Heterotopic Vascularized Joint Transfer in Mutilating Hand Injuries.

BACKGROUND: In cases of mutilating hand injuries, the primary goal is recovery of prehensile function. This is particularly true in the case of joints, which are extremely difficult to replace or reconstruct adequately when damaged. Heterotopic vascularized joint transfer is indicated when salvageable joints are available for transfer to a more functionally optimal position on the hand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven cases of mutilating hand injuries treated with heterotopic vascularized joint transfers from 2003 to 2012 were retrospectively identified. All patients sustained severe metacarpophalangeal joint (MPJ) or proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) damage that threatened recovery of optimal hand function. All patients were men, with an average age of 34.7 years. Operative, perioperative, and postoperative details including final active range of motion were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Seven joints were taken from nonsalvageable amputated digits: 4 from the amputated parts, and 3 from the proximal stumps. Five joints were transferred as free flaps requiring microvascular anastomosis, and 2 were transferred on neurovascular pedicles. One joint was lost due to vasospasm. Average active range of motion was 68.3° for homojoint transfers (MPJ to MPJ, PIPJ to PIPJ), and 35° for heterojoint transfers. All but 1 patient were able to achieve tripod pinch; the remaining patient achieved only side-to-side pinch. CONCLUSIONS: Heterotopic vascularized joint transfer is a useful technique to consider in cases of mutilating hand injuries. Improved recovery of prehensile function can be achieved with thoughtful design and execution, followed by proper patient education and rehabilitation.

Surgical Vision: Google Glass and Surgery.

Google Glass is, in essence, a smartphone in the form of a pair of spectacles. It has a display system, a bone conduction "speaker," video camera, and connectivity via WiFi or Bluetooth technologies. It can also be controlled by voice command. Seizing Google Glass' capabilities as windows of opportunity, surgeons have been the first group of doctors trying to incorporate the technology into their daily practices. Experiences from different groups have demonstrated Google Glass' potential in improving perioperative care, intraoperative communication and documentation, surgical outcome as well as surgical training. On the other hand, the device has technical limitations, notably suboptimal image qualities and a short battery life. Its operational functions also bring forth concerns on the protection of patient privacy. Nonetheless, the technological advances that this device embodies hold promises in surgical innovations. Further studies are required, and surgeons should explore, investigate, and embrace similar technologies with keen and informed anticipation.

Pediatric Orbital Depth and Growth: A Radiographic Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Orbital reconstruction requires knowledge of orbital depth in order to prevent optic nerve injury. Numerous analyses of adult orbital dimensions have been undertaken previously in order to characterize this measurement, including skull specimen and computerized tomography studies. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the pediatric orbit. METHODS: The authors used pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in order to quantify the change in orbital depth in relationship to patient age, and to develop methods to estimate and calculate orbital depth for individual pediatric patients. MRIs of the head in normal pediatric patients were reviewed retrospectively. Orbital depths were measured and correlated with age and cephalometric dimensions. In a randomly selected subgroup of patients, measurements were repeated by an independent investigator to determine interobserver reliability. RESULTS: Measurements were obtained in 72 patients ranging from 3 months to 18 years of age (mean=7.8 years). There was a significant exponential relationship between orbital depth and patient age (r=0.81, F(2,69)=143.97, P<0.001). Depth increased more rapidly in the first 6 years of life, but leveled off in the early teen years toward a horizontal asymptote of approximately 45 mm. There was also a significant relationship between orbital depth and the sum of the biparietal width plus the anterior-posterior length (r=0.72, F(2,69)=87.44, P<0.0001). There was high interobserver reliability in measurements between 2 independent investigators (r=0.79, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: In children, orbital depth increases predictably with rising age and increasing head size. Knowledge of this growth curve and the relationship between head size and orbital depth can complement careful surgical dissection to improve safety and efficacy in pediatric orbital reconstructions.

Quantitative facial asymmetry: using three-dimensional photogrammetry to measure baseline facial surface symmetry.

