Open Neck Lift: Surgical Technique and A Clinical Classification for Cervical Rejuvenation.

Careful evaluation of the neck and its relationship to the lower third of the face is fundamental to provide appropriate recommendations for procedures. The authors propose a modified Baker "clinical" classification as a more reliable and reproducible evaluative basis for the treatment of the aging neck. A total of 450 patients underwent procedures for cervical rejuvenation between December 2012 and December 2022 by the senior author. These included 9 cases of neck liposuction, 6 isolated neck lifts, 15 minimal access cranial suspension face lifts, 94 face lifts with open neck lifts, and 326 extended R-face and neck lifts. The male-to-female ratio was 1:20. The mean patient age was 59.1 years and the mean follow-up was 14 months (range 11.5-20 months). From the data, a modified Baker clinical classification for the aging neck was formulated along with recommendations for possible solutions. Ninety-four percent of the patients expressed high satisfaction on the Owsley Facelift Satisfaction Survey at 1-year follow-up. The complication rate was 1.78% (8 patients), including 1 hematoma, 1 skin edge necrosis (1 cm), 1 slow healing site (postauricular), 3 limited postauricular/earlobe scar revisions, and 2 mild contour irregularities. Cervical rejuvenation can be achieved by a spectrum of interventions and approaches. A comprehensive preoperative assessment and a clinical neck lift classification are the keys to selecting the correct surgical technique for achieving reliable and consistent results. The authors propose a pragmatic approach for both isolated and integrated neck lift procedures with excellent aesthetic outcomes and minimal complications.

Management of paediatric fifth metacarpal neck fractures: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Fifth metacarpal neck fractures (FMCNFs) are common among paediatric patients. Complications include reduced metacarpophalangeal (MCP) range of motion and grip strength, which impede the hand's functional abilities. Various management options are available, but indications are not standardised. This systematic review aims to assimilate all available evidence on the management of paediatric FMCNFs to determine appropriate treatment pathways. METHODS: PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, Scopus and Google Scholar were used to identify evidence pertaining to the management of these fractures. RESULTS: Ten studies were identified, involving 237 patients with a mean age of 14.4 years (Range 9-17). Ninety percent of patients were male. Sixty-one (26%) patients, with an average fracture angulation of 27° (Range 16°-33°) and no rotational deformities, were managed with immobilisation alone. These patients returned to normal metacarpophalangeal range of motion and grip strength. Fifty-four (23%) patients, with an average fracture angulation of 42.7° (Range 33°-54°), were managed with fracture reduction and immobilisation. This technique did not yield sustained reduction of fractures with significant angulation or rotation after intervention. One hundred twenty-two (51%) patients, with an average fracture angulation of 48.3° (Range 30°-58°) and including cases of malrotation, were managed with fracture reduction and surgical fixation. These patients experienced good functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests paediatric FMCNFs can be safely managed with immobilisation alone when there is an absence of rotational deformity and an angulation of < 30°. In the case of a higher fracture angulation or rotational deformity, fracture reduction and surgical fixation is an appropriate method of management.

Inoperable malignant bowel obstruction: palliative interventions outcomes - mixed-methods systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Parenteral nutrition (PN) and palliative venting gastrostomies (PVG) are two interventions used clinically to manage inoperable malignant bowel obstruction (MBO); however, little is known about their role in clinical and quality-of-life outcomes to inform clinical decision making. AIM: To examine the impact of PN and PVG on clinical and quality-of-life outcomes in inoperable MBO. DESIGN: A mixed-methods systematic review and narrative synthesis. DATA SOURCES: The following databases were searched (from inception to 29 April 2021): MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, CINAHL, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, Health Technology Assessment and CareSearch for qualitative or quantitative studies of MBO, and PN or PVG. Titles, abstracts and papers were independently screened and quality appraised. RESULTS: A total of 47 studies representing 3538 participants were included. Current evidence cannot tell us whether these interventions improve MBO survival, but this was a firm belief by patients and clinicians informing their decision. Both interventions appear to allow patients valuable time at home. PVG provides relief from nausea and vomiting. Both interventions improve quality of life but not without significant burdens. Nutritional and performance status may be maintained or improved with PN. CONCLUSION: PN and PVG seem to allow valuable time at home. We found no conclusive evidence to show either intervention prolonged survival, due to the lack of randomised controlled trials that have to date not been performed due to concerns about equipoise. Well-designed studies regarding survival for both interventions are needed. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020164170.

