Effect of hydrocolloid dressings on preventing air leakage when applying negative pressure wound therapy to the perineum, buttocks, and sacrococcygeal region.

Maintaining a vacuum when applying negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is the key to its function, which is a challenge in the perineum, buttocks, and sacrococcygeal region. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the effect of hydrocolloid dressings on preventing air leakage when applying NPWT in these regions. There were 61 patients in Group A (without the aid of hydrocolloid dressings) and 65 patients in Group B (with the aid of hydrocolloid dressings). The hydrocolloid dressing-assisted NPWT significantly reduced the incidence of air leakage compared with conventional NPWT placement (24.6% vs. 7.7%; risk ratio, 3.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-8.27; p = 0.009), while decreasing the number of open NPWT applications (2.2 vs. 1.7; difference, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.66; p < 0.001), shortening hospital stays (20.1 vs. 16.1; difference, 4.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-6.46; p = 0.01), and reducing the incidence of adverse skin events (18.0% vs. 4.6%; risk ratio, 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-13.34; p = 0.017). These findings support the routine use of hydrocolloid dressing-assisted NPWT placement in the perineum, buttocks, and sacrococcygeal region.

Improvement in Cellulite Appearance After a Single Treatment Visit With Acoustic Subcision: Long-Term Findings From a Multicenter Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Cellulite is an aesthetically displeasing rippling or dimpling of the skin, primarily on the buttocks/thighs. A recent study showed a novel acoustic subcision device produced significant short-term (12-week) improvement in the appearance of cellulite after a single rapid acoustic pulse (RAP) treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term (>52-weeks) efficacy and safety of RAP treatment for improvement in the appearance of cellulite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter trial, female participants ( n = 42) with severe cellulite were treated with the acoustic subcision device in a single visit. At >52 weeks, blinded board-certified dermatologists assessed efficacy by correctly identifying post-treatment photographs and using a 6-point simplified Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS). Participant satisfaction was also collected. Safety was assessed throughout. RESULTS: The blinded panel correctly identified post-treatment photographs at a rate of 95.2%; 70.4% of participants had a >1-point reduction in the CSS score from baseline (mean reduction of 1.09). All participants (100%) reported improved cellulite appearance. Overall pain during treatment was rated as 2.4 and 0.3 post-treatment (pain scale 0-10). No device or treatment-related adverse events were reported at the >52-week follow-up. CONCLUSION: Rapid acoustic pulse treatment significantly improved the long-term appearance of cellulite and was well-tolerated.

How to activate the glutes best? Peak muscle activity of acceleration-specific pre-activation and traditional strength training exercises.

PURPOSE: Isometric training and pre-activation are proven to enhance acceleration performance. However, traditional strength training exercises do not mirror the acceleration-specific activation patterns of the gluteal muscles, characterized by ipsilateral hip extension during contralateral hip flexion. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine gluteal muscle activity of acceleration-specific exercises compared to traditional strength training exercises. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study design, the peak electromyographic activity of two acceleration-specific exercises was investigated and compared to two traditional strength training exercises each for the gluteus maximus and medius. Twenty-four participants from various athletic backgrounds (13 males, 11 females, 26 years, 178 cm, 77 kg) performed four gluteus maximus [half-kneeling glute squeeze (HKGS), resisted knee split (RKS), hip thrust (HT), split squat (SS)] and four gluteus medius [resisted prone hip abduction (RPHA), isometric clam (IC), side-plank with leg abduction (SP), resisted side-stepping (RSS)] exercises in a randomized order. RESULTS: The RKS (p = 0.011, d = 0.96) and the HKGS (p = 0.064, d = 0.68) elicited higher peak gluteus maximus activity than the SS with large and moderate effects, respectively. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the HT, RKS and HKGS. The RPHA elicited significantly higher gluteus medius activity with a large effect compared to RSS (p < 0.001, d = 1.41) and a moderate effect relative to the SP (p = 0.002, d = 0.78). CONCLUSION: The acceleration-specific exercises effectively activate the gluteal muscles for pre-activation and strength training purposes and might help improve horizontal acceleration due to their direct coordinative transfer.

