknesses for each weight category were 1.0, 1.7, 2.4, 3.0, 3.6, and 4.5 cm in underweight, normal weight, overweight, and class I, II, III obese individuals, respectively. The average contribution of the subfascial fat layer to flap thickness was 8.2 mm (32%) overall and 3.4 mm (21%), 6.7 mm (29%), 9.0 mm (30%), 11.1 mm (32%), and 15.6 mm (35%) in normal weight, overweight, class I, II, III obese individuals, respectively. Conclusion: The above findings demonstrate that the thickness of the LDF overall and of the subfascial layer closely correlated with BMI. The contribution of the subfascial layer to overall flap thickness tends to increase as a percentage of overall flap thickness with increasing BMI, which is favourable for extended LDF harvests. Because this layer cannot be separated from overall thickness on examination, these results are useful in estimating the amount of additional volume obtained from an extended latissimus harvest technique.

Introduction: La prévalence croissante d'obésité chez les patientes atteintes du cancer du sein a suscité une réévaluation du rôle du lambeau du grand dorsal (LGD) en reconstruction mammaire. La fiabilité de ce lambeau est bien établie en cas d'obésité, mais on ne sait pas si le volume suffit pour effectuer une reconstruction purement autologue (p. ex., prélèvement élargi de la couche adipeuse sous-aponévrotique). De plus, en cas d'obésité, la combinaison habituelle de l'approche autologue et prothétique (LGD+expanseur et implant) est liée à un taux de complications plus élevé lié aux implants à cause de l'épaisseur du lambeau. La présente étude visait à obtenir des données sur l'épaisseur des diverses parties du grand dorsal et à traiter des conséquences de la reconstruction mammaire chez les patientes ayant un IMC plus élevé. Méthodologie: Les chercheurs ont mesuré l'épaisseur du dos au siège habituel de prélèvement du LGD chez 518 patientes dans le cadre d'une biopsie pulmonaire orientée par tomodensitométrie en position couchée. Ils ont mesuré l'épaisseur globale du dos et l'épaisseur de chaque couche dans cette région. Ils ont également obtenu les données démographiques des patientes, y compris l'âge, le genre et l'IMC. Résultats: Les chercheurs ont observé une fourchette d'IMC de 15,7 à 65,7. Chez les femmes, l'épaisseur totale du dos (peau, adiposité, muscle) variait entre 0,6 et 9,4 cm. Chaque point ajouté à l'IMC est associé à une augmentation de l'épaisseur du lambeau de 1,11 mm (rapport de cote rajusté [RCR] de 0,682, p<0,001) et à une augmentation de l'épaisseur de la couche adipeuse sous-aponévrotique de 0,513 mm (RCR de 0,553, p<0,001). L'épaisseur totale moyenne pour chaque catégorie de poids correspondait à 1,0, 1,7, 2,4, 3,0, 3,6 et 4, cm chez les patientes en insuffisance pondérale, de poids normal, en surpoids et obèses de classe I, II et III, respectivement. L'apport moyen de la couche adipeuse sous-aponévrotique à l'épaisseur du lambeau était de 8,2 mm (32 %) globalement et de 3,4 mm (21 %), 6,7 mm (29 %), 9,0 mm (30 %), 11,1 (32 %) et 15,6 mm (35 %) chez les patientes de poids normal, en surpoids et obèses de classe I, II, III, respectivement. Conclusion: Les résultats précédents démontrent que l'épaisseur globale du LGD et de la couche sous-aponévrotique est étroitement liée à l'IMC. L'apport de la couche sous-aponévrotique a tendance à être proportionnel à l'IMC en pourcentage de l'épaisseur globale du lambeau, ce qui est favorable à un prélèvement étendu du LGD. Puisque cette couche ne peut pas être séparée de l'épaisseur globale à l'examen, ces résultats sont utiles pour évaluer le volume supplémentaire obtenu à partir de la technique de prélèvement élargi du grand droit.

A new technique involving a spherical stainless steel device to optimize positioning of the umbilicus.

