Perceived Age and Attractiveness Using Facial Recognition Software in Rhinoplasty Patients: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

ABSTRACT: Artificial intelligence (Al)-based analyses may serve as a more objective tool for measuring cosmetic improvements following aesthetic plastic surgery. This preliminary proof-of-concept study utilized a novel commercial facial recognition software to assess perceived changes in age and attractiveness among patients receiving rhinoplasty.This study was a retrospective evaluation of three-dimensional photographs of patients who underwent rhinoplasty by the senior author (DS). Both pre- and post-operative (> 12-month follow-up) Vectra three-dimensional images (Canfield Scientific, Parsippany, NJ) were assessed using Haystack AI Software (Haystack AI, New York, NY). Facial attractiveness (score 1-10) and apparent age were predicted. A retrospective chart review of demographic variables was additionally performed. Paired t tests were used to compare age and attractiveness scores before and after surgery. Multivariate linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with age and attractiveness scores.One hundred twenty-four patients receiving rhinoplasty met the study criteria (average age: 35.58). Overall, rhinoplasty was associated with increases in Al-rated attractiveness (+0.28, P = 0.03) and decreases in perceived age relative to the patient's true age (-1.03 years, P = 0.03). Greater decreases in postoperative perceived age were achieved in patients who appeared older than their actual age preoperatively ( P < 0.001).Facial recognition software was successfully used to evaluate improvements in perceived age and attractiveness in patients undergoing aesthetic rhinoplasty. Patients were perceived by the software as younger and more attractive following rhinoplasty. Age reversal was greatest among patients who appeared much older than their actual age at the time of surgery.Level of Evidence: IV.

Outcomes in Pediatric Maxillofacial Reconstruction With Vascularized Fibular Flaps: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the complications and outcomes after maxillofacial reconstruction using the free fibular flap in the pediatric population. METHODS: A systematic review and descriptive analysis were conducted using data variables, including study characteristics; patient characteristics; postoperative complications (major and minor); surgical revision; and dental rehabilitation. RESULTS: The systematic review resulted in 1622 articles, 55 of which met inclusion criteria for this study. The 55 articles consisted of 17 case series and 38 case reports with level III/IV and level V of evidence, respectively. Of the 155 identified pediatric patients, the rate of major complications was 13.5% and minor complications was 24.5%. The most common complication was mild growth distortion (n = 7) at the recipient site. Complications at the donor site were less common. During follow-up, 29 patients (18.7%) underwent or awaited surgical revision, and 43 patients (27.7%) underwent or awaited dental rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the free fibular flap for pediatric maxillofacial reconstruction is safe and reliable. Additionally, surgical revision to correct the functional impairments resulting from primary reconstruction using the free fibular flap is relatively common.

A Comprehensive Single-Center Analysis of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Following Orthognathic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains a major clinical end-point for directing enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in facial plastic surgery. This study aimed to identify risk factors for PONV and evaluate strategies for PONV reduction in orthognathic surgery patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed among patients receiving orthognathic surgery at our institution from 2011 to 2018. Patient demographics, surgical operative and anesthesia notes, medications, and nausea/vomiting were assessed for each patient. The amount of opioid analgesia given both perioperatively and postoperatively was recorded and converted into morphine equivalents (MEQ). Stepwise regression analysis was used to identify significant risk factors for PONV. Post hoc analyses were employed to compare PONV among patients based on MEQ dosage and antiemetic prophylaxis regimes. RESULTS: A total of 492 patients were included; mean age was 23.0 years (range: 13-60); 54.4% were female. The majority of patients received concurrent Le Fort I osteotomy, BSSO, and genioplasty (70.1%). During hospitalization, 59.4% of patients experienced nausea requiring antiemetic medications and 28.4% experienced emesis. Stepwise regression yielded Apfel scores (P = 0.003) and postoperative opioids (P = 0.013) as the strongest predictors of PONV. Post hoc analyses showed that undertreatment with prophylactic antiemetics (based on Apfel) predicted increased PONV (+12.9%, P = 0.020), and that lower postoperative MEQs (<28.0) predicted decreased PONV (-11.8%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings confirm the high incidence of PONV among orthognathic surgical patients and stratify previously reported PONV risk factors. More aggressive utilization of antiemetic medications and decreased dependence on opioid analgesia may decrease nausea/vomiting following orthognathic surgery.