A clinicopathological study of low back pain due to middle cluneal nerve entrapment: case series.

PURPOSE: The middle cluneal nerve (MCN) is a pure sensory nerve around the middle buttock. Its entrapment between the iliac crest and the long posterior sacroiliac ligament elicits low back pain (LBP) that can be treated by MCN neurolysis or neurectomy. Because few studies examined the pathology of MCN entrapment (MCN-E) we subjected 7 neurectomized specimens from 6 LBP patients to pathologic study. METHODS: We present 6 consecutive patients (7 sides) with intractable LBP who underwent successful MCN neurectomy. Their symptom duration ranged from 6 to 96 months (average 47.3 months); the follow-up period ranged from 6 to 17 months (average 11.7 months). The surgical outcomes were evaluated using the numerical rating scale (NRS) for LBP and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) score. The resected MCNs underwent neuropathological analysis. RESULTS: Postoperatively, all 6 patients reported immediate LBP amelioration; their NRS and RDQ scores were improved significantly. Pathological study of the 7 resected nerves showed that the myelinated fiber density was decreased in 6 nerves; we observed marked enlargement (n = 5), perineurial thickening and disruption (n = 6), intrafascicular fibrous changes (n = 5), myelinated fibers separated by fibrous cells under the perineurium (n = 4), and Renaut bodies (n = 3). The 7th nerve appeared normal with respect to the density and size of the myelinated fibers, however, the perineurium was slightly thickened. CONCLUSION: We present pathological evidence at the MCN compression site of 7 nerves from 6 patients whose LBP was alleviated by MCN neurectomy, indicating that MCN entrapment can elicit LBP.

Correlation between preoperative CT scan of the paraspinal, psoas, and gluteus muscles and postoperative ambulatory status in patients with femoral neck fractures.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between femoral neck fractures and sarcopenia. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 92 patients with femoral neck fractures, from September 2017 to March 2020, who were classified into high ambulatory status (HG) and low ambulatory status (LG) groups. Ambulatory status was assessed before surgery, one week after surgery, at discharge, and during the final follow-up. To evaluate sarcopenia, muscle mass and fatty degeneration of the muscles were measured using preoperative CT. An axial slice of the superior end of the L5 vertebra was used to evaluate the paraspinal and psoas muscles, a slice of the superior end of the femoral head for the gluteus maximus muscle, and a slice of the inferior end of the sacroiliac joint for the gluteus medius muscle. The degeneration of the muscles was evaluated according to the Goutallier classification. RESULTS: The cross-sectional area of the gluteus medius and paraspinal muscles was significantly correlated with ambulatory status before the injury, at discharge, and during the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of the gluteus medius and paraspinal muscles has the potential to evaluate sarcopenia and predict ambulatory status after femoral neck fractures.

Middle cluneal nerve entrapment sites in the surgical field.

INTRODUCTION: Middle cluneal nerve (MCN) entrapment around the sacroiliac joint elicits low back pain (LBP). For surgical decompression to be successful, the course of the MCN must be known. We retrospectively studied the MCN course in 15 patients who had undergone MCN neurolysis. METHODS: Enrolled in this retrospective study were 15 patients (18 sides). We inspected their surgical records and videos to determine the course of the entrapped MCN. The area between the posterior superior- and the posterior inferior iliac spine was divided into areas A-D from the rostral side. The MCN transit points were identified at the midline and the lateral edge connecting the posterior superior- and posterior inferior iliac spine. Before and 6 months after surgery, the patients recorded the degree of LBP on the numerical rating scale and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. RESULTS: We decompressed 24 MCNs. The mean number was 1.3 nerves per patient (range 1-2). The MCN course was oblique in the cranio-caudal direction; the nerve tended to be observed in areas C and D. In six patients (40%), we detected two MCN branches, they were in the same area and adjacent. Postoperatively, LBP was improved significantly in all patients. CONCLUSION: Between the posterior superior- and the posterior inferior iliac spine, the MCN ran obliquely in the cranio-caudal direction; it was prominent in areas on the caudal side. In six (40%) patients, we decompressed two adjacent MCNs. Our findings are useful for MCN decompression surgery.