BACKGROUND: Creating an aesthetically pleasing umbilicus may be challenging due to various factors that involve the patient limitations and suboptimal techniques available to the surgeon. Although many techniques aim to locate the umbilicus after abdominoplasty, none are ideal. The authors use a new technique involving a stainless steel spherical device for definite location of the new neo-umbilicus site. METHODS: Abdominoplasty with full muscle plication and umbilicoplasty was performed to test the effectiveness of this new technique that involves a stainless steel marble called the Umbilicator. It has a diameter of 1.5 cm and three 2-mm holes drilled 120° apart in an equilateral triangle. The Umbilicator is secured to the inferior and superior dermis of the umbilical stalk to help identify the future location of the umbilicus on the abdominal skin. Once the marble is secured, the superior abdominal flap is redraped and trimmed, the suture is repaired, and the location of the umbilicus is determined by feeling for the smooth spherical surface bump with gentle downward pressure on the overlying abdominal skin located within the proximity of the umbilicus. RESULTS: The result of this technique produced a definitive means of identifying and delivering the umbilical stalk during abdominoplasty. This technique has been performed in 23 consecutive abdominoplasty procedures with no difficulties locating the umbilical stalk and no infections resulting from the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate identification of the umbilicus provides the ability to create an aesthetically pleasing neo-umbilicus, thus optimizing abdominoplasty results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article.

Functional Disability Associated With Proximal Clavicle Resection and Pectoralis Flap Transposition for Sternoclavicular Joint Infections.

Background: Sternoclavicular joint infections (SCJI) are increasing with the opioid crisis and increased intravenous drug abuse (IVDA). Proximal clavicle resection with subsequent pectoralis muscle transposition is part of the treatment of such infections, but the long-term effects on shoulder function are not clear. Methods: This report presents a consecutive series of 15 cases of SCJI treated with proximal clavicle resection and pectoralis muscle flap coverage. Patient-reported outcomes were recorded using the Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (SDQ) developed by van der Heijden et al. Results: The average age of patients was 50 years (range, 23-73 years), with nearly half being male (7/15). Of these patients, 3 were lost to follow-up, 1 was excluded due to subsequent shoulder surgery for an unrelated problem, and another was excluded due to subsequent medical issues that precluded a reliable history. Recurrence was noted in 1 patient with ongoing IVDA. Average length of follow-up was 12 months (range, 8-19 months). The long-term shoulder disability was minimal (mean score of 6 ± 9). Among patients with IVDA, however, the long-term shoulder disability was significantly higher (mean score of 33 ± 16, P < .05). Conclusions: In cases where the SCJI was attributed to IVDA, the long-term shoulder disability score was significantly higher, despite resolution of infection. Possible explanations include the self-reporting nature of the SDQ and the well-documented issues with chronic pain in patients with opioid dependency.  Of the patients lost to follow-up, 2 of 3 had infections attributed to IVDA, highlighting the difficulty of meaningful follow-up in this vulnerable patient population.

Red Breast Syndrome: Complete Resolution Following Replacement of Acellular Dermal Matrices With Acellular Collagen Matrices.

What is red breast syndrome (RBS)?What causes RBS?How often do patients present with RBS?What are effective treatments for RBS?

Posterior Interosseous Nerve Graft: Utilizing External Landmarks and Anthropometric Ratios to Predict Available Length for Digital Nerve Reconstruction in a Cadaveric Study.

Objective: In digital nerve defects that require grafting, autografts remain the efficacious option. The sensory posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) is an ideal choice as it is of similar caliber to digital nerves and leaves no donor morbidity upon resection. However, a finite length of harvestable PIN exists, and considerable variations of this length have been reported in the literature. There exists no predictive model to estimate this length. We sought to determine a method to accurately predict the available length of PIN based on individual patient anthropometry. Methods: A cadaveric dissection study was performed in a fresh tissue laboratory. The length of the sensory branch of the PIN and various anthropometric measurements were made in respect to surface anatomy of the ulna to develop a predictable ratio for available PIN donor graft. Results: A total of 16 specimens were obtained. On average the length of the PIN was 5.7 cm (range: 3.3-9. cm) and the length of the ulna was 25.7 cm (range: 23.5-30.6 cm). The ratio of PIN to ulnar length was 0.222 (r = 0.4651). Using one-fifth the length of the ulna, the mean predicted length of the PIN was 5.14 cm (range: 4.7-6.1 cm). On univariate analysis, there was no significant difference between the measured and predicted PIN length (P = .249). Conclusion: An anthropometric ratio predicated on reproducible surface anatomy of the ulna is a useful tool in predicting the sensory PIN length. Such a prediction may be a useful in guiding patient discussions concerning surgical options for digital nerve reconstruction.

