Orthodontic and Orthognathic Surgical Treatment in a Patient with a Large Lymphatic Malformation of the Face: A Case Report.

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are congenital abnormalities in the development of the lymphatic system. They can damage other structures including the airway, blood vessels, nerves, or bones. LMs of the face can result in malocclusion, and many patients with LMs of the face require orthognathic surgery to correct the malocclusion. Surgery-first is a treatment modality which should be considered for individuals with LMs and is a protocol in which orthognathic surgery is performed prior to orthodontic treatment. This case report describes surgery-first and subsequent orthodontic treatment in a patient with a class III malocclusion due to a large facial LM.

An Oncoplastic Approach to Primary Pediatric Pterygomaxillary Osteosarcoma.

Osteosarcomas arising within the pterygomaxillary/infratemporal fossa region are rare among the pediatric population. Survival rates are most influenced by tumor resection with negative margins, which can be dependent on surgical accessibility of the tumor site. The pterygomaxillary/infratemporal fossa location poses several challenges to safe and adequate tumor resection, including proximity of the facial nerve and great vessels and scarring associated with traditional transfacial approaches. In this article, we present the case of a 6-year-old boy with an osteosarcoma of the left pterygomaxillary/infratemporal fossa region successfully managed with an "oncoplastic" approach, incorporating the use of CAD/CAM and mixed reality technologies.

Surgical approach to penile reconstruction for shaft skin excision from circumcision.

PURPOSE: Circumcision is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures. Complications are infrequent, including bleeding, though can be significant such as shaft skin excision. The aim of this study was to identify mechanism of injury and reconstructive techniques for skin excision using a full thickness skin graft (FTSG) or with the novel application of tissue expanders (TE). METHODS: Patients who underwent penile reconstruction following shaft skin excision from an overzealous circumcision were retrospectively reviewed. The penis was covered using a FTSG, harvested from the groin/hip, or using TE, with expanders placed in residual shaft skin. RESULTS: Twelve patients experienced significant skin loss (range 65-95%) including 2 with partial glans loss. Ten were reconstructed using a FTSG and 2 with TE. Injury was most frequently from a Mogen clamp (n = 9), or from a Gomco clamp, Plastibell device, and electrocautery burns. Six FTSG patients experienced complications with lymphedema (n = 3) most common. CONCLUSION: Shaft skin excision is a devastating complication with risk greatest from Mogen clamp use. TE is preferred as this avoids donor site morbidity which reassures parents but requires sufficient residual skin that can be expanded. Both techniques effectively provide soft tissue coverage with acceptable appearance and long-term function.

Differences in Applicant Perceptions of Virtual Interviews Between Integrated Plastic Surgery and Subspecialty Fellowship Applicants.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to survey and compare integrated plastic surgery and plastic surgery subspecialty fellowship applicants on their experiences with virtual interviews and to determine if there are differences between them. DESIGN: An IRB-approved survey study was conducted using the Qualtrics platform. SETTING: The study was conducted at the Johns Hopkins University and the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore Maryland. PARTICIPANTS: Applicants that applied to 1) the Johns Hopkins/University of Maryland or the University of California San Diego integrated plastic surgery residency programs, 2) craniofacial surgery fellowship, and 3) microsurgery, hand surgery, or burn surgery fellowship at the Johns Hopkins University were selected to participate in the survey. RESULTS: A total of 94 surveys were completed by residency applicants and 55 by fellowship applicants. After the interview season, 80% of fellowship applicants recommended virtual interviews compared to 61.7% of residency applicants (p = 0.03). Fellowship applicants reported significantly less issues with self-advocacy and did not view the virtual interview process as significant of a detriment when meeting program residents/staff, viewing the hospital/surrounding area, and learning about the program (p < 0.05). A higher percentage of fellowship applicants interviewed at multiple programs during a single day compared to residency applicants (56.4% vs 27.7%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A higher proportion of fellowship applicants prefer virtual interviews, which associated with key differences in perceptions, expectations, and priorities. Our data supports that fellowship programs may wish to continue virtual interviews even after COVID-related restrictions are lifted, because fellows are equally able to self-advocate in a virtual format while benefiting from cost and time savings; fellowship programs would also gain the cost and time savings from this model as well.

