Compression of the Ulnar Nerve by the Arcade of Struthers: Look and You Shall Find.

BACKGROUND: The arcade of Struthers was first proposed by Kane et al in 1973. Clinical investigations of this structure have been limited to small case series, focusing on the arcade as an isolated cause of compressive ulnar neuropathy. The purpose of our study was to investigate the incidence of this structure in patients undergoing ulnar nerve transposition. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of prospectively maintained data in a single surgeon's practice was performed. Records of patients undergoing surgery for compressive ulnar neuropathy at the cubital tunnel were evaluated for documentation of a compressive arcade of Struthers. In addition, a scoping review of the literature was undertaken to better characterize current understanding of this structure and its recognition in clinical practice. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients underwent ulnar nerve transposition. The overall incidence of a compressive arcade of Struthers was noted to be 67 out of 197 (34%). All patients with a compressive arcade were noted to have an internal brachial ligament running below the nerve. Patients undergoing revision surgery were found to have a compressive arcade 51% of the time (20/39), whereas 30% of patients undergoing primary surgery were found to have a compressive arcade (47/158). Only 12 clinical studies examining the arcade of Struthers have been published in the last 20 years, the majority being single case reports. CONCLUSIONS: Compression of the ulnar nerve by the arcade of Struthers is a common finding and can contribute to compressive ulnar neuropathy at the elbow both in primary and revision cases.

Compressive median neuropathy caused by brachial artery pseudoaneurysm.

Background: Brachial artery pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) are a rare complication of trauma and medical intervention, estimated to constitute 0.3-0.7% of all PSAs. Although neurologic symptoms are common in patients undergoing hemodialysis, direct nerve compression by large PSAs is rare. Case Description: We report a case of median nerve compression by a brachial artery PSA treated by PSA resection and distal nerve transfer of the extensor carpi radialis brevis nerve to the anterior interosseous nerve. Conclusion: This case illustrates the successful use of distal nerve transfers for the treatment of median neuropathy secondary to brachial PSA. In addition, this case highlights the importance of imaging before any exploratory nerve surgery in the setting of a mass and/or prior vascular procedure. Embarking on a nerve release/ repair surgery in the absence of a vascular surgeon would be disastrous.

Postgraduate Surgical Education in East, Central, and Southern Africa: A Needs Assessment Survey.

BACKGROUND: The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery has identified workforce development as an important component of National Surgical Plans to advance the treatment of surgical disease in low- and middle-income countries. The goal of our study is to identify priorities of surgeon educators in the region so that collaboration and intervention may be appropriately targeted. STUDY DESIGN: The American College of Surgeons Operation Giving Back, in collaboration with leaders of the College of Surgeons of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), developed a survey to assess the needs and limitations of surgical educators working under their organizational purview. COSECSA members were invited to complete an online survey to identify and prioritize factors within 5 domains: (1) Curriculum Development, (2) Faculty Development, (3) Structured Educational Content, (4) Skills and Simulation Training, and (5) Trainee Assessment and Feedback. RESULTS: One-hundred sixty-six responses were received after 3 calls for participation, representing all countries in which COSECSA operates. The majority of respondents (78%) work in tertiary referral centers. Areas of greatest perceived need were identified in the Faculty Development and Skills and Simulation domains. Although responses differed between domains, clinical responsibilities, cost, and technical support were commonly cited as barriers to development. CONCLUSIONS: This needs assessment identified educational needs and priorities of COSECSA surgeons. Our study will serve as a foundation for interventions aimed at further improving graduate surgical education and ultimately patient care in the region.

Systematic Review of Replant Salvage and Cost Utility Analysis of Inpatient Monitoring After Digit Replantation.

