Simultaneous Zygomatic Osteotomies With Reduction Mandibuloplasty - An Approach to Mid- and Lower-Facial Feminization in the Transfeminine Patient.

BACKGROUND: Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is effective at treating gender dysphoria associated with anthropometrically masculine facial features. For many transgender women, FFS is a crucial component of the gender transition process. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with a pragmatic technique for simultaneous mid- and lower-face feminization by zygomatic osteotomy malarplasty and reduction mandibuloplasty. METHODS: The technique to perform zygomatic osteotomy malarplasty and reduction mandibuloplasty is described, utilizing harvested bone from the mandible for bone grafting the zygomatic osteotomy gap. A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent simultaneous middle and lower FFS using the described technique. Independent reviewers evaluated cropped preoperative and postoperative photographs of the mid and lower face and assigned each photograph a "femininity score." RESULTS: Seventeen transgender women underwent simultaneous zygomatic osteotomy malarplasty and reduction mandibuloplasty over the study period with adequate follow-up (average 11.1 months). Transient nerve weaknesses were the primary complications noted. A statistically significant improvement in femininity score was reported in postoperative photographs, compared to preoperative photographs ( P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The technique described in this study is an effective application of craniofacial approaches and techniques for feminizing the facial skeleton in transgender women by utilizing harvested mandibular bone for simultaneous malarplasty.

Holistic reconstruction of mandible defect, lower lip and chin sensation, and smile reanimation in an advanced gum cancer patient: A case report.

Facial deformity, facial paralysis, and sensory loss are inevitable after some head and neck tumor resection and reconstruction, especially in high stage cancer. To overcome these obstacles, we present a case of T4a gum cancer patient (41-year-old) who received holistic reconstruction of the mandible defect via an osteo-peroneal-artery-perforator combined flap for defect coverage and cross-mental nerve graft for lower lip and chin sensation at the primary stage, followed by ipsilateral facial nerve (lower trunk) innervated gracilis functioning free muscle transplantation for facial reanimation and correction of the sunken face 3 years later. After 4.5 years of follow-up, the patient was satisfied with his appearance, and obtained a spontaneous and symmetrical smile without sensory deficit. This experience showed a possible solution to the reconstruction for complicated head and neck cancer patients.

Long Term Follow Up of a Vascularized Osteocutaneous Free Flap for Reconstruction in Charcot Neuroarthropathy: A Case Report.

Vascularized osteocutaneous free flaps have seen increasing use in foot and ankle surgery for the repair of bony defects secondary to chronic nonunion, osteomyelitis, and fractures. One example is the Medial Femoral Condyle (MFC) Flap. The utility of the MFC flap for the repair of a bony defect in a diabetic patient, however, has yet to be explored. We report the long-term results of a case describing the use of an MFC flap to reconstruct an osseous defect resulting from first metatarsophalangeal joint resection in a diabetic patient.

A Novel Application of Virtual Surgical Planning to Facial Feminization Surgery.

Feminization of the frontonasal-orbital complex is a critical aspect in surgical management of gender dysphoria. Here, we describe our utilization of a prefabricated cutting guide to facilitate frontal sinus setback.