Editorial Commentary: Long-Term Follow-Up After Endoscopic Gluteal Repair Plus Hip Arthroscopy Shows Durable Results Using Validated Patient-Reported Outcome Scores That Largely Exceed the Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Patient Acceptable Symptom State.

Gluteus medius and minimus tendon pathology is a common cause of lateral hip pain. In patients who are dissatisfied with their hip condition following nonsurgical treatment, gluteal repair has demonstrated excellent short-, mid-, and, now recently, long-term subjective patient-reported and objective clinician-measured outcomes. In patients with peritrochanteric hip pain, the proportion of their overall hip pain may be influenced by the hip joint due to conditions like femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, acetabular dysplasia, labral tears, and arthritis. Thus, surgical decision-making must include consideration of also addressing the joint at the same time as the gluteal repair. This is sometimes challenging due to the high frequency of observing labral injuries and cam/pincer/dysplasia morphology in patients without symptoms due to the "radiographic abnormalities." Labral pathology is also more prevalent in older patients, who happen to also be those individuals with symptomatic gluteal tendon pain. Both open and endoscopic approaches to the gluteal tendons have advantages and disadvantages without significant outcomes differences in the short- or mid-term. Long-term clinical follow-up of patients treated with endoscopic gluteal repair with or without concomitant hip arthroscopy should be included in large national and international prospective registries using validated, reliable, and responsive patient-reported outcome scores, with clinical importance assessed using the minimal clinically important difference, patient acceptable symptom state, substantial clinical benefit, and maximal outcome improvement.

The Gluteus-Score-7 Predicts the Likelihood of Both Clinical Success and Failure Following Surgical Repair of the Hip Gluteus Medius and/or Minimus.

PURPOSE: To identify patient preoperative history, examination, and imaging characteristics that increase the risk of postoperative failure of gluteus medius/minimus repair, and to develop a decision-making aid predictive of clinical outcomes for patients undergoing gluteus medius/minimus repair. METHODS: Patients from 2012 to 2020 at a single institution undergoing gluteus medius/minimus repair with minimum 2-year follow-up were identified. MRIs were graded according to the "three-grade" classification system: grade 1: partial-thickness tear, grade 2: full-thickness tears with <2 cm of retraction, grade 3: full-thickness tears with ≥2 cm retraction. Failure was defined as undergoing revision within 2 years postoperatively or not achieving both a cohort-calculated minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and responding "no" to patient acceptable symptom state (PASS). Inversely, success was defined as reaching both an MCID and responding "yes" to PASS. Predictors of failure were verified on logistic regression and a predictive scoring model, the Gluteus-Score-7, was generated to guide treatment-decision making. RESULTS: In total, 30 of 142 patients (21.1%) were clinical failures at mean ± SD follow-up of 27.0 ± 5.2 months. Preoperative smoking (odds ratio [OR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-8.4; P = .041), lower back pain (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1-7.3; P = .038), presence of a limp or Trendelenburg gait (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.5-10.2; P = .006), history of psychiatric diagnosis (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.3-10.8; P = .014), and increased MRI classification grades (P ≤ .042) were independent predictors of failure. The Gluteus-Score-7 was generated with each history/examination predictor assigned 1 point and MRI classes assigned corresponding 1-3 points (min 1, max 7 score). A score of ≥4/7 points was associated with risk of failure and a score ≤2/7 points was associated with clinical success. CONCLUSIONS: Independent risk factors for revision or not achieving either MCID or PASS after gluteus medius and/or minimus tendon repair include smoking, preoperative lower back pain, psychiatric history, Trendelenburg gait, and full-thickness tears, especially tears with ≥2 cm retraction. The Gluteus-Score-7 tool incorporating these factors can identify patients at risk of both surgical treatment failure and success, which may be useful for clinical decision-making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prognostic case series.

