Risk constellation of hospital acquired pressure injuries in patients with a spinal cord injury/ disorder - focus on time since spinal cord injury/ disorder and patients' age.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate how time since spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D) and patients' age influence risk constellation for hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPI) in patients with a SCI/D. SETTING: Acute care and rehabilitation clinic specialized in SCI/D. METHODS: We collected patients' characteristics and 85 risk factors for HAPI development in adults with SCI/D with at least one HAPI during their inpatient stay between August 2018 and December 2019. We analyzed patients' characteristics and HAPI risk factors using descriptive statistics according to time since SCI/D ( < 1 year, 1-15 years, > 15 years) and patients' age (18-35 years, 35-65 years, > 65 years). RESULTS: We identified 182 HAPI in 96 patients. Comparing patients with SCI/D < 1 year with the other groups, autonomic dysreflexia (p < 0.001), abnormal body temperature (p = 0.001), hypertensive episode (p = 0.005), and pneumonia (p < 0.001) occurred more frequently; mean hemoglobin (p < 0.001), albumin (p = 0.002) and vitamin D levels (p = 0.013) were significantly lower, and patients with time since SCI/D < 1 year scored fewer points (10-12) on the Braden Scale (p < 0.001). Comparing groups per patients' age, only the SCIPUS score was higher in patients > 65 years compared to the other two groups (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Different risk factor constellation seem to be underlying HAPI development with more differences in patients time since SCI/D than patients' age. Awareness of these differences in risk factor constellation depending on time since SCI/D in these patients might lead to different HAPI prevention strategies. SPONSORSHIP: The study team didn't receive any additional sponsorship.

Osteomyelitis and antibiotic treatment in patients with grade IV pressure injury and spinal cord lesion-a retrospective cohort study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To analyze characteristics and treatment of osteomyelitis (OM) in the treatment of grade IV pressure injury (PI) in patients with spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D) following the Basel Decubitus Concept. SETTING: Acute care and rehabilitation clinic specialized in SCI/D. METHODS: Patients with SCI/D were admitted for grade IV PI treatment between 1st January 2010 and 28th February 2015. Patients, SCI/D, and PI characteristics were collected from chart reviews. Descriptive statistics and differences between groups with and without OM were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 117 patients (87 male, 30 female) with 130 PI grade IV were included. In 95 patients (81%), OM was diagnosed histologically. In 87 cases, more than one bacterial species was involved. Out of 49 different bacterial species, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococus aureus were most frequently observed. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and ciprofloxacin were the most frequently used out of 24 different antibiotics. Length of antibiotic treatment varied between <8 days and >91 days with 31 patients receiving antibiotics for about 8 weeks. Complications occurred in all groups of antibiotic duration. Having a paraplegia, no OM and sacral PI was associated with increased complication rates, but the number of patients did not allow comprehensive risk factor analysis. CONCLUSION: Because the variety of patients concerning SCI/D, PI, and OM characteristics did not show a conclusive relation between length of antibiotic treatment and complication rates, the development of a subgroup specific treatment concept for PI in patients with SCI/D would be favorable to further optimize antibiotic treatment.

Risk factors for hospital acquired pressure injury in patients with spinal cord injury during first rehabilitation: prospective cohort study.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. OBJECTIVES: First, describe pressure injury (PI) and associated risk factors in individuals with spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D) during first rehabilitation. Second, evaluate a prediction model for hospital acquired PI (HAPI) development. SETTING: Acute care and rehabilitation clinic specialized in SCI/D. METHODS: Patients ≥18 years of age with SCI/D were included during first rehabilitation between 08/2018 and 12/2019. We performed a systematic literature search to identify risk factors for PI development. Patients were classified according to HAPI developed. Between group differences of patients' characteristics and risk factors were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Logistic predictive models were performed to estimate HAPI development and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to test the model. RESULTS: In total, 94 patients were included, 48 (51.1%) developed at least one HAPI and in total 93 were observed, mainly stage I and stage II HAPI according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. We found nine significantly associated risk factors: completeness of SCI/D, pneumonia, sedative medications, autonomic dysreflexia, Braden ≤12 points, SCIPUS ≥9 points, lower admission SCIM and lower admission FIM-cognition, longer length of stay (LOS) (p ≤ 0.0005). In a predictive model, none of the risk factors was associated with HAPI development (AUC = 0.5). CONCLUSION: HAPIs in patients with SCI/D during first rehabilitation are a frequent and complex condition and associated with several risk factors. No predictive model exists but with the identified risk factors of this study, larger studies can create a tailored and flexible HAPI risk prediction model.