Limb Salvage and Functional Outcomes following Free Tissue Transfer for the Treatment of Recalcitrant Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence documenting high success rates following microvascular diabetic foot reconstruction has led to a paradigm shift in favor of more aggressive limb preservation. The primary aim of this study was to examine reconstructive and functional outcomes in patients who underwent free tissue transfer (FTT) for recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) at our tertiary referral center for advanced limb salvage. METHODS: Between June 2013 and June 2016, 29 patients underwent lower extremity FTT for diabetic foot reconstruction by the senior author (K.K.E.). In all cases, microsurgical reconstruction was offered as an alternative to major amputation for the management of recalcitrant DFUs. Overall rates of flap survival, limb salvage, and postoperative ambulation were evaluated. The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) score was used to assess functional outcomes after surgery. RESULTS: Overall rates of flap success and lower limb salvage were 93 and 79%, respectively. Flap failure occurred in two patients with delayed microvascular compromise. Seven patients in this series ultimately required below-knee amputation secondary to recalcitrant infection (n = 5), intractable pain (n = 1), and limb ischemia (n = 1). The average interval between FTT and major amputation was 8 months (r, 0.2-15 months). Postoperative ambulation was confirmed in 25 patients (86%) after a mean final follow-up of 25 months (r, 10-48 months). The average LEFS score for all patients was 46 out of 80 points (r, 12-80 points), indicating the ability to ambulate in the community with some limitations. CONCLUSION: FTT for the management of recalcitrant DFUs is associated with high rates of reconstructive success and postoperative ambulation. However, several patients will eventually require major amputation for reasons unrelated to ultimate flap survival. These data should be used to counsel patients regarding the risks, functional implications, and prognosis of microvascular diabetic foot reconstruction.

Ergonomics in microsurgery.

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that surgeon posture while operating contributes to cervical musculoskeletal strain, discomfort, and chronic pain. Microsurgeons may be particularly susceptible to this risk due to persistent neck flexion, long periods of static posture, and the use of heavy, high-power loupe magnification. Several techniques are thus presented that may help in obviating the cervicospinal repercussions of performing microsurgery.

Assessment of Function after Free Tissue Transfer to the Lower Extremity for Chronic Wounds Using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale.

BACKGROUND: Free tissue transfer is one option for preservation of form and function in the native limb, in the setting of soft tissue paucity. However, the data on patient functionality after microvascular intervention is inconsistently reported. The Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS) measures patient-reported difficulty in carrying out 20 physical activities, on a Likert scale, the sum of which correlates with descriptive functional stages of 1-5. We assess limb functionality in this cohort of microvascular patients using the LEFS survey. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single academic medical center of 101 consecutive free flaps, from 2011 to 2016. Of the flaps that met inclusion criteria, 39 had completed LEFS surveys. Mean LEFS scores were calculated, and the effects of risk factors such as diabetes, age, and smoking status were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean LEFS score after free tissue transfer was 50.3 (SD ± 21.1), with a mean follow up survey time of 3.0 years (SD ± 1.3). The score correlated with Stage 4 function, or "independent community ambulation," and age was the only demographic factor associated with decreased functionality in this group. This is compared with mean LEFS score of 43.1 (SD ± 18.4) in cohort of 55 below knee amputations (BKAs), and 38.3 (SD ± 14.9) in 28 above knee amputations (AKAs), both correlating with Stage 3 function: "limited community ambulation." CONCLUSIONS: Functional outcomes scores such as the LEFS demonstrate that patients can obtain an adequate level of functionality for independent community activity after free tissue transfer, although functional improvement diminishes with age.

Donor-Site Morbidity Following Free Tissue Harvest from the Thigh: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Complications.

Background Donor-site morbidity significantly influences patient satisfaction and quality of life following reconstructive surgery. The relevant donor-site morbidities associated with more commonly utilized thigh-based flaps are reviewed. Methods A systematic search of the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases from 1994 to 2014 was conducted to identify all reports of "anterolateral thigh (ALT)," "vastus lateralis (VL)," "anteromedial thigh (AMT)," "transverse upper gracilis (TUG)," tensor fascia latae (TFL)," "gracilis," and "rectus femoris (RF)," flaps. Only studies that investigated donor-site outcomes related to pain, paresthesia, wound dehiscence, infection, hematoma, seroma, contour deformity, and/or objective functional performance were included. Case series or anecdotal reports with less than five flaps, non-English, and animal studies were excluded. Results A total of 116 articles representing 4,554 flaps were reviewed, including 2,922 ALT/VL, 148 AMT, 436 TUG, 278 TFL, 527 gracilis, and 243 RF flaps. The most frequently cited donor-site complication was paresthesia (range: 0-36.4%), followed by wound dehiscence (range: 0.9-8.3%), contour deformity (range: 0-5.2%), pain (range: 0-6.3%), and seroma (range: 0.4-2.0%). Despite mixed results regarding functional performance, pooled-analysis of dynamometric studies demonstrated a significant reduction in strength only after RF flap harvest (21%). Conclusions Donor-site morbidity for thigh-flaps is minimal and appears to be well-tolerated by the majority of patients. Nevertheless, the appropriate flap selection is highly individualized, and patients must be informed of potential complications and morbidities specific to each flap. We have established the most current review of donor-site morbidity for thigh-based flaps to aid the surgeon in this important discussion.