A Guide to Perforator Flap Selection for Buttock Pressure Sore Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: Perforator flaps have been increasingly used to repair stage IV buttock pressure ulcers. However, no one has proposed an approach for stage IV buttock pressure ulcers repairing based on the subregion of buttock pressure ulcers. This study aims to evaluate the effect of perforator flaps in the repair of stage IV buttock pressure ulcers, and flap selection was based on the location of the pressure ulcers. Over the past 5 years, we evaluated 65 cases of stage IV buttock pressure ulcers repaired using perforator flaps. Flap selection was based on the subregion of each buttock pressure ulcer, following our approach. A total of 87 perforator flaps were used for 65 cases, including 42 superior gluteal artery perforator flaps, 19 fourth lumbar artery perforator flaps, and 26 descending inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps. All patients showed satisfactory reconstruction. The authors' approach can support surgeons in selecting the appropriate flaps to repair stage IV buttock pressure ulcers and achieve excellent reconstructive outcomes. This method makes the selection of flaps for pressure ulcer repair systematic, simple, and highly feasible and thus is worthy of promotion.

Calcific Peritendinitis in the Gluteus Maximus Tendon.

BACKGROUND: Calcific tendinitis is classically a painful condition that most commonly affects the rotator cuff, but may infrequently involve other tendons. CASE REPORT: We discuss a 57-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with a 4-day history of right hip pain, described as the "worst pain in (his) life." The pain was first noticed at night and had progressively worsened. History, physical examination, and initial laboratory workup indicated an inflammatory vs. infectious process. Continued investigations with imaging techniques revealed the source of pain as calcific tendinitis involving the gluteus maximus tendon. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Symptoms of musculoskeletal pain in the emergency department are ubiquitous. In the proper clinical context, the diagnosis of calcific tendinitis, although uncommon, should be considered once emergent conditions are ruled out. Proper imaging techniques will facilitate accurate diagnosis, expedited pain management, and proper outpatient follow-up.

Introducing an innovative surgical technique: gluteal turnover flap for posterior vaginal wall reconstruction: a case series.

Four patients with rectal cancer required reconstruction of a defect of the posterior vaginal wall. All patients received neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy, followed by an en bloc (abdomino)perineal resection of the rectum and posterior vaginal wall. The extent of the vaginal defect necessitated closure using a tissue flap with skin island. The gluteal turnover flap was used for this purpose as an alternative to conventional more invasive myocutaneous flaps (gracilis, gluteus, or rectus abdominis). The gluteal turnover flap was created through a curved incision at a maximum width of 2.5 cm from the edge of the perineal wound, thereby creating a half-moon shape skin island. The subcutaneous fat was dissected toward the gluteal muscle, and the gluteal fascia was incised. Thereafter, the flap was rotated into the defect and the skin island was sutured into the vaginal wall defect. The contralateral subcutaneous fat was mobilized for perineal closure in the midline, after which no donor site was visible.The duration of surgery varied from 77 to 392 min, and the hospital stay ranged between 3 and 16 days. A perineal wound dehiscence occurred in two patients, requiring an additional VY gluteal plasty in one patient. Complete vaginal and perineal wound healing was achieved in all patients. The gluteal turnover flap is a promising least invasive technique to reconstruct posterior vaginal wall defects after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer.

The Anatomical Course of the Superior Gluteal Vessel Bundle with Regard to Different Approaches in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic vascular injury during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is rare, reported at rates of 0.05 to 0.3%, but a potentially limb-threatening and life-threatening complication. We aimed to describe safe and danger zones for the superior gluteal vessel bundle (SGV bundle) with reference to different THA approaches. METHODS: There were 27 formalin-fixed cadavers with 49 hemipelves dissected. The course and distribution of the SGV bundle were investigated with the help of anatomical landmarks like the greater trochanter, the iliac tubercle (IT), and the ischial tuberosity. RESULTS: We found and exposed the SGV bundle in all 49 specimens with no sex-specific differences. No SGV bundle was encountered up to 28 mm from the greater trochanter and up to 16 mm below the IT. The zone with the highest probability of finding the vessels was 25 to 65 mm below the IT in 39 (80%) cases - defining a danger zone (in relation to the skin incision) in the proximal fourth for the direct anterior approach, in the proximal half for the antero-lateral approach, in the proximal fifth for the direct lateral approach, and almost no danger zone for the posterior approach. CONCLUSIONS: Special care in proximal instrument placement should be taken during THA. When extending one of the surgical approaches, manipulations in the proximal, cranial surgical window should be performed with the utmost care to avoid SGV bundle injury.

