Prophylactic Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis Performed with Lymphadenectomy is Oncologically Safe for Melanoma.

BACKGROUND: A major concern of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), which has not been studied, is increased risk of metastasis. Melanoma patients with macrometastatic lymph node disease represent a high-risk group for recurrence and metastasis. On the basis of a literature review, this present study is the first to evaluate the impact of prophylactic LVA on cancer survival and recurrence. METHODS: This was a comparison study of patients with cutaneous melanoma who underwent therapeutic lymphadenectomy alone (comparison group) or combined with prophylactic LVA (LVA group) between 2014 and 2020. A single surgeon performed all cancer resections, therapeutic lymphadenectomies, and LVA. Exclusion criteria included non-melanoma skin cancers, stage IV cancers before lymphadenectomy, microscopic lymphatic disease (i.e., positive sentinel node biopsy was the sole indication for lymph node dissection), or follow-up time less than 12 months unless the patient died earlier owing to melanoma-related complications. RESULTS: This study included 23 patients in the LVA group and 22 consecutive patients in the comparison group. The two groups were similar in age, sex, and cancer stages. The comparison group had longer follow-up times (median 67.62 versus 29.73 months in the LVA group; p < 0.01). Average size of largest metastatic lymph node was 45.91 ± 35.03 mm and 44.54 ± 23.32 mm in the LVA and comparison groups, respectively (p = 0.99). There were no differences in OS, DMFS, and RFS times after more than 2 years of follow-up since the index surgery. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic LVA performed for macrometastatic melanoma is not a strong risk factor for relapse and metastasis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II Therapeutic.

Concomitant Total Shoulder Arthroplasty and Ipsilateral Carpal Tunnel Release: Is It Safe?

PURPOSE: Symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with advanced ipsilateral glenohumeral arthritis requiring total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) may be easily overlooked. Even when diagnosed beforehand, most upper extremity surgeons have historically chosen to perform TSA and carpal tunnel release (CTR) separately. We hypothesized that combined single-stage TSA and CTR is feasible and yields results comparable with those when the 2 procedures are performed separately, while avoiding 2 surgeries. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent single-stage primary TSA and ipsilateral CTR between 2015 and 2019. The shoulder outcomes included pain, range of motion, and validated quality of life (QoL) questionnaires: Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) and Penn Shoulder Score. The CTR outcomes included pain, grip, pinch, VR-12, shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH), and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The time to the initiation of rehabilitation and complications were also analyzed. The comparison group consisted of patients who underwent independent TSA or CTR during the same period. RESULTS: Forty-one patients underwent concomitant TSA and CTR, 248 underwent isolated TSA, and 154 underwent isolated CTR. The shoulder outcomes of patients who underwent the combined procedure were similar to those of patients who underwent isolated TSA in terms of pain, range of motion, general QoL (VR-12), and shoulder-specific QoL (Penn Shoulder Score). The outcomes of patients who underwent the combined procedure were similar to those of patients who underwent isolated CTR in terms of pain, grip and pinch, general QoL (VR-12), QuickDASH, and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The time to the initiation of rehabilitation was also comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant CTR and TSA are feasible. The functional outcomes and QoL of patients who underwent the concomitant treatment were comparable with those of patients who underwent the 2 procedures separately. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Long-term efficacy of lymphovenous anastomosis for the treatment of retroperitoneal lymphangiectasia: A case report and a review of literature.

Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) represents an alternative treatment for retroperitoneal lymphangiectasia. In contrast to sclerotherapy or excision, which may risk lymphatic obstruction and subsequent lymphedema, LVA preserves existing lymphatic architecture and transit. This report shows long-term efficacy of LVA for functional decompression of a symptomatic pathologically dilatated retroperitoneal lymphatics. A 47-year-old female with retroperitoneal lymphangiectasia refractory to multiple percutaneous drainages and treatments with sclerosing agents underwent LVA with anastomosis of a dominant segment of retroperitoneal lymphangiectasia to the deep inferior epigastric vein. Postoperative serial magnetic resonance imaging with 3-dimensional volume calculation over the 27 months follow-up showed evidence of decompression of the lesion with patent bypass. There were no known immediate complications nor requirement of further interventions. The patient's subjective pain also decreased substantially. This report confirms long-term efficacy of LVA for retroperitoneal lymphangiectasia as an alternative to sclerotherapy and surgical excision in the setting of previously failed treatments.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treatment of Hair Loss Improves Patient-Reported Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: While numerous studies have demonstrated enhanced hair growth following platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments in patients with male and female pattern hair loss, no study has demonstrated its impact on quality of life (QoL) using a validated tool. OBJECTIVE: This prospective study aimed to assess the psychological impact of PRP treatment for hair loss. METHODS: PRP scalp injections were repeated monthly for the first 3 months, then quarterly for 1 year, and annually thereafter. HAIRDEX 48, a validated scale assessing QoL for patients with alopecia, was administered before PRP and at each visit. Scores were interpolated on a 0-100 scale: 0 representing highest QoL, 100 lowest, and compared using paired t-tests. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients receiving PRP were analyzed. Mean age was 48.2 ± 17.4 years and 55% were male. Patients had an average of 4 ± 2 treatments; most (60%) had ≥4. Thirty patients (33%) completed both pre- and post-PRP questionnaires. Prior to PRP, 61% tried minoxidil, 16% finasteride, and 1% hair transplant. Total HAIRDEX scores improved from a mean of 23.2 ± 15.4 to 19.7 ± 11.3 after 3-5 months after PRP (p < 0.001). There were also decreases in symptoms (10.0 ± 12.0 vs. 9.6 ± 10.8, p < 0.001), functioning (16.1 ± 18.1 vs. 13.3 ± 12.6, p < 0.001), and emotions domains (37.7 ± 24.1 vs. 32.2 ± 18.9, p < 0001). For stigmatization and self-confidence domains, improvements from pre-PRP were significant at 3-5 months (21.2 ± 16.8 vs. 17.4 ± 12.1; p < 0.001 and 24.8 ± 17.7 vs. 20.9 ± 15.5; p < 0.001, respectively) and >6 months (18.9 ± 13.9; p < 0.001 and19.5 ± 18.6; p = 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PRP improves QoL and is an effective part of multimodal therapy for hair loss. 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 .

Combined Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthritis and Scapholunate Advanced Collapse Wrist.

PURPOSE: The combined treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis and scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) wrist presents unique challenges. The consequences of the loss of radial column support caused by scaphoidectomy and trapeziectomy are not well known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the simultaneous and staged treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis and SLAC wrist. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for both trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis and SLAC wrist was performed. The wrist and thumb range of motion; grip and pinch strength; pain; quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores; and radiographs were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients who underwent both trapeziectomy and 1 of 3 procedures for SLAC wrist (4-corner fusion [n = 10]), proximal row carpectomy [n = 9], and total wrist arthroplasty [n = 5]) in a single stage (n = 10) or in 2 stages (n = 14) were included. The median age was 63 years. The median follow-up period was 35 months. Twelve (50%) patients underwent complete scaphoidectomy, and 12 (50%) patients underwent partial scaphoidectomy. All 3 procedures resulted in an improvement in pain at rest, pain during activity, and quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores. The final range of motion, grip and pinch strength, and complication rates were consistent with those reported in the literature for isolated procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis and SLAC wrist may be treated either simultaneously or in stages. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

Ten-Year Institutional Experience to Predict Risk of Calvarial Bone Flap Loss Using Long-Term Outcome Data.