Race-Based Differences in the Utilization and Timing of Secondary Cleft Procedures in the United States.

Primary CL/P repair, revisions, and secondary procedures-cleft rhinoplasty, speech surgery, and alveolar bone grafting (ABG)-performed from 2014-2018 were identified from the Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Utilization estimates were derived via univariable and multivariable logistic regression. A Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test and multivariable linear regression were used to assess differences in timing for each procedure cohort.The primary outcome measures were the odds of a patient being a certain race/ethnicity, and the age at which patients of different race/ethnicity receive surgery.There were 23 780 procedures analyzed. After controlling for sex, diagnosis, and functional status, there were significant differences in utilization estimates across procedure groups. Primarily, utilization was lowest in patient who were Black for cleft rhinoplasty (OR = 0.70, P = .023), ABG (OR = 0.44, P < .001) and speech surgery (OR = 0.57, P = .012), and highest in patients who were Asian patients in all surgery cohorts (OR 2.05-4.43). Timing of surgery also varied by race, although differences were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: Estimates of utilization and timing of secondary cleft procedures varied by race, particularly among patients who were Black (poor utilization) or Asian (high utilization). Further studies should identify the causes and implications of underutilized and/or delayed cleft care.

Clinical Practice Trends and Postoperative Outcomes in Primary Cleft Rhinoplasty.

PURPOSE: Optimal correction of the cleft nasal deformity remains challenging. The purpose of this study was to examine the practice patterns and postoperative course of patients undergoing cleft lip repair with rhinoplasty compared to those who have primary lip repair without rhinoplasty. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on the Kids' Inpatient Database. Data were collected from January 2000 to December 2011 and included infants aged 12 months and younger who underwent cleft lip repair. The predictor variable was the addition of rhinoplasty at primary cleft lip repair. Primary outcome variables included hospital setting, year, and admission cost, while secondary outcome variables included length of stay and postoperative complication rate. Independent t-tests and chi-squared tests were performed. Continuous variables were analyzed by multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: The study sample included 4559 infants with 1422 (31.2%) who underwent primary cleft rhinoplasty. Over time, there was a significant increase in the proportion of cleft lip repairs accompanied by a rhinoplasty (p < .01). A greater proportion of patients with unilateral cleft lips received simultaneous rhinoplasty with their lip repairs (33.8 vs 26.0%, p < .01). This cohort had a significantly shorter length of stay (1.6 vs 2.8 days, p < .01) when compared to children that underwent cleft lip repair alone. CONCLUSIONS: Performing primary cleft rhinoplasty is becoming more common among cleft surgeons. Considering comparable costs and complication rates, a rhinoplasty should be considered during the surgical treatment planning of patients with cleft nasal deformities.