Radiation Oncology Applications in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Nonsystematic Review of Concepts and Principles.

SUMMARY: Careful consideration of radiotherapy can determine the success of reconstructive therapy. There is a broad spectrum of radiotherapy modalities, both benign and malignant. Delivery mechanisms differ in the physical design, setup, radiation source, administrable dosage, and mode of delivery. This range of options allows radiation oncologists to tailor individualized treatment; however, radiotherapy concepts can be challenging for nonspecialists. The purpose of this article is to review general radiation oncology concepts, including essential equipment and radiobiology, and provide plastic surgeons with a basic conceptual understanding to facilitate effective multidisciplinary collaboration with radiation oncologists.

Incidence of Major Arterial Abnormality in Patients with Wound Dehiscence after Lower Extremity Orthopedic Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Surgical dehiscence can occur after lower extremity orthopedic procedures. Underlying vascular aberrancy and localized ischemia contribute to chronic wound development requiring advanced techniques such as free tissue transfer. Localized vascular abnormality is an underrecognized contributing factor to such dehiscence. The authors reviewed their lower extremity free tissue transfer experience in this population to analyze the incidence of arterial abnormality and outcomes. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of 64 lower extremity free tissue transfers performed for chronic wounds after orthopedic procedures from 2011 to 2018. The primary outcome was major arterial abnormality as identified on angiography. Secondary outcomes were flap success, limb salvage, and ambulation status. RESULTS: The median age was 58 years, and 44 were men (69 percent). Comorbidities included osteomyelitis (77 percent), diabetes (39 percent), and peripheral vascular disease (17 percent). The incidence of arterial abnormality on angiography was 47 percent. Defect location correlated with angiosome of arterial abnormality in 53 percent. The flap success rate was 92 percent. Limb salvage and ambulation rates were 89 and 89 percent, respectively, at an average follow-up of 17.6 months. Men demonstrated an increased rate of limb salvage (p = 0.026). Diabetes (p = 0.012), arterial abnormality (p = 0.044), and arterial flap complication (p = 0.010) correlated with amputation. CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of arterial abnormality in this population highlights the importance of expedient multidisciplinary care, including vascular and plastic surgery. Diagnostic angiography is important for identifying major arterial abnormality and the need for free tissue transfer for definitive coverage.

The Utility of Preoperative Venous Testing for Lower Extremity Flap Planning in Patients with Lower Extremity Wounds.

BACKGROUND: Although venous thrombosis is a leading cause of flap failure, the majority of lower extremity free flap planning is centered on arterial system evaluation. Preoperative identification of relevant abnormality in lower extremity venous systems by means of duplex ultrasound may aid in the diagnosis of clinically important abnormality that could affect lower extremity flap outcomes. METHODS: Between November of 2014 and August of 2017, 57 patients underwent preoperative lower extremity venous duplex imaging and free tissue transfer for lower extremity wounds. A retrospective review was performed to describe lower extremity venous pathologic findings, relevant patient demographic data, comorbid conditions, and outcomes. Discovery of venous abnormality helped guide recipient vein selection. RESULTS: Fifty-seven consecutive patients underwent 59 free flap operations to treat chronic lower extremity wounds. Venous duplex ultrasonography detected venous insufficiency (defined as >0.5 second of reflux) in 23 patients (39.0 percent), including 16 (27.2 percent) with deep thigh reflux, six (10.2 percent) with superficial calf reflux, and four (6.78 percent) with deep calf reflux. Deep venous thrombosis was found in four patients (6.78 percent) and treated with anticoagulation. The flap success rate was 98.3 percent. Five patients (8.47 percent) progressed to amputation. At a mean follow-up time of 15.1 ± 9.51 months (range, 1.67 to 35.2 months), 53 patients (89.8 percent) were able to continue community ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: Lower extremity venous duplex testing before free tissue transfer may be useful for optimizing flap recipient vessel selection and for detecting potentially unknown venous abnormality. Development of free flap planning protocols incorporating preoperative vascular imaging is important to achieving good functional outcomes in this comorbid patient population. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, IV.