BACKGROUND: Calvarial bone flap (CBF) loss is a common complication following craniotomy and subsequent skull reconstruction can be challenging. Defining predictors of CBF failure not only improves patient outcomes but reduces the need for complex reconstruction often requiring plastic surgery consultation. As CBF failure can occur many years following craniotomy, this study aimed to determine risk factors of CBF loss using long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent craniotomy with CBF reinsertion between 2003 and 2013 at a tertiary academic institution. Patients were included if demographics, comorbidities, and long-term outcomes were available. Multivariable logistic regression modeled the odds of CBF failure, defined as permanent removal for bone flap-related issues. The median follow-up was 6.9 years (interquartile range: 1.8-10.8 y). RESULTS: There were 222 patients who met inclusion criteria and underwent craniotomy with CBF reinsertion, primarily for tumor resection or intracranial pressure relief. CBF failure occurred in 76 (34.2%) patients. Up to 4 CBF reinsertions were performed in both failure and nonfailure groups. The risks of CBF loss increased with each additional CBF elevation by 17-fold ( P <0.001), male sex by 3-fold ( P =0.005), and tumor etiology by 3-fold ( P =0.033) ( C -index=0.942). CONCLUSIONS: Each CBF reinsertion dramatically increases the risk of CBF loss. This finding may optimize patient selection and surgical planning. Early multidisciplinary discussions between plastic surgeons and neurosurgeons may avoid multiple CBF elevations and prevent the adverse sequela of high-risk calvarial reconstruction efforts.

Local Infiltration of Tranexamic Acid During Facelift Improves Operating Room Efficiency: A Matched Patient Study.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) has rapidly gained popularity in aesthetic surgery. Previous reports have suggested that TXA provides a dry surgical field and significantly reduces operating time during facelift surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to build upon earlier findings by providing a large cohort matched alongside historic controls and more clearly document time saved when performing facelift surgery. METHODS: A retrospective, single-surgeon case-control study was undertaken between July 2016 and October 2021. All patients underwent facelift surgery alone or in combination with fat transfer and perioral chemical peel. All patients received subcutaneous infiltration of 0.5% lidocaine/1:200,000 epinephrine with or without 1 or 2 mg/mL TXA. Patient demographics, TXA dose, surgical time, and minor and major complications were examined. RESULTS: In total 145 consecutive patients were identified: 73 in Group 1 (no-TXA) and 72 in Group 2 (TXA). No differences in terms of gender distribution (P = 0.75), age (P = 0.54), BMI (P = 0.18), frequency of secondary rhytidectomy (P = 0.08), rate of ancillary lipografting (P = 0.44), TXA dose (P = 0.238), and minor complication rate (P = 0.56) were observed. However, mean surgical time in the no-TXA group was 21 minutes longer than in the TXA group (P = 0.016). Six patients (8%) in the no-TXA group experienced minor complications vs 8 patients (11%) in the TXA group. No patients experienced major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Although previous studies have highlighted the potential benefits of TXA in aesthetic surgery, most of the data remain subjective and non-validated. This report adds to the objective body of evidence supporting TXA in facial aesthetic surgery by documenting time saved in the operating room without additional surgical morbidity.

Successful Treatment of Life-Threatening COVID-19 Infection in a Face Transplant Recipient.

ABSTRACT: Recent literature suggests that severe COVID-19 is associated with an exaggerated immune response during viral infection, resulting in cytokine storm. Although elevated plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) has been reported in severe COVID-19 infections, and treatment with anti-IL-6 (tocilizumab) has demonstrated promising outcomes both domestically and abroad, reports remain limited and therapeutic regimens vary considerably. Furthermore, research pertaining to transplant recipients, COVID-19 infection, and anti-IL-6 therapy remains underdeveloped. Herein, we report the successful treatment of the only reported facial vascularized composite allograft (VCA) recipient who contracted severe COVID-19 and the first reported VCA recipient with COVID-19 infection that received anti-IL-6 immunotherapy resulting in an excellent recovery despite his multiple preexisting and COVID-19-related comorbidities-adult respiratory distress syndrome, acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis, and concomitant sepsis due to extensive drug-resistant bacterial pneumonia upon presentation. To date, he has not demonstrated any anti-IL-6 drug-related adverse effects. This preliminary report also suggests that our immunosuppressed VCA patients can indeed demonstrate a robust cytokine response during COVID-19 infection and may also respond favorably to emerging anticytokine immune therapies. We hope that our experience proves helpful to other centers that might encounter critically ill VCA recipients in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and in the years to follow.