Racial Disparities in Complications, Length of Stay, and Costs Among Patients Receiving Orthognathic Surgery in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Black and Hispanic/Latino patients in the United States often experience poorer health outcomes in comparison to White patients. We aimed to assess the impact of race on complications, length of stay, and costs after orthognathic surgery. METHODS: Pediatric and young adult orthognathic surgeries (age <21) were isolated from the Kids Inpatient Database from 2000-2012. Procedures were grouped into cohorts based on the preoperative diagnosis: apnea, malocclusion, or congenital anomaly. T tests and χ2 analyses were employed to compare complications, length of stay (LOS), and costs among Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and other patients in comparison to White patients. Multivariable regression was performed to identify associations between sociodemographic variables and the primary outcomes. Post-hoc χ2 analyses were performed to compare proportions of patients of a given race/ethnicity across the 3 surgical cohorts. RESULTS: There were 8,809 patients identified in the KID database (mean age of 16.3 years). Compared to White patients, complication rates were increased among Hispanic patients (2.1 vs 1.3%, P = .037) and other patients treated for apnea (8.7 vs 0.83%, P = .002). Hospital LOS was increased in both Black (3.3 vs 2.1 days, P < .001) and Hispanic (2.9 days, P < .001) patients. Costs were higher than Whites ($35,633.47) among Hispanic ($48,029.15, P < .001), Black ($47,034.41, P < .001), and Asian/Pacific-Islander ($44,192.49, P < .001) patients. White patients comprised a larger proportion of the malocclusion group (77.8%) than apnea (66.9%, P < .001) or congenital anomaly (59.1%, P < .001), while the opposite was true for Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific-Islander patients. CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in complications, LOS, and costs after orthognathic surgery among patients of different race/ethnicity. Further studies are needed to better understand the causes of disparity and their clinical manifestations.

Orthognathic Surgery in Cleidocranial Dysplasia.

ABSTRACT: Optimal surgical correction of the craniofacial manifestations of cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) has not been established due to the rarity of the condition. A 27-year-old female with CCD is presented. She underwent virtual surgical planning (VSP) followed by LeFort-I disimpaction, bone grafting, bilateral sagittal-split osteotomy, genioplasty, submental lipectomy, and targeted facial fat grafting. The patient necessitated 15-mm of vertical maxillary disimpaction centrally, stabilized with wide maxillary plates and interpositional allogenic fibula grafts. Six-month postoperative examination demonstrated improved appearance and functional symptoms. Skeletal relationships were normalized on computed tomography (CT) and there was minimal change between immediate and 6-month postoperative CT measurements, demonstrating a stable result. Orthognathic surgery used to establish dentofacial harmony in patients with CCD can test the extremes of single-stage facial skeletal expansion. Use of VSP, wide maxillary plates, and interpositional bone grafts can help optimize maxillary expansion and stability, while concurrent fat redistribution optimizes facial aesthetics.

Distinguishing Craniomorphometric Characteristics of Unilateral Lambdoid Craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral lambdoid synostosis (ULS) represents the rarest form of single suture nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. Differentiating between posterior deformational plagiocephaly (DP) and ULS has been difficult due to overlapping clinical findings. Past analyses have been limited by sample size. This study was undertaken to clarify anatomical features of ULS. METHODS: A multiinstitution study was undertaken, analyzing CT imaging from patients with documented ULS to determine clinical and pathological characteristics. Similar analyses were performed on DP patients to differentiate the 2 conditions. RESULTS: Twenty-seven ULS patient scans and 10 DP scans were included. For ULS patients mean age was 6.6 months, majority male (75%), and majority left-sided ULS (71%). The synostosed side ear was anteriorly displaced in 100% of ULS patients, mean difference of 9.6° (P < 0.001), and inferiorly in 96.3% of patients, mean difference of 4.4 mm, relative to the nonsynostosed side. The posterior fossa deflection (PFD) was deviated 5.9° toward the synostosed side relative to the anterior midline. In DP, there was no significant difference between sides in EAC measurements. The PFD and EAC displacements were significantly smaller in DP relative to ULS (P < 0.001 for each). An ipsilateral mastoid bulge was found in 100% of ULS and 0% of DP on CT imaging. CONCLUSION: Contrary to some previously published findings, the ear is more anteriorly displaced ipsilateral to the fused lambdoid suture in 100% of ULS patients. Ear position alone is not a reliable indicator to differentiate between DP and ULS. A mastoid bulge is a more reliable indicator of ULS.

Spatial Analysis of the Temporomandibular Joint and Condyle Following Mandibular Distraction in Robin Sequence.