Improved Adipocyte Viability in Autologous Fat Grafting With Ascorbic Acid-Supplemented Tumescent Solution.

INTRODUCTION: In reconstructive surgery, fat volume augmentation is often necessary for esthetic or functional reasons. As an alternative to synthetic and xenogeneic materials, autologous fat grafting (AFG) based on liposuction is gaining popularity, yet successful transplantation and long-term volume maintenance are difficult. Standard tumescent solution formulations neglect adipocyte and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell survival during extraction, as well as SVF differentiation into adipocytes thereafter, all of which are crucial for the success of AFG. Here we hypothesized that addition of ascorbic acid (AA) to the tumescent solution could prevent liposuction-induced cell damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of 0.1 mmol/L AA in tumescent solution was investigated in a previously described ex vivo model of AFG. Briefly, excision fat was infiltrated with tumescent solution, with or without AA, and incubated for 20 minutes at 37°C. Hand-assisted liposuction was then performed with a blunt cannula. Total cell viability, clonogenicity, and differentiation capacity of the SVF cells were assessed. RESULTS: With AA, 10.3% more cells and in particular 14.9% more adipocytes survived liposuction. Clonogenicity, adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation by SVF cells remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of AA successfully improved survival of adipocytes during liposuction without affecting SVF growth and differentiation. This study therefore identified a useful supplement to the tumescent solution which may lead to improving AFG success.

Vascularized Bone Autograft for the Treatment of Chondroblastoma of the Talus at Imminent Risk of Joint Breakdown: Three Case Reports.

Surgical treatment options in a chondroblastoma of the talus breaching the subchondral layer with imminent risk of talar collapse in the weightbearing area are limited. A joint-preserving surgery should be advocated. Because current treatment options such as curettage, cryosurgery, or radiofrequency ablation may not be able to prevent a talar dome breakdown in large defects, nonvascularized bone grafting has been advocated to fill the void. To overcome the lack of vitality, a vascularized bone autograft might be an attractive alternative. We present 3 cases where a large talar defect owing to a chondroblastoma was treated with a vascularized bone autograft. In 1 of the cases, a free microvascular iliac crest bone graft was used, whereas in the other 2 cases, a vascularized graft was harvested from the medial femoral condyle. Computed tomographic scans demonstrated a stable incorporation of the graft in all cases. All patients were highly satisfied with the obtained results and showed a clinical functional outcome similar to the contralateral foot after 36, 60, and 72 months. At the latest radiographic follow-up, no evidence of recurrence was observed. In conclusion, a free vascularized bone autograft can be used to treat a large talar defect owing to chondroblastoma in young patients.

Regeneration of nerve crush injury using adipose-derived stem cells: A multimodal comparison.

INTRODUCTION: To restore full function following nerve crush injuries is critical but challenging. In an attempt to develop a viable therapy, we evaluated the effect of rat adipose-derived stem cells (rASC) in 2 different settings of a sciatic crush injury model. METHODS: In the first group, after 14 days of nerve crush injury, rASCs were injected distal to the lesion under ultrasound guidance. In the other group, alleviation of compression through clip removal (CR) was combined with epineural injection of rASCs. Gait analyses, MRI, gastrocnemius muscle weight ratio (MWR), and histomorphometry were performed for outcome analysis. RESULTS: CR combined with rASC injection resulted in less muscle atrophy, as evidenced by MWR. These findings are further supported by better functional and anatomical outcomes. DISCUSSION: Animals treated with CR and epineural stem cell injection showed enhanced anatomical and functional recovery. Muscle Nerve 58: 566-572, 2018.