Prospective Study Assessing the Effect of Local Infiltration of Tranexamic Acid on Facelift Bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Rebound bleeding during facelift surgery is a major cause of facelift hematomas. Subcutaneous infiltration of tranexamic acid (TXA) combined with lidocaine and epinephrine was recently retrospectively shown to decrease rebound bleeding. No study has prospectively examined the effect of subcutaneous TXA on intraoperative and postoperative bleeding during facelift surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to prospectively demonstrate that TXA combined with local anesthesia safely reduces the effects of rebound bleeding, reduces operative time, and decreases postoperative drainage. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-surgeon, case-control study performed between July 2019 and March 2020. Thirty-nine patients (35 female and 4 male; mean age, 64.9 years; age range, 49-80 years) underwent facelift surgery alone or in combination with facial rejuvenation procedures. All patients were injected subcutaneously with 1 or 2 mg/mL TXA + 0.5% lidocaine/1:200,000 epinephrine. Patient demographics, TXA dose, time to hemostasis, drain output, and minor and major complications were recorded. RESULTS: The mean time to hemostasis was 6.4 minutes for the left and right sides each. Average postoperative day (POD) 0 drain outputs were 13.9 mL (left) and 10.1 mL (right). Average POD 1 drain outputs were 15.1 mL (left) and 15.6 mL (right). Drains were removed from all patients on POD 1 or 2. There were 2 minor complications (flap necrosis plus infection, marginal mandibular neuropraxia) and no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: TXA safely and effectively decreased bleeding, operating room time, and drain output compared with traditional local anesthetic techniques. Our future goal is to determine if epinephrine can be completely removed from the local anesthetic and replaced with TXA for facelift surgery.

Lymphaticovenous Bypass for Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction in Locoregional Advanced Melanoma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Extremity lymphedema is a dreaded complication of ilioinguinal or axillary lymphadenectomy. In conventional lymph node dissection, no effort is performed to maintain or reestablish extremity lymphatic circulation. We hypothesized that immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) could be a reproducible procedure to maintain functional lymphatic flow after ilioinguinal and axillary lymphadenectomy in patients with malignant melanoma. This is the first report describing prophylactic ILR in patients with melanoma who underwent complete lymph node dissection for gross nodal disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report a case series of 22 malignant melanoma patients who had axillary or ilioinguinal lymph node dissection for bulky locoregional invasion with immediate lymphatic reconstruction. A novel method to identify and select lymphatics with high flow using fluorescent lymphangiogram with indocyanine green dye gradient software is described. Surgical details, common difficulties, as well as indications are discussed. Instructional videos are also provided. RESULTS: Our technique is reproducible, since we have successfully completed immediate lymphatic reconstruction in 22 cases consecutively. Intradermal indocyanine green injections allowed for visualization of 1 to 3 transected lymphatics after lymphadenectomy. An average of 1.8 lymphaticovenous bypass (range 1-3) was performed per patient. CONCLUSION: Reestablishment of lymphatic circulation after ilioinguinal or axillary lymphadenectomy in patients with melanoma characterizes a novel method that may reduce the problem of upper and lower extremity iatrogenic lymphedema. This is particularly important given the emergence of new adjuvant treatment modalities that considerably improve patients' survival after lymphadenectomy.

Application of epineural sheath conduit for restoration of 6-cm long nerve defects in a sheep median nerve model.