Design of a Novel Orthodontic Appliance to Prevent Pedicle Trauma in Patients Undergoing Double-Opposing Buccal Flaps for Palatal Lengthening.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel orthodontic appliance to prevent pedicle trauma in patients undergoing double-opposing buccal flap surgery for secondary palatal lengthening. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Cleft and craniofacial clinic, Johns Hopkins Children's Center. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Four patients undergoing double-opposing buccal flap surgery for repair of velopharyngeal insufficiency. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were fitted with the device, which consists of a lower lingual holding arch with acrylic bite blocks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Presence of pedicle trauma postsurgery and tolerability of the device. RESULTS: The appliance was well tolerated in all 4 patients and no biting trauma to the pedicles was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A reliable appliance has been developed to prevent biting trauma to the pedicles in patients undergoing double-opposing buccal flap surgery in the permanent dentition stage.

Postnatal Progressive Craniosynostosis in Syndromic Conditions: Two Patients With Saethre-Chotzen Due to TWIST1 Gene Deletions and Review of the Literature.

Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS) is a known craniosynostosis syndrome with a variable presentation of craniofacial and somatic involvement. Congenital coronal craniosynostosis is most commonly observed in SCS; however, progressive postnatal craniosynostosis of other sutures has been reported. The authors present 2 infants with progressive postnatal craniosynostosis and SCS caused by chromosome 7p deletions including the TWIST1 gene. The evolution of their clinical features and a literature review of patients with syndromic, postnatal progressive craniosynostosis illustrate the importance of longitudinal observation and management of these patients.

Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Applicant Perceptions of Virtual Interviews.

PURPOSE: The 2020-2021 interview cycle for integrated plastic surgery applicants was the first to be held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we detail the largest study on integrated plastic surgery applicant perceptions after the virtual interview cycle. METHODS: A 35-question institutional review board-approved survey was distributed to medical students who had applied to the Johns Hopkins/University of Maryland or University of California San Diego integrated residency programs during the 2020-2021 interview cycle. Survey questions assessed the structure, strengths, and weaknesses of the exclusively virtual interview process. Survey administration and data collection were performed using the Qualtrics platform. RESULTS: Of 318 distributed surveys, 94 were completed. In addition, 91.5% of respondents preferred in-person interviews before the interview season, whereas 54.3% preferred in-person interviews afterward. Applicants who favored virtual interviews did not view being unable to physically meet with program staff as a detriment (P = .001) and felt they could effectively advocate for themselves (P = .002). Overall, the most cited strengths were the ability to complete more interviews (P = .01) and cost benefits (P = .02). Criticisms were directed at the impersonal nature of the exchange (86.2%), lack of physical tour (56.4%), and difficulties at self-advocacy (52.1%). CONCLUSION: Preference for virtual interviews increased from 7.5% to 34.0% after the virtual interview cycle. For several students, the ideal interview structure permits both in-person and virtual interviews to maximize flexibility. Augmenting with virtual city tours and one-on-one interviews may mitigate the impersonal nature of virtual interviews as perceived by some applicants.