Gender-related Facial Analysis.

There exist several known anthropometric differences between the male and female facial skeleton and soft tissues. In general, the female face is less robust, rounder or heart shaped, with a shorter forehead, no supraorbital bossing, a smaller nose, more pronounced zygomatic prominences, fuller lips, a smaller mandibular width, and a more tapered chin. A method for analyzing these differences is critical for offering facial gender confirming surgery to the gender dysphoric patients, both for preoperative planning, as well as for setting postoperative expectations.

Addressing Surgeon Fatigue: Current Understanding and Strategies for Mitigation.

Fatigue is inevitable at all stages of a surgical career. The sustained high degree of concentration required for surgery is complicated by long surgeon working hours and sleep deprivation, which force surgeons to learn to manage and mitigate the effects of physical and mental fatigue on their performance. Extensive evidence exists detailing the potentially dangerous effects of surgeon fatigue on patient safety, but few reports exist offering a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the effects of fatigue on clinical performance. To promote improved detection and mitigation of fatigue among surgeons, the authors have highlighted several deliberate fatigue-management techniques that they have found to be particularly effective in their own experiences. These techniques include proper planning to maximize team efficiency, and the use of scheduled and unscheduled intraoperative breaks for mental and physical rest and regeneration. The decision to take a much-needed break is often neglected because of concerns about prolonging the duration of an operation; with proper self-awareness of fatigue and brief mental checks during natural intraoperative slowdowns, however, the surgeon can quickly assess the need for a much-needed moment of recovery. The authors hope surgeons will find the fatigue-mitigation strategies presented here to be helpful in promoting both their own wellness and the safety and wellness of their patients.

Negative pressure wound therapy with intermittent instillation of rifampin for the treatment of an infected vascular bypass graft.

Negative pressure wound therapy with intermittent instillation, especially with the addition of antibiotics in the case of infection, is a versatile treatment modality for the closure of wounds and can be used both primarily after débridement and secondarily after failure of muscle flap coverage. We present a case in which negative pressure wound therapy with intermittent instillation of rifampin was used to successfully close a groin wound secondary to an infected prosthetic vascular graft that initially failed to close with a muscle flap. Consideration of this approach to wound closure and graft salvage is important because of the seriousness and relatively common incidence of prosthetic vascular graft infection after infrainguinal arterial bypass revascularization.

The Utility of Preoperative Arteriography for Free Flap Planning in Patients with Chronic Lower Extremity Wounds.

BACKGROUND: In patients with lower extremity wounds, free tissue transfer is often the last option before amputation, making it crucial to optimize preoperative planning to prevent flap breakdown. No consensus exists regarding preoperative vascular workup before lower extremity free tissue transfer. In this study, the authors analyzed the utility of using arteriography for lower extremity free flap planning. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 57 patients who underwent lower extremity arteriography and 59 free flap operations for lower extremity wounds between November of 2014 and August of 2017. Findings were used to guide flap recipient vessel selection. Arterial abnormality was addressed by means of endovascular intervention, where appropriate. Encountered abnormality was described and patient demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were analyzed for correlation with abnormal angiographic studies. RESULTS: Angiographic abnormalities were observed in 40 patients (67.8 percent), including 23 (57.5 percent) with stenosis/occlusion, 20 (50.0 percent) with atretic/nonvisualized vessels, and 11 (27.5 percent) requiring endovascular intervention. Stenosis/occlusion was detected in nine patients (15.3 percent) with no previously known arterial disease, leading to a new diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease. The flap survival rate was 98.3 percent, six patients (10.2 percent) ultimately progressed to amputation, and 53 patients (89.8 percent) were able to continue community ambulation at a mean follow-up time of 15.1 ± 9.51 months (range, 1.67 to 35.2 months). After arteriography, two patients (3.39 percent) suffered contrast-induced acute kidney injury. No other complications were noted. CONCLUSION: Preoperative lower extremity arteriography aids in the diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease, allows for timely endovascular intervention, and allows for optimal flap recipient vessel selection with a low complication rate. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENC: Diagnostic, IV.