BACKGROUND: Although symmetry is hailed as a fundamental goal of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, our tools for measuring this outcome have been limited and subjective. With the advent of three-dimensional photogrammetry, surface geometry can be captured, manipulated, and measured quantitatively. Until now, few normative data existed with regard to facial surface symmetry. Here, we present a method for reproducibly calculating overall facial symmetry and present normative data on 100 subjects. METHODS: We enrolled 100 volunteers who underwent three-dimensional photogrammetry of their faces in repose. We collected demographic data on age, sex, and race and subjectively scored facial symmetry. We calculated the root mean square deviation (RMSD) between the native and reflected faces, reflecting about a plane of maximum symmetry. We analyzed the interobserver reliability of the subjective assessment of facial asymmetry and the quantitative measurements and compared the subjective and objective values. We also classified areas of greatest asymmetry as localized to the upper, middle, or lower facial thirds. This cluster of normative data was compared with a group of patients with subtle but increasing amounts of facial asymmetry. RESULTS: We imaged 100 subjects by three-dimensional photogrammetry. There was a poor interobserver correlation between subjective assessments of asymmetry (r = 0.56). There was a high interobserver reliability for quantitative measurements of facial symmetry RMSD calculations (r = 0.91-0.95). The mean RMSD for this normative population was found to be 0.80 ± 0.24 mm. Areas of greatest asymmetry were distributed as follows: 10% upper facial third, 49% central facial third, and 41% lower facial third. Precise measurement permitted discrimination of subtle facial asymmetry within this normative group and distinguished norms from patients with subtle facial asymmetry, with placement of RMSDs along an asymmetry ruler. CONCLUSIONS: Facial surface symmetry, which is poorly assessed subjectively, can be easily and reproducibly measured using three-dimensional photogrammetry. The RMSD for facial asymmetry of healthy volunteers clusters at approximately 0.80 ± 0.24 mm. Patients with facial asymmetry due to a pathologic process can be differentiated from normative facial asymmetry based on their RMSDs.

A clinicopathological study of non-functioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumours using the World Health Organization 2022 classification.

Background: The 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of pituitary neuroendocrine tumour (PitNET) supersedes the previous one in 2017 and further consolidates the role of transcription factors (TF) in the diagnosis of PitNET. Here, we investigated the clinical utility of the 2022 WHO classification, as compared to that of 2017, in a cohort of patients with non-functioning PitNET (NF-PitNET). Methods: A total of 113 NF-PitNET patients who underwent resection between 2010 and 2021, and had follow-up at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, were recruited. Surgical specimens were re-stained for the three TF: steroidogenic factor (SF-1), T-box family member TBX19 (TPIT) and POU class 1 homeobox 1 (Pit-1). The associations of different NF-PitNET subtypes with tumour-related outcomes were evaluated by logistic and Cox regression analyses. Results: Based on the 2022 WHO classification, the majority of NF-PitNET was SF-1-lineage tumours (58.4%), followed by TPIT-lineage tumours (18.6%), tumours with no distinct lineage (16.8%) and Pit-1-lineage tumours (6.2%). Despite fewer entities than the 2017 classification, significant differences in disease-free survival were present amongst these four subtypes (Log-rank test p=0.003), specifically between SF-1-lineage PitNET and PitNET without distinct lineage (Log-rank test p<0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, the subtype of PitNET without distinct lineage (HR 3.02, 95% CI 1.28-7.16, p=0.012), together with tumour volume (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07, p=0.017), were independent predictors of a composite of residual or recurrent disease. Conclusion: The 2022 WHO classification of PitNET is a clinically useful TF and lineage-based system for subtyping NF-PitNET with different tumour behaviour and prognosis.

The pedicled reverse-flow lateral arm flap for coverage of complex traumatic elbow injuries.

PURPOSE: The pedicled reverse-flow lateral arm flap has been described primarily for the reconstruction of nontraumatic elbow wounds. We describe our experience using this flap in staged operations for soft tissue coverage after elbow trauma, including acute coverage of open fractures and salvage of infected hardware. METHODS: Review of patients who underwent staged pedicled reverse-flow lateral arm flap transfer for coverage of traumatic elbow defects. RESULTS: Three patients were identified; all underwent 2-stage repair with flap delay for coverage of traumatic elbow injuries. Each patient had stable wound coverage with this flap. The only complication was 5% distal flap necrosis in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: The pedicled reverse-flow lateral arm flap provides reliable soft tissue coverage of traumatic elbow defects with minimal donor-site morbidity.

Cushing's syndrome caused by ACTH precursors secreted from a pancreatic yolk sac tumor in an adult-a case report and literature review.

Here, we report the first adult case of pancreatic yolk sac tumor with ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome. The patient was a 27-year-old woman presenting with abdominal distension, Cushingoid features, and hyperpigmentation. Endogenous Cushing's syndrome was biochemically confirmed. The ACTH level was in the normal range, which raised the suspicion of ACTH precursor-dependent disease. Elevated ACTH precursors were detected, supporting the diagnosis of ectopic ACTH syndrome. Functional imaging followed by tissue sampling revealed a pancreatic yolk sac tumor. The final diagnosis was Cushing's syndrome due to a yolk sac tumor. The patient received a steroidogenesis inhibitor and subsequent bilateral adrenalectomy for control of hypercortisolism. Her yolk sac tumor was treated with chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Cushing's syndrome secondary to a yolk sac tumor is extremely rare. This case illustrated the utility of ACTH precursor measurement in confirming an ACTH-related pathology and distinguishing an ectopic from a pituitary source for Cushing's syndrome.