Interfacility Transfer Guidelines for Isolated Facial Trauma: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to develop guidelines for the transfer of patients with isolated craniomaxillofacial trauma. METHODS: A national, multidisciplinary expert panel was assembled from leadership in national organizations and contributors to published literature on facial reconstruction. The final panel consisted of five plastic surgeons, four otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons, and four oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The expert panelists' opinions on transfer guidelines were collected using the modified Delphi process. Consensus was predefined as 90 percent or greater agreement per statement. RESULTS: After four Delphi consensus building rounds, 13 transfer guidelines were established, including statements on fractures of the frontal sinus, orbit, midface, and mandible, as well as soft-tissue injuries. Twelve guidelines reached consensus. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to transfer a patient with craniomaxillofacial trauma to another facility is complex and multifactorial. While a percentage of overtriage is acceptable to promote safe disposition of trauma patients, unnecessarily high rates of secondary overtriage divert emergency medical services, increase costs, delay care, overload tertiary trauma centers, and result in tertiary hospital staff providing primary emergency coverage for referring hospitals. These craniomaxillofacial transfer guidelines were designed to serve as a tool to improve and streamline the care of facial trauma patients. Such efforts may decrease the additional health care expenditures associated with secondary overtriage while decompressing emergency medical systems and tertiary emergency departments.

Craniofacial Fellowship Applicant Perceptions of Virtual Interviews.

INTRODUCTION: The 2021 interview cycle for craniofacial fellowship applicants was the first to be held virtually due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Here, we detail the craniofacial fellowship applicant perceptions and experience on the virtual interview process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An institutional review board-approved 35-question survey study on the perception of the virtual interview process among craniofacial fellowship applicants was conducted. Surveys were distributed to individuals who had applied through the match, overseen by the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons (ASCFS). RESULTS: Ten surveys were fully completed with a corresponding response rate of 48%. The average number of interviews completed was 12.7±7.7 and 50% of applicants interviewed at >1 program in a single day. Overall, 90% of respondents preferred in-person interviews before the interview season, however, only 10% preferred the in-person format afterwards. Preference for a virtual-only format increased from 10% to 70%. Applicants cited cost (100%), ease of scheduling (90%), and ability to participate in more interviews (70%) as the primary strengths of the virtual platform; none reported difficulties with self-advocacy. After the interview cycle, 90% stated they would recommend virtual interviews. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest strengths of virtual interviews were the ability to participate in more interviews, the ease of scheduling, and the cost benefits. Most applicants reported the same or increased ability for self-advocacy with virtual interviews. Following the index interview cycle for 2021, the majority of fellowship applicants now appear to prefer a virtual-only or hybrid format and would recommend virtual interviews in the future.

Many Moving Pieces: Virtual Preoperative Surgical Planning for Traumatic Occlusal Splints.

INTRODUCTION: Achieving anatomic reduction and re-establishing premorbid occlusion in patients with complex maxillomandibular fractures is challenging even for seasoned surgeons. Historically, surgeons have utilized occlusal splints to help establish occlusal relationships before fracture reduction and fixation. These acrylic splints are fabricated from dental impressions and require manual repositioning of tooth bearing segments along the fracture line to reapproximate premorbid occlusion. The process is laborious, requires a dental lab, and is less efficacious in edentulous patients or those with significantly comminuted fractures; as such it has largely fallen out of practice. Recently, with advances in virtual 3D modeling and printing, we demonstrate that occlusal splints can be designed from computed tomography scans, manipulated virtually, and printed without obtaining impressions from the patient. METHODS/RESULTS: In our series of 3 patients with complex maxillomandibular fractures, occlusal splints were created by 1) obtaining maxillofacial computed tomography scans, 2) reducing the fractures virtually, and 3) using orthognathic virtual surgery software to create the splint. The time between planning and delivery of the splint was 4 to 7 days. These splints were successfully utilized to help establish premorbid occlusion in conjunction with maxillomandibular fixation and aided in expeditious intraoperative fracture reduction and fixation. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of complex facial fractures, occlusal splints can be a useful adjunct in the operative reduction and fixation of fractures. With the advent of virtual preoperative surgical planning via 3D modeling and 3D printing, these occlusal splints can be created of a sufficient fidelity to avoid the strict need for dental impressions.

A Single Institutional Review of Periauricular Vestiges and Renal Anomalies: The Role of Screening Renal Ultrasonography.