BACKGROUND: Due to limited number of studies, we tested feasibility of autologous epineural sheath conduit (ESC) in repair of 6-cm median nerve gaps in a sheep-the large animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight ewes, 6-8 months old, 30-35 kg, were divided into three experimental groups: group 1-no defect repair (n = 4 nerves/group), group 2-autograft controls (n = 6 nerves/group), group 3-autologous ESC filled with saline (n = 6 nerves/group). ESC was constructed from a 6-cm long segment of sheep median nerve and tested for expression of laminin B, Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S-100 and CD31 using immunofluorescent staining. At 6 months after nerve repair, nerve conduction velocity and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) assessed neurosensory recovery, while histomorphometry tested nerve regeneration. RESULTS: Ex vivo characterization of ESC, before in vivo nerve gap repair, showed high laminin B expression, which supports axonal growth. At 6 months post-repair, structural integrity of ESC was preserved. ESC was well-vascularized and tissue adhesions were comparable to autograft controls. The maximal conduction velocities (29.80 ± 5.85 ms vs. 32.28 ± 6.75 ms; p = .44), action potential amplitudes (32.68 ± 17.44 mV vs. 44.14 ± 23.10 mV; p = .38) and SSEP amplitude values (6.18 ± 5.84 mV vs. 4.68 ± 2.53 mV; p = .28) were comparable between autograft and ESC groups. Presence of regenerating axons was confirmed in the distal segment of ESC at 6 months after repair. CONCLUSION: The feasibility of ESC in restoration of 6-cm long nerve defects in a sheep median nerve model was confirmed by nerve conduction assessments and correlated with axonal regeneration tested by histomorphometry. We confirmed ESC potential in support of regeneration of long nerve defects.

Long-term Outcomes of Cranioplasty: Titanium Mesh Is Not a Long-term Solution in High-risk Patients.

BACKGROUND: Titanium mesh is a popular material for cranioplasty. However, long-term outcomes of these reconstructions remain unknown. We aimed to compare long-term outcomes between patients undergoing both (1) skull reconstruction with titanium mesh and other commonly used cranioplasty materials and (2) scalp reconstructions with locoregional flaps and free tissue transfers. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients treated with 466 cranioplasties (401 patients) between 2002 and 2014 was performed. RESULTS: Materials used for reconstructions included nontitanium alloplast (52.0%), titanium mesh (38%), and autologous bone (10%). Median cranial defect size was 58.4 cm. Eighty-three reconstructions (18%) included full-thickness scalp defect with a median area of 155.4 cm. Median follow-up was 3.9 years. Retention rate for isolated cranioplasty was 90%, 89.9%, and 77.1% for titanium mesh, nontitanium alloplast, and autologous bone, respectively (P > 0.05). In composite defect cases, retention rate for autologous bone was comparable, 81.8% (P > 0.05), whereas for titanium mesh and nontitanium alloplast it was significantly lower, 46.8% and 72.0%, respectively (P < 0.05). The retention rate of titanium mesh cranioplasty with free fascio- and myocutaneous flaps was higher when compared with locoregional and free muscle flaps (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Titanium mesh offers a durable repair of isolated bone defects. However, in high-risk patients with soft-tissue defect, the outcomes are significantly worse. In these cases, free tissue transfer for soft-tissue coverage tends to be more successful, especially when using a myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous free flap. This is the first study to identify a high complication rate of this popular material, especially when it is combined with a locoregional scalp flap or free muscle flap. Therefore, in these cases, titanium mesh should be used with caution.

Quantity of Lymph Nodes in the Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer Influences Its Lymphaticovenous Drainage.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to: (1) evaluate the mechanism of lymph drainage through a vascularized lymph node (VLN) flap, and (2) investigate if the number of VLNs impacts lymph transit time through the flap. METHODS: Twenty-seven axillary VLN flaps were elevated in 14 Sprague-Dawley rats and divided into three groups (n = 9 each) based on the number of lymph nodes present: group 1 (0-VLNs), group 2 (2-VLNs), and group 3 (4-VLNs). Indocyanine green (n = 8/group) and Alexa680-albumin (n = 1/group) were injected into the edge of flaps and the latency period between injection and fluorescence in the axillary vein was recorded. Stereomicroscopic fluorescent lymphography was performed to directly visualize lymphatic transit through VLNs. RESULTS: Fluorescence was detected in the axillary vein after 229s [47-476], 79s [15-289], and 56s [16-110] in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between the number of VLNs in the flap and the latency period (r = -0.59; p < 0.05). Median flap weights were comparable in group 1, 2, and 3 (258 mg [196-349], 294 mg [212-407], 315 mg [204-386], respectively; p = 0.54). Stereoscopic lymphography allowed direct visualization of lymphatic fluid transit through VLNs. CONCLUSION: Lymphatic fluid in VLN flaps drains into the venous system mainly by passing through the afferent lymphatics and lymph nodes. A secondary mechanism appears to be the diffusion of fluid into the venous system via intratissue lymphaticovenous connections created during flap elevation. Increasing the number of lymph nodes in the flap is associated with a more rapid transit of fluid.