Gluteus Maximus Transfer for Irreparable Hip Abductor Deficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gluteus maximus tendon transfer has recently been described as a treatment option for irreparable abductor tendon tears. The purpose of this study was to systematically review outcomes following gluteus maximus tendon transfer for hip abductor deficiency. METHODS: The published literature was queried for outcomes following gluteus maximus transfer in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Outcomes of interest included preoperative and postoperative functional scores, resolution of pain and gait abnormalities, postoperative rehabilitation protocols, surgical complications, reoperation rates, and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. In total, 10 studies with a total of 125 patients (76% women) with a mean age of 67 years (range, 30 to 87) were identified for inclusion. RESULTS: Modified Harris Hip Score (+30.1 ± 6.6 [95% confidence interval: +15.5 to +46.5]) and Visual Analog Scale for pain (-4.1 ± 1.1 [95% confidence interval: -7.1 to -1.0]) were improved following gluteus maximus transfer, compared to preoperative levels. No significant improvement was noted in abduction strength and 33% of patients demonstrated a residual Trendelenburg gait postoperatively. The overall complication rate was 5.6% (7 of 125), with a reoperation rate of 1.6% (2 of 125). CONCLUSIONS: Gluteus maximus tendon transfer for abductor insufficiency has demonstrated reliable outcomes at 3 years, with improvement in hip function and pain. However, patients demonstrate modest improvements in abduction strength, and a significant subset will continue to demonstrate a Trendelenburg gait postoperatively.

Gluteal Tendinopathy Is Associated With Lower Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Total Hip Arthroplasty With a Posterior Approach: A Prospective Cohort Study of 1,538 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Gluteal tendinopathy (GT) is found in 20 to 25% of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite this, there is a scarcity of literature assessing the association between GT and THA outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether intraoperative diagnosis of GT negatively affected postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing primary THA for osteoarthritis via a posterior approach over 5 years were recruited in a prospective study. Gluteal tendinopathy was assessed and graded at the time of surgery, but not repaired. A total of 1,538 (93%) completed the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 1 year after surgery and were included in the analysis. The PROMs included the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement (HOOS JR), and EuroQol 5-Dimension, and were collected preoperatively and one year after THA. RESULTS: The gluteal tendons were graded as 4 distinct grades: normal (n = 1,023, 66%), tendinopathy but no tear (n = 337, 22%), partial thickness tear (n = 131, 9%), and full thickness tear (n = 47, 3%). The occurrence of GT was associated with age, body mass index, and sex. There was no significant difference in baseline OHS or HOOS JR scores according to GT grade. As GT grade increased, lower median 1-year OHS (P = .001) and HOOS JR (P = .016) were observed. This association was confirmed by linear regression analysis with 1-year OHS (B = 0.5, 95% CI = -0.9 to -0.1, P = .011) when controlled for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Gluteal tendinopathy was commonly observed and was associated with inferior 1-year PROMs in patients undergoing THA via posterior approach. Increasing degree of tendinopathy was a negative prognostic factor for outcomes and patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2 (High quality prospective cohort study).

Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap for post-sacrectomy reconstruction: Outcomes compared with gluteal muscle flap.

BACKGROUND: Excision of sacral tumor results in extensive defects and vital organ exposure, requiring soft tissue reconstruction for dead space obliteration. Diverse reconstruction options, mainly regional flaps, have been utilized but are limited by high postoperative morbidity. A reliable reconstructive method with low morbidity and facilitated recovery has yet been sought for. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the use of free latissimus dorsi (LD) flap for post-sacrectomy defect reconstruction by comparing its outcomes with local gluteus maximus (GM) flap. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients with sacral malignancy who underwent partial or total sacrectomy and immediate reconstruction with LD or GM flap between 2013 and 2022. Nineteen patients were analyzed, including 10 GM flaps and nine LD flaps. Postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The average size of LD flaps was 173.8 cm2 . Seven patients developed complication in the GM group and two patients in the LD group. Complication rate at sacrectomy site was lower in the LD group (p = .003) showing complication-free sacrectomy site and two donor site seromas. The LD group resulted in shorter hospital stay (p = .033) and earlier ambulation than the GM group (p = .001). Mean follow-up period was 63 months for GM group and 17 months for LD group. Three patients in the GM group underwent re-operation, while no delayed complication was observed in the LD group. CONCLUSION: Free LD flaps may provide reliable outcomes with early recovery and may be considered an effective option for sacrectomy defect reconstruction.