ABSTRACT: Children with minor ear malformations including periauricular vestiges often undergo renal ultrasonography (RUS) to exclude renal anomalies associated with genetic conditions. The aim of this study is to assess the association between isolated periauricular vestiges and renal anomalies and delineate the indication for RUS in screening for renal anomalies. This is a retrospective review of infants who underwent surgical consultation for periauricular vestige excision to probe a possible relationship with renal anomalies. Patients with an isolated vestige were compared to patients presenting with additional clinical findings suggestive of a possible genetic disorder. A total of 150 infants underwent periauricular vestige excision; 47 were referred for RUS, 23 with no additional clinical findings, and 24 with periauricular vestiges in addition to other suspicious clinical and/or developmental findings. Of these 47 patients, 10 had renal anomalies: 4 (17.4%) with an isolated periauricular vestige had minor anomalies and 6 (25.0%) with a vestige plus suspicious clinical signs had 5 minor anomalies and one major anomaly. The odds of a patient with an isolated periauricular vestige having positive RUS findings were not significantly different than a patient with additional clinical findings having positive RUS findings (P = 0.72).The incidence of renal anomalies in infants with an isolated periauricular vestige was similar to that in patients with associated clinical signs suggestive of a possible genetic disorder. This was higher than the background population rate. Although most anomalies in patients with isolated ear findings were minor, our results suggest routine screening RUS should be considered.

The Impact of Payment Reform on Pediatric Craniofacial Fracture Care in Maryland.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, quasi-experimental difference-in-differences investigation. OBJECTIVE: Pediatric craniofacial fractures are often associated with substantial morbidity and consumption of healthcare resources. Maryland's All Payer Model (APM) represents a unique case study of the health economics surrounding pediatric craniofacial fractures. The APM implemented global hospital budgets to disincentivize low-value care and encourage preventive, community-based efforts. The objective of this study was to investigate how this reform has impacted pediatric craniofacial fracture care in Maryland. METHODS: Children (≤18 years) receiving inpatient craniofacial fracture-related care in Maryland between January, 2009 through December, 2016 were investigated. New Jersey was used for comparison. Data were abstracted from the Kid's Inpatient Database (Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project). RESULTS: Between 2009-2016, 3,655 pediatric patients received inpatient care for craniofacial fractures in Maryland and New Jersey. Prior to APM implementation, around 20% of Maryland patients received care outside of urban teaching hospitals. After APM implementation, less than 6% of patients received care outside of urban teaching hospitals (p = 0.003). Implementation of the APM in Maryland also resulted in fewer pediatric craniofacial fracture admissions than New Jersey, though this only reached borderline significance (adjusted difference-in-differences estimate: -1.1 fewer admissions, 95% confidence interval: -2.1 to 0.0, p = 0.05). Inpatient costs for pediatric craniofacial care and mean did not change post-APM. CONCLUSIONS: Maryland's APM consolidated pediatric craniofacial fracture inpatient care at urban, teaching hospitals. Inpatient costs and lengths of stay did not change after policy implementation, but overall admission rates decreased. Such considerations are important when considering national expansion of global hospital budgeting.

Interfacility Transfers for Isolated Craniomaxillofacial Trauma: Perspectives of the Facial Trauma Surgeon.