Carbon Neutral Hand Surgery: Simple Changes to Reduce Carbon Footprint.

Introduction: Rapid climate change poses a major challenge to healthcare. The operating room is especially responsible for carbon emission, with 20% to 70% of hospital waste traced back to the operating room. This literature review aims to suggest changes that can be made in hand surgery for a more sustainable practice. Methods: A literature search was conducted from PubMed, Medline, and other online search engines with the keywords "carbon footprint, environmental health, carbon neutral, plastic surgery, hand surgery, surgery." Results: "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Research, Rethink and Culture" was the framework used to recommend a more carbon neutral practice. In reduction, techniques such as cutting down oversupply of materials, adopting protocols to perform cases in ambulatory settings, and simple measures to reduce energy were identified as valuable methods. Modified sterilization techniques and reprocessing single-use devices were techniques identified for reuse and recycling involved single-stream recycling, staff training, and donation of basic surgical supplies. Research involved adopting data-driven programs for life cycle assessment of all equipment in the operating room, while the use of telemedicine and "green meetings' were suggested for rethinking. Finally, strategies to encourage a team approach to environmental responsibility were discussed. Conclusion: Carbon neutral practice must be implemented to safeguard sustainable and cost-effective operating rooms and healthcare systems. Hand surgery can pave the way for other specialties through the use of available resources to develop guidelines for carbon neutral practice. This requires active effort from hand surgeons to act as role models for other healthcare professionals.

Introduction : Les changements climatiques rapides constituent un défi majeur pour les soins de santé. La salle d'opération est particulièrement responsable de l'émission de carbone avec 20% à 70% des déchets hospitaliers rapportés aux salles d'opération. Cette revue de la littérature vise à suggérer les changements qui peuvent être apportés dans la chirurgie de la main pour une pratique plus durable. Méthodes : Une recherche bibliographique a été menée dans les bases de données PubMed, Medline et autres moteurs de recherche en ligne avec les mots-clés suivants : empreinte carbone, santé environnementale, carbone neutre, chirurgie plastique, chirurgie de la main et chirurgie. Résultats : « Réduire, Réutiliser, Recycler, Rechercher, Repenser et Culture ¼ a été le cadre utiliser pour recommander une pratique plus neutre en matière de carbone. Sous « réduction ¼, des techniques telles que des coupures dans l'excès d'approvisionnement en matériaux, l'adoption de protocoles permettant de traiter des cas en ambulatoire et des mesures simples pour réduire la consommation d'énergie sont des méthodes qui ont été jugées utiles. Des techniques de stérilisation modifiées et de retraitement de dispositifs à usage unique sont des techniques identifiées pour la réutilisation; le recyclage a impliqué une collecte en vrac, la formation du personnel et le don de fournitures chirurgicales de base. La recherche a nécessité d'adopter des programmes pilotés sur des données pour l'évaluation du cycle de vie de tout équipement de la salle de l'opération pendant que le recours à la télémédecine et aux réunions respectueuses de l'environnement était suggéré pour le thème « repenser ¼. Enfin, des stratégies visant à encourager une approche d'équipe envers la responsabilité environnementale ont été discutées. Conclusion : Une pratique carbone neutre doit être mise en œuvre pour protéger les salles d'opération durables et rentables ainsi que les systèmes de soins de santé. La chirurgie de la main peut ouvrir la voie à d'autres spécialités par l'utilisation des ressources disponibles afin d'élaborer des lignes directrices pour l'empreinte carbone de la pratique. Cela nécessite un effort de la part des chirurgiens de la main pour devenir des exemples pour les autres professionnels de santé.

Outcomes of Composite Grafts for Pediatric Fingertip Amputations: A Systematic Review.