Intraoperative Frozen Section Histology: Matched for Musculoskeletal Infection Society Criteria.

BACKGROUND: The current gold standard to diagnose periprosthetic joint infection (PJI)-the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria, requires a battery of tests, the results of which may not be available at the time of decision-making. Thus, surgeons often rely on intraoperative frozen section histology. However, the accuracy of frozen sections has not been determined when matched for the MSIS criteria. We aimed to (1) assess the value of intraoperative histology in the diagnosis of PJI and (2) evaluate discrepancy rate between frozen and permanent section analysis. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent revision total hip or total knee arthroplasty for either PJI or mechanical failure in 2013 was conducted. Two hundred procedures where tissue samples for frozen sections had been collected were identified and included into the study. Results of frozen sections were compared to the modified MSIS criteria. Discrepancy rate between frozen and permanent sections was also calculated. RESULTS: Frozen sections had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 73.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 59.7%-87.7%), 98.8% (95% CI, 97.1%-100.0%), 94.1% (95% CI, 90.6%-97.6%), 93.3.4% (95% CI, 84.4%-100.0%), 94.0% (95% CI, 90.7%-97.3%), respectively. There were 10 discrepancies between the results of frozen and permanent sections (N = 421 samples), thereby yielding 97.6% concordance. CONCLUSION: When matched to the MSIS criteria, intraoperative frozen section histology yields a high specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, and moderate sensitivity. The discrepancy rate between frozen and permanent sections is low and both demonstrate good approximation of MSIS criteria.

Are Frozen Sections and MSIS Criteria Reliable at the Time of Reimplantation of Two-stage Revision Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Frozen section histology is widely used to aid in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection at the second stage of revision arthroplasty, although there are limited data regarding its utility. Moreover, there is no definitive method to assess control of infection at the time of reimplantation. Because failure of a two-stage revision can have serious consequences, it is important to identify the cases that might fail and defer reimplantation if necessary. Thus, a reliable test providing information about the control of infection and risk of subsequent failure is necessary. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) At second-stage reimplantation surgery, what is the diagnostic accuracy of frozen sections as compared with the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) as the gold standard? (2) What are the diagnostic accuracy parameters for the MSIS criteria and frozen sections in predicting failure of reimplantation? (3) Do positive MSIS criteria or frozen section at the time of reimplantation increase the risk of subsequent failure? METHODS: A total of 97 patients undergoing the second stage of revision total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty in 2013 for a diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) were considered eligible for the study. Of these, 11 had incomplete MSIS criteria and seven lacked 1-year followup, leaving 79 patients (38 knees and 41 hips) available for analysis. At the time of reimplantation, frozen section results were compared with modified MSIS criteria as the gold standard in detecting infection. Subsequently, success or failure of reimplantation was defined by (1) control of infection, as characterized by a healed wound without fistula, drainage, or pain; (2) no subsequent surgical intervention for infection after reimplantation surgery; and (3) no occurrence of PJI-related mortality; and diagnostic parameters in predicting treatment failure were calculated for both the modified MSIS criteria and frozen sections. RESULTS: At the time of second-stage reimplantation surgery, frozen section is useful in ruling in infection, where the specificity is 94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89%-99%); however, there is less utility in ruling out infection, because sensitivity is only 50% (CI, 13%-88%). Both the MSIS criteria and frozen sections have high specificity for ruling in failure of reimplantation (MSIS criteria specificity: 96% [CI, 91%-100%]; frozen section: 95% [CI, 88%-100%]), but screening capabilities are limited (MSIS sensitivity: 26% [CI, 9%-44%]; frozen section: 22% [CI, 9%-29%]). Positive MSIS criteria at the time of reimplantation were a risk factor for subsequent failure (hazard ratio [HR], 5.22 [1.64-16.62], p = 0.005), whereas positive frozen section was not (HR, 1.16 [0.15-8.86], p = 0.883). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our results, both frozen section and MSIS are recommended at the time of the second stage of revision arthroplasty. Both frozen section and modified MSIS criteria had limited screening capabilities to identify failure, although both demonstrated high specificity. MSIS criteria should be evaluated at the second stage of revision arthroplasty because performing reimplantation in a joint that is positive for infection significantly increases the risk for subsequent failure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