ESPRAS Survey: National and European Societies for Plastic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: The European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS) comprises 40 national societies across Europe. In addition to ESPRAS, there are 8 different European Plastic Surgery societies representing Plastic Surgeons in Europe. The 4th European Leadership Forum (ELF) of ESPRAS, held under the motto "Stronger together in Europe" in Munich in 2023, aimed to collect and disseminate information regarding the national member societies of ESPRAS and European societies for Plastic Surgeons. The purpose was to identify synergies and redundancies and promote improved cooperation and exchange to enhance coordinated decision-making at the European level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted regarding the organisational structures, objectives and challenges of national and European societies for Plastic Surgeons in Europe. This survey was distributed to official representatives (Presidents, Vice Presidents and General Secretaries) and delegates of national and European societies at the ELF meeting. Missing information was completed using data obtained from the official websites of the respective European societies. Preliminary results were discussed during the 4th ELF meeting in Munich in March 2023. RESULTS: The ESPRAS survey included 22 national and 9 European Plastic Surgery societies representing more than 7000 Plastic Surgeons in Europe. Most national societies consist of less than 500 full members (median 182 members (interquartile range (IQR) 54-400); n=22). European societies, which covered the full spectrum or subspecialities, differed in membership types and congress cycles, with some requiring applications by individuals and others including national societies. The main purposes of the societies include research, representation against other disciplines, specialisation and education as well as more individual goals like patient care and policy regulation. CONCLUSION: This ESPRAS survey offers key insights into the structures, requirements and challenges of national and European societies for Plastic Surgeons, highlighting the relevance of ongoing close exchange between the societies to foster professional advancement and reduce redundancies. Future efforts of the ELF will continue to further explore strategies for enhancing collaboration and harmonisation within the European Plastic Surgery landscape.

[Bone Reconstruction in the Upper Extremity other than the Scaphoid with the free vascularized Medial Femoral Condyle]. / Knochenrekonstruktion an der oberen Extremität mittels eines freien vaskularisierten Knochentransplantates aus der medialen Femurkondyle ohne Berücksichtigung des Skaphoids.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether a vascularized bone graft from the medial femur condyle (MFC) can successfully be used to reconstruct small bone defects (< 4 cm) on the upper extremity other than the scaphoid. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 7 patients at the age of 28 to 66 years 8 vascularized bone grafts from the MFC were used to reconstruct bone defects on the upper extremity other than the scaphoid. Bone healing, complications, donor side morbidity, and patient´s satisfaction were evaluated. Follow-up was 3 to 40 months. Indications were: two nonunion of the distal radius in spite of several surgical procedures, one defect of the distal radius following a radius fracture with osteoarthritis of the radiocarpal joint, one acute trauma with partial loss of the carpus and radius due to an explosion injury, reconstruction of the first metacarpal (MC) following resection of a giant cell tumour, and three fusions between the 1st and 2nd MC as a salvage procedure after several surgical procedures at the saddle joint. RESULTS: There was a regular bony healing in 4 of the 8 cases; delayed bony healing was seen in three cases after 7, 8, and 9 months. In one case there was only a partial bony healing. Two donor side haematomas required surgical revision. Patient's satisfaction was high with 7 painless cases. CONCLUSION: Free vascularized bone grafts from the medial femur condyle can successfully be used to reconstruct bone defects up to 4 cm of the upper extremity other than the scaphoid.

[Plastic-surgical reconstruction of the lower extremity in senior patients]. / Plastisch-chirurgische Rekonstruktion der unteren Extremität bei alten Patienten.