PURPOSE: Digit replantation is a high-stakes procedure that has been shown to be cost-effective, especially for multiple-digit replantation. However, it is associated with prolonged lengths of stay (LOS) for monitoring and attempts at salvage. The cost-effectiveness of prolonged inpatient stays presumes that this is necessary and inherent to the replantation. We hypothesized that prolonged monitoring of replanted digits, in the hope of possible salvage after primary failure, is cost-ineffective due to the low rates of vascular compromise and salvage after replantation. METHODS: Using previously published data comparing quality adjusted life years lost after traumatic digit amputation versus digit replantation, we devised a cost utility model to evaluate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of inpatient monitoring. To determine rates of vascular compromise and salvage after digit replantation, we performed a systematic review of the literature through MEDLINE and SCOPUS database searches to identify relevant articles on digital replantation since 1990. Cost-effectiveness was stratified based on the number of digits replanted. RESULTS: Fewer than 9% of replanted digits both experience vascular compromise and are successfully salvaged. Adjusting for this, inpatient monitoring for single-digit and thumb replantation becomes cost-ineffective after 1 day of admission and monitoring for multiple-digit replantation becomes cost-ineffective after 2 days of admission. CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, prolonged admissions for inpatient monitoring quickly become cost-ineffective, especially with relatively low rates of salvage. Surgeons should avoid extended hospitalizations for replant monitoring and should pursue enhanced recovery protocols for replantation, especially considering burgeoning health care costs in the United States. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic/Decision Analysis III.

Linear Modeling to Reduce Bias in Plastic Surgery Residency Selection.

BACKGROUND: Consistently selecting successful, productive applicants from an annual candidate pool is the goal of all resident selection practices. Efforts to routinely identify high-quality applicants involve scrutiny of multiple factors and formulation of an ordinal rank list. Linear modeling offers a quantified approach to applicant selection that is strongly supported by decades of psychological research. METHODS: For the 2019 residency application process, the University of Wisconsin Plastic Surgery Residency Program used linear modeling in their evaluation and ranking process. A linear model was developed using United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 and Step 2 scores, letters of recommendation, publications, and extracurricular activities as inputs. RESULTS: The applicant's total score was calculated from a maximum total score of 100. The mean and median scores were 49 and 48, respectively, and applicants were ranked according to total score. A separate rank list was maintained using our program's standard methodology for applicant ranking, which involves global intuitive scoring during the interview process. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient between the two lists was 0.532, and differences between the rank lists were used as a fulcrum for discussion before making the final rank list. CONCLUSIONS: This article presents the first known instance of the use of linear modeling to improve consistency, increase fairness, and decrease bias in the plastic surgery residency selection process. Transparent sharing of methodology may be useful to other programs seeking to optimize their own ranking methodology. Furthermore, it indicates to applicants that they are being evaluated based on fair, quantifiable criteria.

Resident Perspectives on Effective Surgical Training: Incivility, Confidence, and Mindset.

OBJECTIVE: Ample evidence exists that one's internal state (e.g., mindset, emotion) impacts one's performance. Both the military and sports organizations have focused on optimizing internal states of their service members and athletes, respectively, to improve performance and wellbeing. The internal states of surgical residents and the factors that influence their internal states have not yet been examined. Our goal is to better understand whether certain internal states are beneficial for resident operative performance, and how to optimize these during surgical training. DESIGN: A 17-question survey, containing both open-ended and multiple-choice questions, was distributed to all (n = 134) surgical residents at the University of Wisconsin. In open-ended questions, recurring themes were identified utilizing content analysis. Recurring themes stated by 25% or more of the respondents are reported. SETTING: Department of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. PARTICIPANTS: Surgical residents at the University of Wisconsin. RESULTS: The survey response rate varied between n = 47 (35%) and n = 32 (24%), as not all respondents answered all questions. (1) Effective surgical educators were identified to demonstrate humanism and focus on teaching. (2) Nearly all residents affirmed that certain mindsets help them excel in the OR, including positive and confident mindsets. (3) Nearly all residents affirmed that faculty and senior residents influence their mindsets. (4) Constructive resident mindsets were promoted by positive faculty behaviors and personal preparation, while negative faculty behaviors were identified to stifle constructive mindsets. (5) Factors contributing to favorable OR performance included personal preparation and positive OR environments. (6) Factors contributing to poor OR performance included inadequate preparation and negative interactions with faculty. CONCLUSIONS: Residents near unanimously believe that certain mindsets help them excel, and that faculty impact their mindsets. As teachers, we must strive to better understand how to foster constructive mindsets in residents to optimize learning, performance, and wellbeing.

Functional penile replantation after traumatic avulsion amputation below the pubis: A case report.