ABSTRACT: To comprehensively assess changes in temporomandibular joint and mandibular condyle morphology in Robin sequence (RS) patients undergoing mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO). A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with RS and functional temporomandibular joints who underwent MDO by a single surgeon was performed. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were morphometrically analyzed three-dimensional in 3-matic and Mimics (Materialise). Comparative analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Fourteen RS patients were included (28 condyles, 56 CT scans), 78% male and 22% females. The mean age at surgery was 9.4 weeks (range 1.6-46.7 weeks). The average age at initial CT was 5.3 days (range 0-11 days). The mean time interval for CT scan before MDO and after hardware removal were 8.8 ±â€Š6.4 days and 11.2 ±â€Š25.8 days, respectively. Rotatory changes of the condyle revealed a significantly decreased horizontal angle following MDO (-7.55°, 95% confidence interval -11.13° to -3.41°; P < 0.001). Anteroposteriorly, the angle between condylar process and ramus (incline) increased significantly (14.14°, 95% confidence interval 10.71°-19.59°; P < 0.001). Intragroup analysis revealed no difference between left versus right condylar position measurements. The condyle itself increased in size and length and the intercondylion distance increased post-MDO. There were no complications and all patients achieved relief of airway obstruction without tracheostomy. Morphologic and positional changes of the mandibular condyle following MDO in RS patients parallel changes that occur during normal development in non-RS patients. As a result, MDO may facilitate normal condylar morphology and function in RS patients.

Decreasing Inpatient Opioid Use Following Orthognathic Surgery.

PURPOSE: Strategies to decrease postoperative opioid use are important for mitigating the immediate and long-term risks associated with their use. We aimed to investigate the impact of perioperative various factors on inpatient opioid needs for patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent orthognathic surgery performed by the senior author from 2012 to 2018. Patients were grouped into intravenous (IV) acetaminophen and no-IV acetaminophen cohorts. Opioid medications received by patients during hospital stay were converted to mean morphine equivalents (MME) for comparison. Additional factors that influenced opioid consumption, such as transexamic acid (TXA) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), were identified using univariate analysis. Factors found to have statistical significance were added to a multivariate linear regression model. RESULTS: 319 patients were included. Those who received IV acetaminophen had lower rates of total opioid use (57.3 versus 74.8 MME; P = 0.002) and postoperative opioid use (24.0 versus 37.7 MME; P < 0.001). Perioperative prothrombotic agents, such as TXA, were associated with lower total and postoperative MME (P = 0.005, P = 0.002). Multivariate regression analysis showed that increased PONV resulted in increased postoperative opioid use, whereas perioperative acetaminophen lowered total and postoperative quantities. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative IV acetaminophen is an effective method for decreasing inpatient opioid analgesia after orthognathic surgery. Intravenous TXA and PONV control may provide additional benefit to decreasing inpatient opioid consumption. More research as to the mechanisms and ideal clinical applications for both IV acetaminophen and TXA are warranted.

Crushed Cartilage and Autologous Fat for Dorsal Nasal Refinement.

BACKGROUND: Dorsal contour irregularities remain a potential undesirable sequela of rhinoplasty. Use of dorsal onlay grafts can camouflage such irregularities. In this article, a novel technique for dorsal onlay grafting utilizing crushed cartilage mixed with autologous fat is described. This study aims to assess long-term graft retention and aesthetic outcomes with this technique. METHODS: Patients with >18-month follow-up who underwent primary open rhinoplasty with the described technique were reviewed. Three-dimensional photographs taken at multiple timepoints were overlaid with volumetric subtraction used to quantify graft retention. The Rhinoplasty module of the FACE-Q was completed by each patient, and the Rhinoplasty Assessment Scale Photographic (RASP) was completed by surgeon reviewers. Pre- and postoperative changes in dorsal height as well as RASP scores were compared with paired t-tests. Changes in BMI, dorsal volume, and dorsal height were compared with linear regression. P values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included, mean age 32. Mean intermediate and final follow-up was 17.8 months and 28.9 months, respectively. There were no statistically significant dorsal height change (mean = 0.0 mm, p = 0.91) and minimal dorsal volume change (mean = 0.02 cm3, range:  0.08 to 0.13). Patients reported a high degree of satisfaction with facial/nasal appearance and psychological/social functioning. There was a statistically significant improvement in RASP scores (p < 0.001) postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Crushed septal cartilage mixed with autologous fat is an effective option for dorsal nasal onlay in rhinoplasty and is associated with excellent graft retention, patient satisfaction, and nasal aesthetics. 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.