Management and outcomes of pilonidal patients with secondary sinuses-a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with pilonidal disease (PD) can present with concurrent draining secondary sinus at the superior gluteal cleft. The natural disease course in the setting of this severe phenotype is poorly characterized. We present the largest cohort of patients with PD and concurrent secondary sinus. METHODS: Patients with PD and concurrent secondary sinus who underwent Gips procedure with secondary sinus excision from 2019 to 2023 were prospectively followed. Patient demographics, drainage recurrence, symptom resolution, treatment, and follow-up period were recorded. Recurrent drainage from previous secondary sinus site was defined as isolated painless serous drainage after the wound had closed for > 3 weeks; recurrent PD was characterized as recurrent pain and bloody drainage after excision. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients (seventy-one males) with a median age of 17.2 years [interquartile range (IQR):15.4-19.0] underwent excision of their disease and were followed for a median of 367.0 days (IQR: 173.2-658.8). Without regular epilation, six patients (5.7%, five males, one female) had recurrent PD. With regular epilation, three patients (2.8%, three males) had recurrent PD. Eight patients (7.5%, six males, two females) had recurrent secondary sinus site drainage. Median time to recurrent drainage was 75.5 days (IQR: 65.2-216.2) after excision and for recurrent drainage to resolve was 72 days (IQR: 49-81). Recurrent secondary sinus site drainage was treated with antibiotics, silver nitrate, debridement, or no treatment. CONCLUSION: Patients who present with PD in the setting of concurrent secondary sinus have a unique, more severe disease phenotype. Excision can be complicated by recurrent drainage from the secondary sinus site that can resolve without repeat surgical excision.

Changes in the Activity of the Erector Spinae and Gluteus Medius Muscles with the Presence of Simulated Lower Limb Dysmetria.

(1) Background: Leg length discrepancy (LLD), regardless of its origin, is a very common pathology that can contribute to low back pain. Various authors have pointed out its relationship with the lack of activation of both the gluteus medius (GM) and the ipsilateral erector spinae (ES). The purpose of this study was to identify the activation of the ES and GM with different simulated LLDs, correlating this activation with LBP. In turn, we evaluated whether ES and GM activity has an effect on jumping ability using a CMJ test. (2) Method: A sample of healthy subjects was selected to whom an artificial LLD was applied using 0.5, 1, and 1.5 cm insoles. These three heights were measured using EMG while the subjects walked and performed a counter movement jump (CMJ). The measurements of the insole heights were carried out in random order using a Latin square. Muscle activation patterns were recorded for 30 s at each of the insole heights while the patients walked at 5.7 km/h and they were compared with the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), both on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides. These muscles were then measured under the same circumstances during the performance of the CMJ. (3) Results: We found statistically significant differences in the flight heights in both the CMJ and DJ. In the comparison, significant differences were found in the flight heights of the CMJ and the DJ using the 5 mm insoles, and in the case of the DJ, also without insoles, with respect to the MVC. We found statistically significant differences in the activation of the GM with the differences in insoles, but not in the activation of the Es in relation to the different insole heights. (4) Conclusions: Insoles of different heights caused activation differences in the medius on the side where the insoles were placed. We can relate this difference in activation to LBP. In relation to the ES, no significant differences were found in the activation of the ipsilateral side of the insole.

Safety and Efficacy Study of the Application of Redensified Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid for Filling Gluteal Volume and Cellulite Depressions.