Case Report: Insulinoma Co-Existing With Type 2 Diabetes - Advantages and Challenges of Treatment With Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation.

The coexistence of insulinoma and type 2 diabetes is rare and the diagnostic process is often challenging. Continuous glucose monitoring system devices, which are more readily available nowadays, provide a useful tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of treatment response. Curative surgery is often the mainstay of treatment for insulinoma. Here, we report a Chinese patient with insulinoma diagnosed simultaneously with type 2 diabetes. His insulinoma was managed with endoscopic ultrasound guided-radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) and the patient achieved complete resolution of hypoglycaemic episodes. The case illustrates that while EUS-RFA is an emerging non-invasive treatment modality for pancreatic lesions, limitations exist especially when histological confirmation is essential.

Fingertip injuries.

The fingertip is a complex anatomic unit highly specialized in function and particularly prone to injury. Its complex design and the difficulty of secondary repairs demand great care in initial evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for optimal long-term outcome. The goals of treatment should be to preserve length, maintain sensation, mobilize early, return function expediently, and be mindful of cosmesis.

Finesse in forehead and brow rejuvenation: modern concepts, including endoscopic methods.

BACKGROUND: The brow and forehead are essential elements of the facial aesthetic architecture. Although frequently overlooked in youth, signs of facial aging are often most noticeable in the upper third of the face. Ptosis and loss of contour in the brows, along with temporal volume loss, sagging of periorbital tissue, and rhytides in the forehead, are common presenting complaints for aesthetic surgery. Although use of nonsurgical procedures (e.g., neuromodulators) has become very common practice, knowledge of surgical anatomy and interventions for brow and forehead rejuvenation are critical for a plastic surgeon. The earliest descriptions of brow-lift procedures are nearly a century old. Techniques have evolved significantly, to the point that patients may now return to work within 1 week of surgery, with minimal or no stigmata from an operation. METHODS: The literature and a series of cases from the senior surgeon (P.K.S.) were reviewed. RESULTS: A minimally invasive approach with an endoscope for dissection and repositioning of the brow was used in all patients. The authors have found that permanent suture fixation with cortical tunnels can produce an excellent, long-lasting aesthetic result for not only the forehead and brow but also the lateral periorbital and temporal regions. CONCLUSIONS: Although each operation is tailored to the patient's individual anatomy, the authors' approach to the endoscopic procedure is described in this article, along with a review of anatomical and surgical considerations. Finally, several patients provide demonstrative results from the senior surgeon's series of 546 patients.

The role of p55CDC in cell cycle control and mammalian cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.

The p55CDC (cell division cycle) protein is a key regulator of the cell cycle. p55CDC is related to both the CDC20 and the CDH1 proteins in yeast. p55CDC has been shown to activate the ubiquitin ligase anaphase promoting complex (APC), which is involved in degradation of proteins that control mitosis. To define the role of p55CDC during the mammalian cell cycle, we overexpressed this protein in the murine myeloid cell line 32Dcl3. 32Dcl3 cells are an ideal model system because these cells can be induced to proliferate, differentiate, or activate cellular programs leading to apoptosis. Our work suggests that p55CDC participates in cell growth, maturation, and death. Thus, p55CDC may play a more diverse role in modulating cellular functions in addition to controlling the cell cycle.

The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor and adeno-associated virus mediated brain derived neurotrophic factor on neurogenic and vasculogenic erectile dysfunction induced by hyperlipidemia.

PURPOSE: We examined neurogenic and vasculogenic erectile dysfunction associated with hypercholesterolemia and evaluated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for potential treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21, 2-month-old male rats were fed a 2% cholesterol diet and another seven were fed a normal diet. Two months later serum cholesterol levels were measured and test agents were given intracavernously. Those on normal diet (controls) received phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Those on cholesterol diet were randomly divided into 3 groups receiving PBS, VEGF (4 microg.) or AAV-BDNF (10 viral particles). Four months later erectile function was evaluated and cavernous tissues were collected for erectile dysfunction and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Serum cholesterol levels were higher in rats fed the high fat diet than in controls. Intracavernous pressure was lower in cholesterol plus PBS treated rats than in rats of the other 3 groups. All hypercholesterolemic rats had less nerve content, fewer endothelial cells and higher smooth muscle content than rats with normal cholesterol levels. In cholesterol plus PBS treated rats electron microscopy showed hypermyelination and severe atrophy of axons, a remarkable decrease in the number and size of nonmyelinated axons, disarray of the smooth muscle cells with scant myofilaments and foamy cytoplasm, and denuded endothelial lining of the sinusoids covered by numerous platelets. VEGF and AAV-BDNF appeared to alleviate partially these changes. CONCLUSIONS: A high fat diet caused erectile dysfunction with accompanying neurological and vascular changes. VEGF and AAV-BDNF seemed to alleviate these problems.