Leveling the Maxillary Occlusal Plane Without Orthodontic Appliances in Patients With Hemifacial Microsomia Using Unilateral Vertical Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis.

PURPOSE: To assess maxillary occlusal plane correction in patients with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) after vertical vector mandibular distraction osteogenesis (vMDO) without orthodontic appliances. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on consecutive patients with HFM and Kaban-Pruzansky type-II mandibular deformities who underwent unilateral vMDO by a single surgeon over an 18-month period. Patients with 12-months minimum clinical follow-up and postero-anterior (PA) cephalograms taken preoperatively and at a minimum of 3 months post-consolidation were included. RESULTS: Five patients met inclusion criteria, 3 were female, median age was 13 years, median distraction length was 21.3 mm. Median radiographic follow-up was 5 months (range 3-38) post-consolidation. Median correction of the ramus height differential (difference between non-diseased and diseased side) was 97.3%. Median maxillary height differential correction was 72.2%. Median maxillary occlusal plane angle correction (towards zero) was 84.2%. Relative and absolute maxillary bone growth was greater on the diseased side (median 7.4%, 3.5 mm versus 2.8%, 1.4 mm). Dentoalveolar height decreased bilaterally in 4 of the 5 patients. Median chin point correction (towards midline) was 31.4%. CONCLUSION: Unilateral vMDO without orthodontic appliances effectively corrected mandibular ramus height, leveled the maxillary occlusal plane, and preferentially increased maxillary bone growth on the diseased side in patients with HFM.

Concurrent High Condylectomy and Orthognathic Surgery for Treatment of Patients With Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Facial asymmetry from unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) may be definitively treated in the presence of active disease (with high condylectomy and concurrent orthognathic surgery) or after waiting for disease inactivity (orthognathic surgery alone). There is currently no consensus on the standard of care. In this study, we sought to compare functional and esthetic outcomes, as well as treatment duration, between these 2 management options. METHODS: Patients who underwent treatment for UCH were identified through retrospective review. Pre- and postoperative 3-dimensional (3D) images were obtained. Short- and long-term operative outcomes of those treated during the active (group 1) were compared to those treated in the inactive phase (group 2). Total treatment time, operative time, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. Facial asymmetry was also assessed by laypersons using a Likert scale. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (mean 25.6 years, range 14-56) were included: 6 in group 1 and 9 in group 2. All surgical outcomes were statistically independent of procedure type. Treatment time was significantly longer in the group 2 (P = 0.03). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in facial asymmetry scores postoperatively with no significant difference in pre- or postoperative asymmetry between groups (P = 0.64). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with active UCH, high condylectomy and orthognathic surgery is a procedure that restores facial symmetry and improves jaw function while halting mandibular growth. Good esthetic and functional outcomes, as well as reduced treatment time and disease burden, support the use of this treatment option for this population.

Vascularized Composite Parietal Bone Flap for Immediate Reconstruction of a Hemi-Maxillectomy Defect in an Infant.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection of maxillary tumors can result in defects that can be difficult to reconstruct by conventional means due to the complex functional and anatomic nature of the midface and lack of regional bone flap options in the head and neck. Many reconstructive methods have been used to repair maxillary defects, but the ideal technique for the reconstruction of hemi-maxillectomy defects in growing pediatric patients has yet to be determined. METHODS: The authors present a rare pediatric patient with melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy resulting in a hemi-maxillectomy defect after resection that was reconstructed using a pedicled vascularized composite flap consisting of temporalis muscle, pericranium, and parietal bone. RESULTS: The patient achieved successful long-term bony reconstruction of his right maxilla with this flap. Stable skeletal fixation with adequate orbital support was maintained over a >3-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION: A vascularized composite parietal bone flap is a reliable reconstructive option for reconstruction of large maxillectomy defects providing low donor-site morbidity, adequate globe support, excellent long-term skeletal stability, and malar symmetry in rapidly growing pediatric patients. Successful reconstruction for a rare patient with maxillary melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy requiring hemi-maxillectomy was demonstrated with >3-year follow-up.