PURPOSE: To test the efficacy and safety of cross-linked hyaluronic acid application for filling buttocks and cellulite depressions and its permanence over time. METHODS: For a period of a year, 25 patients were applied redensified cross-linked hyaluronic acid in the gluteal area. These patients were all 23-45-year-old women with little fat to be removed. The product used is composed of hyaluronic acid with high cross-linking and redensification which allows it to maintain shape and durability over time. All patients underwent tumescent anesthesia with neuroleptic sedation in the operating room. The procedure was regarded as minimal (container, sterile gloves, and surgical field). The amount applied for gluteal augmentation varied from 50 to 100 ml per application area and according to the patient's needs. For the filling of cellulite depressions, the application was up to 3 cc per depression and up to a total of 40 ml. The maximum volume used per patient in the buttocks did not exceed 200 ml, and it did not exceed 40 ml in cellulite depressions. RESULTS: A group of patients was treated in the upper and middle third of the buttocks in superficial and deep subcutaneous layers and in cellulite depressions. Very good results have been obtained without any major complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of redensified cross-linked hyaluronic acid of non-animal origin is therefore an option for gluteal augmentation and cellulite depressions. Although the product degrades over time, after 12 months, 44% of treated patients rated their results as highly or very much improved, 36% as improved, 16% rated the improvement as poor, and one patient (4%) was dissatisfied. 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 .

Danger Zones of the Gluteal Anatomy: Improving the Safety Profile of the Gluteal Fat Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the vascular anatomy is critical to performing safe gluteal surgery. To date, only the course of the main blood vessels within the muscles has been outlined. These findings are based on MRI and CTA images that do not conform to a topographically standardized and normalized probability distribution. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a three-dimensional mapping of the gluteal zones of high vascular density in relation to anatomical landmarks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort analysis comprised all consecutive patients who underwent cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans between January 2016 and October 2021. The location of blood vessels in the gluteal region was allometrically normalized in relation to anatomical landmarks. Moreover, the caliber and area of the blood vessels were assessed. RESULTS: CBCT scans of 32 patients with an average age of 64 ± 12 years (range 34-87 years) were included. Fifty-three percent were female. The median [IQR] caliber of the intramuscular gluteal vessels was 1.47 [1.15-1.88] mm, significantly greater than that of the subcutaneous vessels 1.09 [0.72-1.44] mm (p < 0.001). Vascular density was higher intramuscularly, as 4.5% of the area of the muscle was occupied by blood vessels, as opposed to 0.3% in the adipose tissue. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the CBCT scans showed a higher vascular density and larger vessels intramuscularly. We, therefore, recommend the injection of autologous fat merely to the subcutaneous plane. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: 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 .

Safety and Efficacy of Diluted Calcium Hydroxylapatite for the Treatment of Cellulite Dimpling on the Buttocks: Results from an Open-Label, Investigator-Initiated, Single-Center, Prospective Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Cellulite is a condition characterized by dimpling and contour irregularities in the gluteal and thigh regions, affecting an estimated 80-98% of postpubertal women. Innovative treatments for cellulite dimpling in the buttocks have gained popularity in recent years, seeking new solutions for a historically challenging condition. In this open-label, investigator-initiated, single-center, prospective clinical study, the authors sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of diluted calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA; Radiesse®, Merz Aesthetics, Raleigh, NC) for the treatment of cellulite dimpling in the buttocks of adult women. METHODS: Subjects underwent three treatment sessions, receiving a total of 12 syringes of 1:1 diluted CaHA administered using a cannula-based subcision technique. Endpoints included the cellulite severity scale (CSS), the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS), subject satisfaction measured on a 5-point scale, and three-dimensional imaging analysis via the Quantificare 3D Track®. RESULTS: Twenty-four subjects completed the study (mean age, 35 years; mean BMI, 26.88 kg/m2; mean body fat percentage, 31.29%), and no serious complications were reported. Quantitative analysis at week 14 revealed a mean reduction of 54.0% in the number of visible dimples and 50.09% in dimple depth compared to baseline. The mean CSS score decreased by 4.29 points, representing a 43.92% improvement in cellulite severity from baseline (p < 0.0001). Both physician-assessed and subject-assessed GAIS ratings also demonstrated significant improvement, with 91.6% of subjects rating their cellulite appearance as "improved" or greater. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the safety and efficacy of diluted CaHA for treating cellulite dimpling in adult women. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: 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 . CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: This study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT05885035) and can be found at this link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05885035 .