The proportion of patients in the population beyond the 7th decade of life is increasing worldwide, especially in highly developed countries. Consequently, there is also an increasing need for complex lower extremity reconstructions after trauma, tumors, or infections in this age group. The reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the lower extremity should be performed according to the principle of the plastic-reconstructive ladder or elevator. The goal of reconstruction is to restore anatomy and function of the lower extremity to enable pain-free and stable standing and walking; however, for older patients in particular, a careful preoperative multidisciplinary planning, detailed preoperative assessment and optimization of comorbidities, such as diabetes, malnutrition or pathological vascular alterations, as well an age-adapted perioperative management are necessary. By implementing these principles, older and very old patients can maintain their mobility and autonomy, which are crucial for a high quality of life.

[Choice of flaps for phalloplasty: what is the contemporary standard? Consensus Statement of the German-Speaking Society for Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Vessels]. / "Wahl der Lappenplastik zur Phalloplastik ­ was ist zeitgemäßer Standard" ­ Konsensus-Bericht der deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie der peripheren Nerven und Gefäße.

The ever-expanding number of transmen as well as their surgeons share an increasing interest in the construction of a neophallus. While the indication for surgery and the positive effect of a phalloplasty on the quality of life, mental health and sexual function has already been thoroughly analysed, there is a lack of data comparing and evaluating the surgical steps. During the consensus conference on the "choice of flaps for phalloplasty" at the annual meeting of the German-Speaking Society for Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Vessels, the current literature was discussed and a consensus on the surgical technique of a phalloplasty was reached. This manuscript publishes jointly developed recommendations on the following topics: choice of flaps for phalloplasty, preoperative diagnostic tests before phalloplasty, urethral construction in the radial forearm flap and anterior lateral thigh flap, preformation of the urethra at the forearm or thigh, venous drainage of the radial forearm flap, innervation of the phallus, staged phalloplasty, coronaplasty and managing the donor site of a radial forearm flap.

Brustrekonstruktion ­ der Einfluss des Verfahrens auf die Lebensqualität.

English Breast cancer and the surgical procedures associated with it have a major impact on the quality of life of affected patients. Research shows that the loss of the breast and the associated change in body image have a major impact on the female self-image for many women. This has a strong negative impact on the quality of life of those affected. With modern clinical outcome research including treatment results from the patient's perspective in the form of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), the satisfaction and quality of life of those affected can be measured, analysed and compared. This review examines the extent to which breast reconstruction improves the quality of life for many women and how the different reconstruction methods vary in their impact on quality of life and satisfaction. In addition, the review discusses the importance of standardised recording and analysis of PROMs in combination with objective clinical data and their integration into the treatment process, and it demonstrates implementation options. Such systematic recording of PROMs enables the creation of databases and registers, the evaluation of which provides information that can be used for scientific and clinical purposes. Based on these research results, prognostic models can be created and treatment results can be examined in comparative studies facilitating clinical decision-making and quality controls.

Microsurgical Reconstruction of the Lower Extremity in the Elderly.

Demand has increased for complex lower-extremity reconstruction in the steadily growing elderly patient group in many highly developed countries. Microsurgery is indispensable for soft tissue reconstruction and osseous consolidation salvaging leg function and preventing amputation, with its devastating consequences. Microvascular reconstruction can be performed successfully in specialized centers with low donor-site morbidity, minimal operative time, and comparably low complication rates. However, this requires thorough multidisciplinary planning, preoperative optimization of risk factors, such as diabetes and malnutrition, and individually adapted intraoperative management. Implementing these principles can reliably restore ambulation and mobility, maintaining autonomy in this population.

Failure of Osseointegration of a Semiconstrained Finger Prosthesis in a Post-traumatic Metacarpophalangeal Joint Defect: A Case Report.

CASE: Post-traumatic defects of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPj) remain challenging for hand surgeons. Restoration of stability and motion are difficult to achieve because of the complex anatomy and kinematics. The Robert Mathys (RM) semiconstrained prosthesis offers good intrinsic stability and mobility and therefore seems suitable. We report on a patient where the RM prosthesis was used for a traumatic destroyed ring finger MCPj reconstruction but failed because of aseptic loosening. We discuss possible reasons in light of the current literature on post-traumatic MCPj arthroplasties and the RM prosthesis in particular. CONCLUSION: The RM proximal interphalangeal prosthesis does not seem suitable for post-traumatic replacement of the MCPj.