Penile amputation is a rare injury with significant posttraumatic ramifications. We present a case of successful immediate replantation after traumatic penile avulsion in a 52-year-old male patient. The patient reported his penis was caught in machinery during a boating accident, and avulsed at the level of the pubis. Immediate replantation of this proximal avulsion injury with no suitable proximal arterial stumps required transfer of the superficial inferior epigastric artery for arterial inflow. One artery and two veins were repaired. The urethral injury was found to be immediately distal to the urethral sphincter in the membranous portion, and repaired primarily. Urinary diversion was performed with a suprapubic catheter until the repair had healed. The postoperative course was complicated by less than 10% skin necrosis requiring skin grafting. At three years follow up, the patient has a penis with normal urinary function and is able to obtain erections with pharmacologic aids. Avulsion should not preclude penile replantation, which may have acceptable functional and esthetic results.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation in the Hand: Treatment and Prevention of Pain After Ray Amputation.

Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR), originally developed as an experimental technique for prosthetic control, has been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment and prevention of postamputation pain. Targeted muscle reinnervation involves coaptation of residual nerve ends to nearby motor nerve branches of healthy but expendable muscles proximal to an amputation. It has been shown to prevent and reduce residual limb pain and phantom limb pain after major upper and lower extremity amputation. However, the use of this technique has not been described distal to the forearm because bioprosthetic use is not a consideration at that level. The aim of this article was to (1) present 2 cases of TMR performed in the setting of ray amputation, and (2) provide technical strategies for maximizing success and efficiency.

A breast prosthesis infection update: Two-year incidence, risk factors and management at single institution.

BACKGROUND: Infection following augmentation and prosthetic-based breast reconstruction can cause significant physical and psychological distress for patients. It may delay adjuvant therapies and compromise aesthetic outcomes. The aim of this study is to identify modifiable risk factors for infection and identify common bacterial isolates to achieve optimal outcomes for patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed for patients undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction over a 2-year period. In each case, we documented demographics, co-morbidities, complications and antibiotic use. We reviewed treatments, infectious species cultured where applicable and all outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 292 patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-five patients (19%) developed an infection. Univariate analysis showed a significantly increased infection rate with longer operative times (P = 0.001) and use of tissue expanders (P = 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed drain use and elevated body mass index (BMI) as risk factors (odds ratio [OR] 2.427 and 1.061, respectively). After controlling for BMI, smoking status and radiation, we found an increased odd of infection with allograft use (OR 1.838) and a decreased odd with skin preparation using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl (OR 0.554), though not statistically significant. Forty of 55 patients with infections had cultures, with 62.5% of isolates being Gram-positive species and 30% Gram-negative species. The median time to clinical infection was 25 days. Implant salvage with surgical interventions was achieved in 61.5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified judicious use of drains and efficiency in the operating room as modifiable risk factors for infections following implant-based breast reconstruction. Prospective trials to analyse techniques for infection prevention are warranted. Implant salvage following infection is a possible end-point in the appropriate patient.

Ischemic Hand Complications From Intra-Arterial Injection of Sublingual Buprenorphine/Naloxone Among Patients With Opioid Dependency.

BACKGROUND: Sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone, a common treatment for opioid dependence, is frequently abused by intravenous injection. Inadvertent intra-arterial injection of buprenorphine/naloxone can produce acute ischemic insult to the hand due to gelatin embolism. Our purpose was to review a series of these patients in order to describe the clinical entity, review the outcomes, and propose a rational treatment algorithm. METHODS: Clinical records of all patients evaluated by the hand surgery team between 2011 and 2015 for ischemia of the hand after buprenorphine/naloxone injection were reviewed. Treatment, complications, and amount of tissue loss were recorded. Patients presenting within 48 hours of the injection were treated with intravenous heparin for 5 days, followed by oral aspirin and clopidogrel for 30 days. Those presenting after 48 hours were treated with aspirin and clopidogrel only. RESULTS: Ten patients presented during the review period. Average follow-up time was 13 weeks. Eight had ischemia of the radial side of the hand, 1 of the ulnar side, and 1 had bilateral ischemia. Three patients were treated with intravenous heparin and 5 with oral agents. Two presented with dry gangrene and did not receive anticoagulation. All patients experienced tissue loss. There was no difference in outcome regardless of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: With the increasing use of sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone in opioid dependency, ischemic hand injuries will be seen with greater frequency. Whereas outcomes did not vary with treatment modality in this series, further study is needed to determine the most effective treatment of these injuries.