Introduction The aim of this study was to explore the outcomes of composite grafts in fingertip amputations in children as well as the contributing factors that may affect outcomes. Methods Literature search was conducted across six databases in March 2022 to select studies on the use of composite grafts on fingertip amputations in the pediatric population. Results Twelve articles with 735 composite grafts were identified for review. Most fingertip injuries occurred in the less than 5-year age group and were due to crush type injuries. In studies that reported "complete" graft take as a separate outcome measure, 17.3% of fingertips with this result were observed. In the studies that reported "complete" and "partial" graft take together as an outcome measure, 81.6% of fingertips achieved this outcome. A lower proportion of failed graft take was observed in more distal fingertip amputations. Infection (3.8%) and nail abnormalities (3.4%) were the most common complications following composite grafting. Conclusion Composite grafting can be considered as a useful method of treatment in this population. Clinicians should be aware of the potential complications following this method of treatment such as infection and nail abnormalities. More proximal fingertip amputations may warrant other surgical interventions (beyond Level II on the modified Ishikawa/Ishikawa classification). Significant heterogeneity was observed within the studies, mainly due to lack of standardization in assessment and reporting of outcomes.

Efficacy of mTOR inhibitors (sirolimus) in isolated limb overgrowth: a systematic review.

We systematically assessed the literature on the use of sirolimus for the treatment of isolated limb overgrowth conditions and its various modalities of administration in PubMed, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, references of journals and grey literature using pre-trialled Medical Subject Headings terms and articles. Eleven articles were included, and 39 patients were identified for review. Sirolimus was given orally in 38 patients and topically in one patient. Sirolimus was found to be highly effective in treatment of isolated limb overgrowth conditions with improvement of symptoms (physical, emotional, social) reported in all but one patient. Dosage and adverse effects seemed to be closely correlated. The result of our study suggests that sirolimus should be considered as an adjuvant or first-line management in isolated limb overgrowth in prospective trials.

Systematic Review of Medpor Versus Autologous Ear Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: Ear reconstruction is 1 of the most technically challenging sub-specialties of craniofacial and reconstructive plastic surgery. The reconstructive ear must not only fulfil the requirement of being aesthetically pleasing but must also have good vascularity with a low complication rate. Several ear reconstructive techniques have been developed such as the autologous ear reconstruction technique using costal cartilage and ear reconstruction with high-density porous polyethylene or Medpor (Porex Surgical, Inc, College Park, GA). Autologous ear reconstructive techniques have advantages of durability and low infection rates however are associated with poorer aesthetic outcomes such as poor projection of the ear. Medpor has advantages of a more consistent three-dimensional definition without the need to harvest costochondral cartilage and create a donor site. However, due to its alloplastic material properties, Medpor has historically been reported as having a higher rate of extrusion and infection. This is the first systematic review to compare the outcomes of both techniques. The 6 studies that were reviewed were analyzed against 3 evaluative criteria: aesthetic outcome, complication rate, and convenience of intervention. This is so a comprehensive, evidence-based decision can be made by the surgeon and patient when ear reconstruction is required. The results showed heterogeneity in data and a lack of detailed descriptions of the assessment for aesthetic outcomes and convenience, hence were inconclusive. The results however showed that there were more complications with Medpor framework with 15% of total cases resulting in either extrusion or infection compared to 2% of autologous ear reconstruction framework.

Femoral artery aneurysms.

True aneurysms are dilatations of blood vessels, bounded by the tunica intima, tunica media and tunica adventitia. False aneurysms are dilatations bounded by the tunica adventitia only, and are more common than true aneurysms. The femoral artery is the second most common location for true peripheral artery aneurysms, and the most common site of false aneurysms. If left untreated, devastating complications can occur, such as infection, rupture, ischaemia and limb loss. Femoral artery aneurysms should be identified early and managed by a vascular specialist. This article outlines the evidence for the epidemiology, investigation and management of femoral artery aneurysms.

Augmented reality technology in image-guided therapy: State-of-the-art review.

Image-guided therapies have been on the rise in recent years as they can achieve higher accuracy and are less invasive than traditional methods. By combining augmented reality technology with image-guided therapy, more organs, and tissues can be observed by surgeons to improve surgical accuracy. In this review, 233 publications (dated from 2015 to 2020) on the design and application of augmented reality-based systems for image-guided therapy, including both research prototypes and commercial products, were considered for review. Based on their functions and applications. Sixteen studies were selected. The engineering specifications and applications were analyzed and summarized for each study. Finally, future directions and existing challenges in the field were summarized and discussed.