Vascularized axillary lymph node transfer: A novel model in the rat.

Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is a promising microvascular free flap technique for the surgical treatment of lymphedema. To date, few experimental animal models for VLNT have been described and the viability of lymph nodes after the transfer tested. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of axillary VLNT in the rat. Lymph node containing flaps were harvested from the axillary region in 10 Lewis rats based on the axillary vessels. Flaps were transferred to the ipsilateral groin and end-to-side microanastomosis was performed to the femoral vessels using 10-0 sutures. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography was used to confirm flap perfusion. On postoperative day 7, flaps were elevated to assess their structure and vessel patency. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to confirm the presence and survival of lymph nodes. All animals tolerated the procedure well. Immediate post-procedure ICG angiography confirmed flap perfusion. No signs of ischemia or necrosis were observed in donor extremities. At postoperative day 7, all flaps remained viable with patent vascular pedicles. Gross examination and histology confirmed the presence of 3.6 ± 0.5 lymph nodes in each flap without any signs of necrosis. This study showed that the transfer of axillary lymph nodes based on the axillary vessels is feasible. The flap can be used without the need for donor animals and it contains a consistent number of lymph nodes. This reliable VLNT can be further utilized in studies involving lymphedema, transplantation, and induction of immunologic tolerance.

Microsurgical Anatomy of the Terminal Hypoglossal Nerve Relevant for Neurostimulation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

BACKGROUND: Neurostimulation of the hypoglossal nerve has shown promising results in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. This anatomic study describes the detailed topography of the hypoglossal nerve's motor points as a premise for super-selective neurostimulation in order to optimize results and minimize the risk of complications related to main nerve trunk manipulation. METHODS: Thirty cadaveric hypoglossal nerves were dissected and characterized by number of branches, arborization pattern, and terminal branch motor point location. For each motor point, the distance to cervical midline (x axis), distance to posterior aspect of the symphysis (y axis), and depth from the plane formed by the inferior border of symphysis and anterior border of hyoid (z axis) were recorded. RESULTS: The average number of distal branches for each hypoglossal nerve was found to be 9.95 ± 2.28. The average number of branches per muscle was found to be 3.3 ± 1.5 for the hyoglossus muscle, 1.8 ± 0.9 for the geniohyoid muscle, and 5.0 ± 1.6 for the genioglossus muscle. It was found that branches to the genioglossus and geniohyoid muscles were located closer to midline (relative lengths of 0.19 ± 0.07 and 0.19 ± 0.05, respectively) while hyoglossus branches were located more laterally (0.38 ± 0.10 relative length). On the y-axis, the branches to the genioglossus were the most anterior and therefore closest to the posterior symphysis of the mandible (relative length of 0.48 ± 0.11), followed by the geniohyoid (0.66 ± 0.09), and the hyoglossus (0.76 ± 0.16). The branches to the geniohyoid were the most superficial (relative length of 0.26 ± 0.06), followed by the genioglossus (0.36 ± 0.09), and finally, the hyoglossus branches (0.47 ± 0.11), which were located deeply. CONCLUSION: A topographical map of the hypoglossal nerve terminal motor points was successfully created and could provide a framework for the optimization of the neurostimulation techniques.