Objectif: Dans les cas d'anomalies des nerfs digitaux qui exigent une greffe, les autogreffes sont les plus efficaces. Le nerf interosseux postérieur (NIP) sensitif est le choix idéal, car son calibre est semblable à celui des nerfs digitaux et qu'il ne provoque aucun problème de santé au site de résection. Cependant, la longueur du NIP pouvant être récolté est limitée, et d'énormes variations sont présentées dans les publications. Aucun modèle prédictif ne permet d'évaluer cette longueur. Les chercheurs ont entrepris d'établir une méthode pour prédire avec fiabilité la longueur disponible du NIP d'après les caractéristiques anthropométriques de chaque patient. Méthodologie: Les chercheurs ont procédé à une étude de dissection cadavérique dans un laboratoire de tissus frais. Ils ont mesuré le rameau sensitif du NIP et diverses dimensions anthropométriques d'après l'anatomie de surface de l'ulna pour établir un ratio prévisible de greffe du NIP disponible chez le donneur. Résultats: Les chercheurs ont obtenu 16 prélèvements et calculé une longueur moyenne du NIP de 5,7 cm (plage de 3,3 cm à 9,6 cm) et une longueur moyenne de l'ulna de 25,7 cm (plage de 23,5 cm à 30,6 cm). Ils ont calculé un ratio de 0,222 (r = 0,4651) entre la longueur du NIP et de l'ulna. D'après le cinquième de la longueur de l'ulna, ils ont prédit une longueur moyenne du NIP de 5,14 cm (plage de 4,7 cm à 6,1 cm). À l'analyse univariée, ils n'ont constaté aucune différence significative entre la longueur mesurée et prédite du NIP (P = 0,249). Conclusion: Le ratio anthropométrique établi d'après l'anatomie de la surface reproductive de l'ulna est un outil utile pour prédire la longueur du NIP sensitif. Une telle prédiction peut être utile pour orienter les échanges avec le patient au sujet des possibilités chirurgicales de la reconstruction du nerf digital.

Restoring Breast Volume in High BMI Patients: A Single-Center Review of Breast Reconstruction Using Hyperinflated Saline Implants.

Background: Breast reconstruction in the obese patient is often fraught with poor patient satisfaction due to inadequate volume restoration. The off-label hyperinflation of saline implants is a direct yet controversial solution to this problem, with limited studies in the literature. This study sought to determine the safety and efficacy of this technique for breast reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 who underwent breast reconstruction between the years 2013 to 2020 with saline implants filled beyond the manufacturer's maximum recommended volume. Results: The 21 patients identified had an average age of 49 years. The mean BMI was 39.5 kg/m2. A total of 42 implants were placed; 34 were 800 mL, 4 were 750 mL, and 4 were 700 mL. The average overfill volume was 302 mL (138%). Mean follow-up was 65.0 months. Of these, 1 (4.8%) patient with a history of chest wall radiotherapy underwent reoperation for unilateral implant exposure 27 days after the index procedure, no patient sustained spontaneous leak or rupture, and 1 patient had unilateral deflation following emergent central line and pacemaker placement 2 years after the implant was placed for an unrelated cardiovascular event. Conclusions: Hyperinflation of saline implants beyond the maximum recommended volume may be considered for volume replacement in obese patients undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction. This practice is well tolerated, has a complication rate comparable to using implants filled to the recommended volume, and has the potential to restore lost breast volume in the obese patient post mastectomy.

Complete Penile Amputation: An Anatomical Reference and Surgical Pearls to Ensure a Successful Replantation.

How common are penile amputations, and how are they treated?What key anatomic structures are involved?What are some technical pearls for a successful replantation?What are common complications, and how can they be prevented/treated?

Prevention of Implant Malposition in Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Breast Reconstruction Using an Acellular Dermal Matrix With Pectoralis Muscle Following Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Clinical Review.

Background: Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous (LDM) pedicled flaps are a well-established method for breast reconstruction in women with inadequate soft tissue coverage following mastectomy for breast cancer. The robust nature of the latissimus blood supply can accommodate immediate implant placement to increase breast volume; however, a known risk factor with this technique is implant malposition. By utilizing an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in subpectoral implant-based LDM reconstruction, it is hypothesized that patients will experience a lower incidence of implant malposition. This 13-year retrospective review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of breast reconstruction using this technique. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted to identify all patients who underwent breast reconstruction following mastectomy with a LDM flap, subpectoral implant, and an ADM from 2007 to 2020 by a single surgeon at a single institution. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 40 patients (LDM flaps, N = 51) were identified. Mean participant age was 50.25 ± 9.67 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.85 ± 6.15 kg/m2. Comorbidities included hypertension (40.0%), diabetes mellitus (17.5%), and current smoking (25.0%). Mean follow-up was 31.52 ± 29.51 months. The most common complication was seroma formation (9.8%). No patients experienced implant malposition or flap necrosis. Conclusions: The use of a LDM flap and an ADM in implant-based breast reconstruction are each well described in the literature. This 13-year series supports the efficacy of these techniques utilized in combination to provide an aesthetic result while mitigating implant malposition during breast reconstruction of oncologic patients.