Soft Tissue Coverage of Complex Periprosthetic Defects in Patients With Total Knee Arthroplasty: Analysis of Factors That Influence Reconstructive and Functional Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Wound breakdown following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) increases the risk of device exposure, infection, and major amputation. Although a variety of options to facilitate coverage of compromised knee joint prostheses exist, the relative safety, efficacy, and functional impact of each has not been determined. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify those perioperative factors that influence reconstructive and functional outcomes in patients with periprosthetic TKA defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 5-year retrospective review of outcomes following surgical management of TKA wounds was undertaken. Data pertaining to the timing of presentation, type and frequency of operative interventions, rates of implant/limb salvage, ambulatory status, visual analogue scores (VAS) for pain, and complications were collected. RESULTS: Thirty patients were identified during the study period with a mean follow-up of 20 months. Rates of limb salvage (66.7% vs. 91.7% vs. 75% vs. 0%, P < .001) and postoperative ambulation (100% vs. 83.3% vs. 75% vs. 54.5%, P = .036) were significantly different between patients who underwent primary closure, local muscle flap coverage, free tissue transfer coverage, and above-the-knee amputation, respectively. The number of debridements prior to definitive closure did not significantly influence rates of limb salvage (P = .21). Active tobacco use (odds ratio [OR], 4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-14.2; P = .03) and time to initial presentation from the index joint replacement (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.9-1.0; P = .04) adversely impacted device salvage. Both of these factors similarly influenced the overall likelihood of limb salvage (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 1.5-28.8; P = .01; OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.99-1.0; P = .04). The VAS scores were not significantly different between index closure types (P = .77) but were significantly lower for patients who required < 10 debridements prior to definitive closure (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Early intervention with limited-frequency, and thorough debridement and prompt soft tissue coverage optimizes the chances of functional limb salvage in patients with complex periprosthetic TKA wounds. These findings may inform practice patterns and surgical treatment of patients presenting with compromised TKA and suggest that early involvement by reconstructive surgeons should be advocated to optimize reconstructive and functional outcomes in this difficult patient population.

Septic Shock following Prostate Biopsy: Aggressive Limb Salvage for Extremities after Pressor-Induced Ischemic Gangrene.

Vasopressors used to treat patients with septic shock can cause ischemic necrosis of appendages such as the ears and nose, as well as the extremities. Cases of quadruple-extremity necrosis have high morbidity and mortality, and a profound negative impact on quality of life. This case report details the successful limb salvage and return to function using free tissue transfer as a means to salvage bilateral lower extremities in a patient who suffered vasopressor-induced ischemia of upper and lower extremities after prostate biopsy-induced septic shock. Septic shock following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is a rare, yet life-threatening complication. Successful treatment included thorough planning and staging of therapies such as awaiting tissue demarcation and serial surgical debridement to adequately prepare the tissue bed for free tissue transfer. Adjunctive treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative-pressure wound therapy, and meticulous wound care played a crucial role in wound healing. This vigilant planning and coordinated care resulted in the successful lower extremity salvage, consisting of bilateral transmetatarsal amputations and free tissue transfer to both limbs. We present our long-term follow-up of a functional ambulatory patient after catastrophic, life-threatening infection and appropriate multidisciplinary care.