Open Reduction, Internal Fixation of Isolated Mandible Angle Fractures in Growing Children.

BACKGROUND: Mandible angle fractures can result in significant, long-term morbidity in children. However, management of this particular mandibular fracture type is not well-characterized in the pediatric population. This study investigated isolated mandibular angle fractures in the pediatric patients. METHODS: This was a 30-year retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of pediatric patients presenting to a single institution with mandibular angle fractures. Patient data were abstracted from electronic medical records. Subgroup analyses were completed by dentition stage. RESULTS: Seventeen patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 6 (35.3%) had deciduous, 4 (23.5%) had mixed, and 7 (41.2%) had permanent dentition. Deciduous/mixed dentition patients with mobile, displaced fractures underwent ORIF, whereas those with nondisplaced fractures underwent treatment with soft diet. Among permanent dentition patients, most patients (71.4%) underwent ORIF regardless of fracture severity. The post-ORIF complication rate was 55.6%; no complications were reported after soft diet or closed treatment (Fischer exact: P = 0.05). The most common post-ORIF complication was alveolar nerve paresthesia (17.6%) and post-ORIF complication rates did not vary by age (deciduous: 16.7%, mixed: 25.0%, permanent: 42.9%, Fischer exact: P = 0.80). ORIF patients who received a single upper border miniplate had a lower complication rate (42.9%) than other plating methods (upper and lower miniplates-100%). Fracture severity was predictive of post-ORIF complications (odds ratio: 2.23, 95% confidence interval: 2.22-2.24, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Isolated mandible angle fractures were relatively rare in children, and treatment requirements varied by injury severity and dentition stage. Although isolated angle fractures had substantial associated morbidity, this fracture pattern did not result in notable growth limitations/deformity.

Microsurgery Training Resource Variation among US Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Programs.

BACKGROUND: Given emerging focus on competency-based surgical training and work-hour limitations, surgical skills laboratories play an increasingly important role in resident education. This study was designed to investigate educational opportunities in microsurgery across integrated residency programs. METHODS: Senior residents (PGY 4-6) at integrated plastic surgery programs were surveyed during the 2016 to 2017 academic year to determine each program's access to: training microscopes and anastomosis models, video-based skills assessment, pre-requisite skills exams, flap courses, or a formal microsurgical training curriculum. Programs were stratified based on large size (>18 residents) and presence of microsurgery fellows. Chi-squared analysis was performed with p < 0.05 to assess statistical significance. RESULTS: Survey responses were collected from 32 of 60 eligible programs (53% response rate). Sixty-nine percent provide access to one to two training microscopes, 25% provide three or more, and 6% provide none. Sixty-nine percent of programs train anastomosis with nonliving prosthetics, 66% with living biologics, and 50% with nonliving biologics. Large program size or having microsurgical fellows was not associated with increased access to training microscopes or specific anastomosis models. Programs without microsurgery fellows reported more often that a formal microsurgery curriculum would be helpful (90 vs. 58% of programs with fellows, p = 0.0003). Respondents who indicated that creating a formal curriculum would not be helpful elaborated that their program already has a formal curriculum or a high volume of microsurgery cases. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the current variation in microsurgery training at integrated plastic surgery residency programs. A formal microsurgical training curriculum is commonly viewed as being helpful, particularly at programs without microsurgery fellows.

Adipofascial Flaps With Acellular Dermal Matrix Compared With Myocutaneous Flap Reconstruction in Lumbar Myelomeningocele Defects.