STUDY DESIGN: Secondary overtriage is a burden to the medical system. Unnecessary transfers overload trauma centers, occupy emergency transfer resources, and delay definitive patient care. Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma, especially in isolation, is a frequent culprit. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the perspectives of facial trauma surgeons regarding the interfacility transfer of patients with isolated CMF trauma. METHODS: A 31-item survey was developed using Likert-type scale and open-ended response systems. Internal consistency testing among facial trauma surgeons yielded a Cronbach's α calculation of .75. The survey was distributed anonymously to the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, the North American Division of AO Craniomaxillofacial, and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Statistical significance in response plurality was determined by nonoverlapping 99.9% confidence intervals (P < .001). Sum totals were reported as means with standard deviations and z scores with P values of less than .05 considered significant. RESULTS: The survey yielded 196 responses. Seventy-seven percent of respondents did not believe that most isolated CMF transfers required emergency surgery and roughly half (49%) thought that most emergency transfers were unnecessary. Fifty-four percent of respondents agreed that most patients transferred could have been referred for outpatient management and 87% thought that transfer guidelines could help decrease unnecessary transfers. Twenty-seven percent of respondents had no pre-transfer communication with the referring facility. Perspectives on the transfer of specific fracture patterns and their presentations were also collected. CONCLUSION: Most facial trauma surgeons in this study believe that emergent transfer for isolated CMF trauma is frequently unnecessary. Such injuries rarely require emergent surgery and can frequently be managed in the outpatient setting without activating emergency transfer services. The fracture-specific data collected are a representation of the national, multidisciplinary opinion of facial trauma surgeons and correlate with previously published data on which specific types of facial fractures are most often transferred unnecessarily. The results of this study can serve as the foundation for interfacility transfer guidelines, which may provide a valuable resource in triaging transfers and decreasing associated health-care costs.

What Is the Impact of Postoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Tissue Expander Infection Rates in Pediatric Patients?

BACKGROUND: Tissue expansion in the pediatric population can be complicated by high rates of infection and extrusion. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis on infectious complications. METHODS: A retrospective study of all pediatric patients who underwent tissue expander insertion at a children's hospital over a 12-year period was performed. Predictor variables included age, sex, race, indication, anatomical location, number of expanders inserted, serial expansion, history of infection or extrusion, and postoperative antibiotics. Outcome variables included infection and extrusion. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with infection and/or extrusion. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients who underwent 317 operations for tissue expander insertion were included in this study. Postoperative infection and/or extrusion occurred after 73 operations (23 percent). Postoperative prophylactic antibiotics were prescribed after 232 operations (75 percent), and only perioperative (≤24 hours) antibiotics were administered in 85 cases (25 percent). There were no significant differences in the rate of infection (12.1 percent versus 8.9 percent; p = 0.46), extrusion (16.8 percent versus 17.7 percent; p = 0.88), or infection and/or extrusion (23.7 percent versus 24.1 percent; p = 0.95) between these two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that postoperative antibiotics did not have a significant association with infection and/or extrusion (OR, 0.84; 95 percent CI, 0.44 to 1.63; p = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: The rates of infection/extrusion were similar between pediatric patients who received only perioperative antibiotics (≤24 hours) and those who were prescribed a course of postoperative antibiotics. Based on these results, a course of postoperative prophylactic antibiotics may be unnecessary after insertion of tissue expanders in pediatric patients. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Public Perceptions of Physician Attire and Professionalism in the US.