Bartholin gland cyst in a transgender male: case report of a rare occurrence.

This case report highlights the importance of a wide differential diagnosis in transgender patients. A 77-year-old transgender (female-to-male) with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) and obstructive voiding difficulties presented with a perineal cyst. Further examinations, including computed tomography (CT) and puncture, revealed that the patient had a symptomatic Bartholin gland cyst, a phenomenon that normally only affects women. In his gender confirmation surgery (GCS) 30 years before, the patient's female labia minora and Bartholin glands were used to lengthen the urethra for the phalloplasty. This explains the unusual location and the prolonged time to the correct diagnose. We decided to perform an incision of the fluid collection from perineal. A follow-up sonography after one month revealed a remaining cyst size of 6 mL, which was assumed to be residual fluid or newly produced liquid; however, the patient has not had any UTIs since the incision of the cyst. Our case seems to be the first description of a symptomatic Bartholin gland cyst in a trans man. This stresses the importance of an expanded understanding of sex/gender concepts, and underlines one of the many possible diagnostic pitfalls when treating trans people.

Perioperatives Management in der Mikrochirurgie ­ Konsensus-Statement der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie der peripheren Nerven und Gefäße.

Perioperative management in microsurgery is a key element of success in reconstructive surgery. There are no uniform concepts for this in the German-speaking countries and individual schemes differ significantly from each other, as ascertained in an expert survey. In the course of the 41st Annual Conference of the German-speaking Working Group for Microsurgery (DAM) held in Munich in November 2019, concepts were evaluated and a survey was carried out and summarised as a position paper in due consideration of the scientific literature.

[Economic factors in microsurgery - Report of the consensus workshop of the German-Speaking Society for Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Vessels - (DAM)]. / Wirtschaftliche Aspekte in der Mikrochirurgie: Bericht zum Konsensus-Workshop der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie der peripheren Nerven und Gefäße ­ (DAM).

In addition to outcome assessments, cost effectiveness of surgical treatments becomes increasingly important. Both, insurance companies and hospital administrations aim for short and efficient procedures to reduce costs.Microsurgical procedures are often surpassing traditional treatment options in terms of function and aesthetics. However, they are more expensive as they require a high level of surgical expertise, more theatre capacity and longer inpatient treatment. Adequate reimbursement is mandatory, if we want to continuously perform these procedures with the best possible quality and outcome. To cover the case-related expenses of each specialty, multidisciplinary procedures require appropriate distribution of reimbursements to each department.The main diagnosis as well as all complications and relevant comorbidities should be documented to obtain the correct DRG. The additional financial benefit of a microsurgical procedure in a multidisciplinary case can be calculated by specifying the procedural increment in pay. Therefore, a fair distribution of revenues to each participating department should be performed. Different models exist, which lead to a benefit in compensation for all departments. Unfortunately, distribution of resources is still insufficiently managed in many hospitals, which hampers high quality multidisciplinary microsurgical procedures. Still, picking the best possible procedure for our patients, independently of financial incentives, is of utmost importance.

Orthoplastics in Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Knee: Treatment Concept for Composite Soft-tissue Defect with Extensor Apparatus Deficiency.