BACKGROUND: Adipofascial flaps (AFF) with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) have the potential to reconstruct neural tube defects without sacrificing muscle that may be critical for long-term function. Comparative studies between myocutaneous flap (MF) reconstruction, the accepted standard reconstructive technique, and AFF/ADM remain under-reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of myelomeningocele reconstruction using muscle sparing AFF/ADM versus MF. METHODS: A retrospective comparison was conducted on consecutive myelomeningocele patients reconstructed with MF or AFF/ADM over an 84-month period. Data analyzed included: basic demographics, defect size, reconstructive technique, complications, and length of follow-up. A supplemental meta-analysis based on systematic review of literature was performed to compare alternative reconstructive options. RESULTS: Twelve patients were identified who met inclusion criteria. Median age, weight, and defect size at reconstruction in the AFF/ADM group (n = 6) was 37.5 weeks, 3.25 kg, and 20.0 cm, respectively, and in the MF group (n = 6) was 37 weeks, 3.6 kg, and 22.5 cm (P > 0.5). For the AFF/ADM versus MF groups, median follow-up was 33.8 versus 22.6 months, reoperation rate was 0% versus 17% (P = 1.0), and complex skin flap closure rate was 17% versus 100% (P = 0.015). No cerebrospinal fluid leaks or surgical site infections occurred in either group. Meta-analysis of the literature revealed no statistically significant difference in complications rates between muscle and nonmuscle flap reconstruction (P > 0.5); potential long-term sequelae of muscle flap harvest were not included. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle sparing AFF with ADM is a safe and effective surgical alternative to muscle flaps for lumbar myelomeningocele reconstruction.

Surgical Management of Deep Brain Stimulator Scalp Erosion without Hardware Removal.

BACKGROUND: Scalp erosion in patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) hardware is an uncommon complication that lacks a clearly defined management strategy. Previous studies have described various therapies including conservative treatment with antibiotics and surgical debridement with or without hardware removal. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review the efficacy of a hardware-sparing management strategy for the treatment of scalp erosion. METHODS: Five patients with previous DBS implantation presented with scalp erosion and visible hardware exposure at the calvarial burr hole site, and underwent tension-free, vascularized, rotational scalp flap, with preservation of the leads under the pericranium. Two of the procedures were performed after an unsuccessful attempt at primary closure and 3 as a primary procedure. Each patient was followed clinically for at least 14 months postoperatively to evaluate for wound-healing and adverse effects. RESULTS: The median duration from initial DBS hardware implantation to erosion and revision surgery was 12 months (range 1.5-62 months). Three patients were documented to have positive intraoperative cultures in spite of the absence of purulence. At the last follow-up, all patients were noted to have complete wound-healing and no evidence of infection or erosion. CONCLUSIONS: DBS scalp erosion can be managed by rotational scalp flap without hardware removal, even in cases where infection is identified.

Local Coverage for Acute Severely Herniated Brain Using Scalp and Forehead Flaps in a Pediatric Patient With Head Trauma.

A 4-year-old-boy required emergent craniectomy and drainage of a large right-sided acute subdural hematoma after head trauma, during which massive sinus hemorrhage with brain swelling occurred. Acute intraoperative management entailed dural cover using synthetic dural membrane substitute and scalp coverage over the herniated brain using acellular dermal matrix. After intensive monitoring and control of raised intracranial pressure over the next few days, the exposed brain was then covered by scalp and forehead flaps with cadaveric skin grafting to the donor site. This temporary coverage continued until adequate resolution of the intracranial swelling and control of the hydrocephalus using a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Ultimately, the flaps were derotated and the craniectomy site was reconstructed with autologous banked bone. The child had a significant functional recovery with some residual left-sided weakness. This case is the first report of local tissue flaps used for temporary coverage of malignant brain herniation in a pediatric head trauma patient and highlights their effective use. Through serial surgical procedures the brain was successfully covered without significant blood loss and the patient's local tissues returned to their original donor sites with good cosmetic outcome, without sacrifice of the patient's own skin or free flap options.