Importance: In recent years, casual physician attire (fleece jackets and softshell jackets) has become increasingly popular, but to our knowledge, public perceptions of these garments have not been studied. Furthermore, gender biases may result in differing expectations and perceptions of female and male physicians and may be associated with patient rapport and trust building. Objective: To characterize public perceptions of casual physician attire and implicit gender biases in public assessment of physicians' professional attire. Design, Setting, and Participants: This survey study used a population-based survey administered via Amazon Mechanical Turk from May to June 2020 among individuals aged 18 years or older who were US residents and for whom English was the primary language. Intervention: Survey featuring photographs of a male or female model wearing various types of physician attire (white coat, business attire, and scrubs). Main Outcomes and Measures: Respondents' ratings of professionalism, experience, and friendliness of the male and female models in various attire and perceptions of the models' most likely health care profession. Preference scores for various outfits were calculated as the difference between the preference score for an outfit and the mean preference score for the outfit-role pairing. Results: Of 522 surveys completed, 487 were included for analysis; the mean (SD) age of respondents was 36.2 (12.4) years, 260 (53.4%) were female, and 372 (76.4%) were White individuals. Respondents perceived models of health care professionals wearing white coats vs those wearing fleece or softshell jackets as significantly more experienced (mean [SD] experience score: white coat, 4.9 [1.5]; fleece, 3.1 [1.5]; softshell, 3.1 [1.5]; P < .001) and professional (mean [SD] professionalism score: white coat, 4.9 [1.6]; fleece, 3.2 [1.5]; softshell, 3.3 [1.5]; P < .001). A white coat with scrubs attire was most preferred for surgeons (mean [SD] preference index: 1.3 [2.3]), whereas a white coat with business attire was preferred for family physicians and dermatologists (mean [SD] preference indexes, 1.6 [2.3] and 1.2 [2.3], respectively; P < .001). Regardless of outerwear, female models in business attire as inner wear were rated as less professional than male counterparts (mean [SD] professionalism score: male, 65.8 [25.4]; female, 56.2 [20.2]; P < .001). Both the male and the female model were identified by the greater number of respondents as a physician or surgeon; however, the female model vs the male model was mistaken by more respondents as a medical technician (39 [8.0] vs 16 [3.3%]; P < .005), physician assistant (56 [11.5%] vs 11 [2.3%]; P < .001), or nurse (161 [33.1%] vs 133 [27.3%]; P = .050). Conclusions and Relevance: In this survey study, survey respondents rated physicians wearing casual attire as less professional and experienced than those wearing a white coat. Gender biases were found in impressions of professionalism, with female physicians' roles being more frequently misidentified. Understanding disparate public perceptions of physician apparel may inform interventions to address professional role confusion and cumulative career disadvantages for women in medicine.

Mandibular Reconstruction Following Central Giant Cell Granuloma Resection in Primary Dentition: A Case for the Use of a Costochondral Graft.

Central giant cell granuloma is a benign, intraosseous lesion that may affect the pediatric craniofacial skeleton, particularly the mandible. When surgery is indicated, the role of the craniofacial surgeon is to ameliorate the sequelae of ablative surgery by restoring facial symmetry, ensuring appropriate postoperative occlusion, and allowing for adequate interincisal opening, all in the setting of a growing craniofacial skeleton. Herein, we report the case of a 3-year-old female presenting for reconstruction after resection of the right hemimandible proximal to the unerupted first permanent molar. We highlight the various reconstructive challenges associated with mandibular reconstruction during primary dentition and make a case for the use of a costochondral graft, with a successful outcome demonstrated at 2 years of follow-up.

Laryngoscopy Grade Improvement and Difficult Airway Resolution in Infants With Robin Sequence Undergoing Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis: A Multi-Institutional Study.

OBJECTIVE: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) aims to relieve tongue-based airway obstruction in Robin Sequence (RS). We investigated direct laryngoscopy grade (DLG) improvement and difficult airway (DA) resolution following MDO. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis. SETTING: Three tertiary care institutions. PATIENTS: Sixty-four infants with RS who underwent a single MDO procedure in their first year of life were identified from January 2010 to January 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was DLG pre- and post-MDO. Secondary outcomes included DA designation, pre- and post-MDO polysomnographic assessment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), length of stay, need for gastrostomy, and major/minor adverse events. RESULTS: Median DLG improved from II pre-MDO to I at the time of distractor removal (n = 43, P < .001). No significant change was seen in patients with a third recorded time point (eg, palatoplasty; n = 78, P = .52). Twenty-six (47%) of 55 patients were designated as DA pre-MDO, and 10 (18%) of 55 patients retained the label post-MDO (P < .01). Five (50%) of these 10 patients appeared to be inappropriately retained. Median obstructive apnea-hypopnea index improved from 38.6 (range 31.2-62.8) pre-MDO to 2.9 (range 1-3.9) post-MDO (n = 12; P = .002). CONCLUSION: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis allowed for DLG improvement that was stably maintained as well as functional improvement in OSA, with minimal morbidity. Difficult airway designation persisted in the electronic record of some infants despite clinical resolution.