Introduction: Reconstruction of composite soft-tissue defects with extensor apparatus deficiency in patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the knee is challenging. We present a single-centre multidisciplinary orthoplastic treatment concept based on a retrospective outcome analysis over 20 years. Methods and Results: One-hundred sixty patients had PJI after total knee arthroplasty. Plastic surgical reconstruction of a concomitant perigenicular soft-tissue defect was indicated in 47 patients. Of these, six presented with extensor apparatus deficiency. One patient underwent primary arthrodesis and five patients underwent reconstruction of the extensor apparatus. The principle to reconstruct missing tissue 'like with like' was thereby favoured: Two patients with a wide soft-tissue defect received a free anterolateral thigh flap with fascia lata; one patient with a smaller soft-tissue defect received a free sensate, extended lateral arm flap with triceps tendon; and two patients who did not qualify for free flap surgery received a pedicled medial sural artery perforator gastrocnemius flap. Despite good functional results 1 year later, long-term follow-up revealed that two patients had to undergo arthrodesis because of recurrent infection and one patient was lost to follow-up. Conclusion: These results show that PJI of the knee and extensor apparatus deficiency is a dreaded combination with a poor long-term outcome. Standardization of surgical techniques for a defined PJI problem and consensus on study variables may facilitate interinstitutional comparisons of outcome data, and hence, improvement of treatment concepts.

Radiographic evaluation of frontal talar edge configuration for osteochondral plug transplantation.

For successful reconstruction of osteochondral lesions of the talus, the anatomic configuration of the talar edge must be respected. This study evaluated the radiographic configuration of the talar edge in the anterior-posterior (AP) view by analyzing medial and lateral talar edge angles and radii in 81 patients with a true AP view and without ankle pathology. The mean lateral talar edge angle was 91.8 degrees , and the mean medial talar edge angle was 110.0 degrees . The medial frontal talar edge radius was 4.8 mm and the lateral 3.5 mm, respectively. No correlation between angle and radius was found. These results revealed a significant difference between the medial and the lateral talar edge configuration. This may be due to the three-dimensional function of the human ankle joint. No study so far has addressed these differences radiologically. These differences should be addressed in the reconstruction of osteochondral lesions and be included in the preoperative planning.

[Profitability of reconstructive microsurgery: position paper of the German-Speaking Group for Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Vessels]. / Wirtschaftlichkeit der rekonstruktiven Mikrochirurgie: Positionspapier der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie ­ (DAM).

The profitability of medical treatment has gained increasing importance in health politics and likewise has become a considerable part of a microsurgeon's daily practice. The resulting cost pressure leads to microsurgeons having to justify their often complex and expensive treatments against hospital providers and health insurances. In this position paper of the German Speaking Group for Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Vessels, we analyze the current status of profitability of microsurgical extremity and breast reconstruction, and its impact on choice of therapy and residency training. We specifically highlight the available literature, that shows often reduced long-term treatment costs after microsurgical reconstruction in comparison to cheaper initial treatments. The statements are based on a consensus workshop on the 40th meeting of the DAM in Lugano, Switzerland.

Prefabrication of a large pedicled bone graft by engineering the germ for de novo vascularization and osteoinduction.

Large and complex bone defects represent challenging clinical scenarios, typically requiring autologous vascularized bone transplants. In order to bypass the numerous associated limitations, here we aimed at ectopically prefabricating a bone graft surrogate with vascular pedicle. A hollow cylinder of devitalized cancellous bone was used to define the space of a large bone substitute. This space was filled with devitalized pellets of engineered hypertrophic cartilage as bone-inducing material, in combination or not with stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue as source of osteoprogenitors and endothelial cells. Vascularization of the space was targeted through axial insertion of an arterio-venous (AV) bundle. Constructs were subcutaneously implanted in nude rats for 12 weeks and analyzed for bone formation and vascularization by histology and microtomography. Retrieved constructs were extensively vascularized in all conditions, with vessels sprouting from the AV bundle and reaching a higher density in the axially central volume. Bone tissue was formed through remodeling of hypertrophic cartilage, and quantitatively correlated with de novo vascularization. Our study demonstrates feasibility to prefabricate large, pedicled bone grafts in predefined shapes. The combination of an AV bundle with engineered hypertrophic cartilage provided a germ for the coupled processes of vascularization and bone formation. The demonstrated osteoinductivity of devitalized hypertrophic cartilage offers the opportunity of implementing the proposed regenerative surgery strategy through off-the-shelf materials.